[26.2]

Do you like this book and/or find it helpful in designing a training plan? Would you recommend it?<br><br>
I'm running a spring marathon, have 3 tri's this summer, my "A" race will be a HIM in August and I'm pondering a fall marathon. In the past I've only started my weight training and cycling training <i>after</i> my spring marathon (April). But considering cycling is my weak sport (by a lot) I'd like to start up now. I just need a little direction I guess. I've used "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" for plans in the past but now I'm looking for something a little more customized.<br><br>
Thanks! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[bcc594]

The Friel book is really quite good. I got it about a year ago, and love it. I don't think that it has huge amounts of specific plans, but it does a great job of telling you how to build your own. On the whole, it's a worthy buy.<br><br>
Bradley

 

[VictorN]

If you are only going to buy one tri book, then that is the book to buy. If you are really focused on HIM distance races, then you might want to pick up Perfect Distance. I used that book last summer to great success.<br><br>
Victor

 

[Yo Sake]

To be quite honest, that book is way too complicated to me. Well, putting a training plan on your own requires a quite bit of knowledge, so maybe it has to have lots of info. I bought it a few years ago when I was just starting tri races. I still haven't read the whole thing, though I do pick some ideas about worktous and how to put all three together here and there.

 

[Stu373]

I think its worth the money. The main thing I got out of it was how to structure my yearly plan. Periodization principles etc... It won't give you the training plan but it will show you how to create and custumize your own.<br><br>
Good Luck with your races!<br><br>
Stu

 

[3chilipeppers]

I just got it for Christmas, but I haven't cracked it yet. I'm looking forward to it! I use online training programs, but I'm like more specific info on training and such, which I think the book has.

 

[jroden]

It really helps to understand "why" you do something today, this week, this month--that book can give you a decent understanding of the why if you don't try to just jump to the programs. Following a program without at least a workmanlike understanding can get a person in trouble over time. In truth, there are not that many dimensions of training a triathlete needs to understand as there are no real top end or explosive efforts required. Putting the workouts into the structure is the tricky part.

 

[Yo Mikey]

I agree with Mr. Jroden, it's a great reference and resource. I'm still a newbie at the tri game and for me I always go back to this to see why particular type of workout is important, or why it applies to the overall training scheme. I've used "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" for 2 IM and 1 HIM. I figured I'd stick with a thought out plan from a great coach before I do damage to myself trying to counjour one up from scratch. Even now having dog-eared that book, I don't think I could write an effective plan that would both get me to the starting line healthy, and at peak condition.<br><br>
Mikey <img alt="surprised.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/surprised.gif">

 

[bcc594]

I'll second Victor's recommendation of "Perfect Distance". Even if you're not doing HIM races, he has a whole bunch of good stuff about technique and training theory. I love the stretching program he included, and find the workouts easy to follow and understand. It's a very worthwhile purchase.

 

[Doug33]

I have just started my 2nd season of using the "bible" for my 2nd HIM. I customized the generic plan for my wants and desires and finished GCT with energy to spare. The book is a good, but complicated, read. I would definitely recommend it be a part of every triathlete's library.

 

[Boyerdavea]

I am in the middle of reading it now. So far it makes a lot of sense on the whys of training. Of course take this with a grain of salt from me. I haven't done but one sprint tri and that was three years ago. Training now for another one in March.