Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals

Book excerpt: The explosion of interest in physical fitness that has sent Americans running, bicycling, and swimming by the tens of thousands now extends to the fitness competition that combines all three ?triathloning. Steven Jonas, a former nonathlete who began endurance sports in middle age, offers an accessible program for anyone from beginner to experienced jogger.Dr. Jonas's own experiences are the basis of this user-friendly book, directed to the person who wants to do more than just run. He sets forth basic recommendations on equipment necessary for triathloning and outlines a three-phased training program that will take the untrained beginner to a state of fitness where he or she can complete a triathlon of moderate distance. The book includes a chapter on nutrition and a stretching program. Dr. Jonas has revised and updated the work to include information on how to run longer races, how to train for the increasingly popular duathlon (run/bike/run), and new tips from his further fifteen years of experience.Techniques, fitness, training, equipment, nutrition, pre-race, the race itself ?a readable introduction for the aspiring recreational triathloner.A new chapter on duathlons and how to run longer races, and updated appendixes on the latest magazines and books of interest to triathloners.Dr. Steven Jonas has participated in 100 multi-sports events.