Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the Ultimate Endurance Event

This book is full of amazing stories of first timers tackling this incredible race. I'm a grandma of 5 and also, I'm a 2 time IronMan, first time at 55 y/o, second time at 61 y/o. In between this two IronMan races, I had my share of heartaches but also the determination to get up and try again. The road to completing an IronMan Triathlon is hard, painful at times but the reward of crossing the finish line is an amazing one. It's not easy but totally doable.

Great read. Enjoy reading about other people’s race experiences. Very inspirational.

This is an amazing book with really great stories of people's journey to train for a full Ironman triathlon. I have read & enjoyed the book, now I'm sharing with friend who's starting his own training for his first full IM.

bought this for my husband, and he said it was really great. he's training for a Half Ironman this year, and he said it had some good stories in it.

Proabably a good book to read prior to ever doing triathlon (especially a long course) as it gives some interesting insights into the trials and tribulations of entering the sport and the physical and/or mental impact it can have. Appreciated the fact that there was age groupers and people who didn't finish before the time cut off included in the stories

This is collection of great stories that range from elite pros to back of the packer age groupers. There is good consistency to the presentation of each story so a rhythm occurs between chapters. I would recommend this book for anyone considering a full iron-distance event.

Fast easy read..some great stories about average people. a book to inspire and motivate you.enjoyable for anyone. Will read it again

This book is absolutely inspiring. As a tri newbie, these short individual stories keep me going through my hours of training. All the inspiring stories of regular people pulling off the ironman are tear-jerking at times. Grab it!

I bought this book shortly after deciding to train for Ironman UK. I was hoping to learn a little more about the event, what it's like (both the training and the actual race) and get some belief that I could do it.Well first of all, you do learn a LOT about what it feels like to run an Ironman - the book is packed with first hand accounts of entering the race for the first time, and not just from pro athletes. There's a real mixture of stories from a wide range of people - young, old, slow, fast, disabled, pros and beginners and some who didn't finish. It talks about the training, the racing and what goes through your head before, during and after the event.Some of it is kinda scary, when people have collapsed, or ended up with hypothermia needing 3l of saline IV after finishing but I finished the book more determined than ever to finish, thinking "if these people can do it, I can do it"Highly recommended for anyone thinking about trying the event. I wrote a longer review on my blog at [] if you want to read more!

This was an interesting compilation of stories, each with their own style and message, but somehow the book overall failed to hit the spot I was expecting it to. I wonder if it was because some of the stories were from such a long time ago that I wonder about their relevance to me but either way it's definitely a good option if you are looking for a book to dip in and out of as you train to reinspire you in times of motivational slump...just choose carefully!

Repetitive and disappointing.

Awesome product very happy.

If you are doing an Ironman or want to get a real feel for the event, read this book.