Be Iron Fit, 2nd: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness [Paperback]

Don Fink (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2010

The ultimate training guide for the ultimate in fitness

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Most how-to books are too technical or too shallow.  Don Fink manages to pen a unique combination of information, anecdotes, and readability.  I enjoyed the read and learned a few valuable tidbits in the process.  Well done!"  --Scott Tinley, two-time Ironman World Champion

 

"Don's book certainly made me think.  A truly complete book for all abilities in the sport of triathlon that leaves no subject untouched."  --Spencer Smith, three-time Triathlon World Champion 

 

From the Back Cover

Ever dream of being an elite endurance athlete and competing in races like Hawaii’s Ironman? Pro athletes are not the only people who can attain such superior accomplishments. Each season, tens of thousands of amateur triathletes compete head-to-head, pushing their physical and mental strength to the limits. The Ironman competition is a true test: a 2.4-mile open-water swim followed by a 112-mile bike leg and a 26.2-mile marathon run. In Be Iron Fit, sought-after multisport coach Don Fink draws on his time-efficient training methods to provide a practical program in a step-by-step, enjoyable way—so even everyday athletes can attain ultimate conditioning.

 

Effective Time Management 
The Essential Workouts 
The Training Cycle  
Effective Heart Rate Training 
30-Week IronFit Training Programs 
Flexibility and Strength Training 
Core and Functional Strength Training

Technique
Mastering Transitions 
Equipment Tips 
Race and Pre-Race Strategies 
Mental Training 
Healthy Eating for Endurance Athletes
Recovery, Maintenance Training, and Beyond 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; Second edition (March 16, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599218577
• ISBN-13: 978-1599218571
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Triathlon
  • #15 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Triathlons
  • #18 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Other Team Sports > Track & Field

More About the Author

Don Fink is an internationally known triathlon and running coach, and author. Through their business IronFit ® (www.IronFit.com), Don and his wife, Melanie, have trained hundreds of athletes on four continents to personal best times and breakthrough performances, utilizing their innovative training approaches.
In addition to being a coach, Don Fink is also an elite athlete. He has raced over 30 Iron-distance triathlons (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) and has recorded many age group victories and course records. Don's time of 9:08 at the 2004 Ironman Florida is still one of the fastest times recorded by an athlete in the 45-49 age group. Don also placed in the top three overall in the 2002 Ultra Man World Championships (6.2 mile swim, 262 mile bike, and 52.4 mile run) on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Triathlon Bible April 29, 2010

By R. Levin

Format:Paperback

I first bought IronFit back in 2008 when I registered for my first Ironman triathlon. My goal as most first timers was to finish. Don provides the information found in other books but in a way that is easy to follow and understand which allows you to concentrate on the training. His training schedules, motivational biographies and training tips keeps me going back to the book for inspiration during the harder weeks of training. I found his race day guidance,with an emphaisis on nutrition a great help on race day.
My goal for my first Ironman was to finish, but following Don's IronFit, I exceeded that and finished fourth in my age group at Ironman Florida.
I have recently purchaesed the 2nd edition of IronFit for the updated training schedules as I prepare for my second attempt at the Ironman. Thanks Don!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy This Book, Do What Don Fink Says, Become An Ironman June 14, 2010

By S. Boyles

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is one of my favorite books, all-time. Here's why: The Be Ironfit program provided me with the time efficient training plans and advice to become an Ironman in 2008, and again in 2009 (and beyond).

Don Fink (an Ironman age group legend), draws upon his vast racing and coaching experience to inspire and prepare any triathlete to achieve the Ironman dream. Just as important, before I finished reading Be Ironfit (the first time) I felt belief replace my doubts about whether I could ever train for and race 140.6 miles.

This 2nd edition is even more comprehensive (I've read and studied both editions). It updates the latest core and strength training techniques with Don's tried and true time-efficient heart rate based training and swim/bike/run techniques advice. It is extremely well-written and organized and provides invaluable information and tips on: time management, nutrition, pre-race, race day, post race, race selection, mental strategies, and more. You can choose to follow the competitive program, the intermediate program, or the 'just finish' strategy.

With Don's guidance, and this revised edition in hand, I am training for my third Ironman race this year. With consistent adherence to Don's training plans and advice, I continue to get faster and faster. In fact, my P.R.'s continue to drop significantly at all distances (from sprint to olympic to 70.3 to 140.6) -- at the age of 45!

Buy the book, read the book, do what Don Fink says, become an Ironman! It really is that simple.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read and resource June 14, 2010

By PSP

Format:Paperback

If you are planning on racing an Ironman in the coming year, I would go so far as to say you have to buy this book. It will probably be the best investment you will make helping you accomplish your athletic goals and allowing you to have more fun along the way. I've raced 2 Ironmans, a Half Ironman, and 5 marathons over the past 3 years and I still go back and re-read certain chapters of BeIronFit. I even take it with me to my races, it's that good.

First of all, Don Fink is one of the most experienced and accomplished coaches in triathlon today. His approach, advice, and training plans have worked for countless athletes at all levels (from beginner to elite). I wouldn't follow a training philosophy or plan if it were not proven. My time and goals are too important to me.

BeIronFit is an exceptional read and resource. Very well written. What's remarkable about the book is that there is something there for everyone. If your goal is to finish your first Ironman or to qualify for Kona, I believe you will benefit from reading this book. Triathlon can be a complicated sport and the book goes into appropriate detail but not overly so. I think the reason I continue to go back to the book is that the philosophy, tips and advice to training and racing are sound - almost fundamental truths. Don not only explains exactly what you need to do day by day, week by week (laid out in your training plan), he clearly explains his coaching philosophy so that you understand exactly why you are doing certain workouts during the different phases of training.

What's interesting about Don and perhaps one of the reasons why he has been such a successful coach is his background. He became an elite triathlete while managing a successful and demanding career on Wall Street. On one level, his story is inspirational. I think many of us dream (maybe secretly) of becoming elite athletes while working full time. More importantly though, he understands what it's like to have a family, manage a career and train for ironman - all at the same time. As a result, this book is packed with practical advice and tips for the rest of us. In addition, throughout the book, Don features several athletes he has worked with where they share their own experiences and advice. Very helpful.

Getting to the starting line is more than half the battle. Reading this book will help you get there healthy, physically prepared, and mentally confident. As a result, you will have more fun and race faster, of that I'm confident.