Customer Reviews

Dave Scott's Triathlon Training

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Dave Scott's interests and college background in biophysiology shows. The book objectively describes the biomechanics of endurance racing and how to train the energy systems for maximum performance. Included is a section on sports nutrition. There is enough material to keep a modern successful triathlete busy reading and referencing. A few items are dated (incorrect). Some sections are overly detailed. Overall it is a self contained guide to success in triathlons.

Not a triathlon book for beginners, but it still has some very useful information (and I must add some very original workouts). This was the book that I used to get started, and at the time I must admit it confused me. But now that I have more experience and I am in better shape a lot of what Dave Scott says makes a whole lot more sense. With all the other good new stuff out there, this book probably should be a third or fourth choice on every triathlete's reading list.

Dave Scott beside doing triathlon best, can also write one heck of a book. This book covers all bases that any level of triathletes need. By buying this book, you buy Dave Scott's knowledge and also be motivated for a long time. I followed his advice and had done 3 triathlons this yr and itching for more.

When I first decided to start training for the Half-Ironman, I browsed through Amazon and ordered about 10 different books. This is absolutely one of my favorites.

Dave Scott has won 6 Ironman World Championships since winning one of the earliest Ironmans in 1980. Yet surprisingly, he is quite gracious about his wins.

"Triathlon Training" has individual chapters on swimming, cycling, and running techniques uniquely suited for the triathlete. It offers a year-round training program and workout schedules for 3, 4, 5, and 6-day training weeks with the most effective intensity, speed, and duration for each workout.

It covers nutrition and specific tips to get ready mentally for the race, preparing for transitions, and pacing yourself throughout the race.

Frankly, my goal is simply to finish the race. Regardless of my time, Dave Scott's techniques have already helped to prepare me for Hawaii. His attitude and motivation helps prepare you for Life 101 as well.

This was the first triathlon book I purchased. It is the reason I started in triathlon. Even though this book has been around for a while it is still very relevant for todays triathlete. You will have to look far and wide to find a cheaper source of wisdom as contained in this book.

This book became my bible as I entered the sport, providing concrete, usable information on the disciplines I was unfamiliar with and tips and reminders on those I thought I already knew. Using Scott's methods, within a year I was consistently finishing in the top 20 percent of the field in my events and, from a restart in my late-30s and seriously out of shape, had lost nearly 100 pounds. This book spells out the facts rather than stifling the reader with a lot of hot air and personal contemplation that, while sometimes interesting, won't do nearly as much in helping you drop your mile pace. Don't expect to get the latest tech info here, however, since the book was published well before gear like aerobars, clipless pedals and tri wetsuits had become mainstream.

In much of this book, there is a very strong emphasis on exactly what worked for Dave Scott. This wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, and in some cases isn't, but I find it more helpful to hear the coach's perspective as opposed to the athelete's perspective. The reason why this is important is because a coach will very often know the difficulties that wide ranges of people face during triathlon training while the athelete really only has to deal with his own challenges. The other thing to note is that the information is a little dated.

It did cover a lot of territory though... There are also some good gems that I found as well as an underlying emphasis: 'your training should as accurately as possible reflect your race'.

(My rating should be 3.5)

This book may not suit a beginner or first timer triathlete...but after saying that...there are wonderful bits and pieces that would be helpful. But reading it from beginning to end would be too detailed for those just wanting to get to the finish line (I recommend "triathlon 101").

I picked up so many details about VO2, anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. It is rare to find a book that can explain the process and why we should train with different methods.

The only area lacking is the workout section. I can not figure out how to design my own w.o. The workouts are not geared to sprints, olympic or ironman's...so should we all be doing the 3+ hour workouts regardless of what distance we are trying to accomplish? It is very unclear what is the optimum time and or distance. However, the intesity level for each w.o. is clearly explained.

I would recommend this book and maybe in the future Dave will come out with a new edition that clears up some of the confusion between pages 102-130.

This book is a must for new triathletes and given the price how could you go wrong. I am not saying there are not other books to have on tri training - but this one should motivate you. This book was the first I read on tri training (other than tri magazine) as there was a very limited selection when this was published. I managed to compete in a couple of IM's and feel that this book helped me plan and schedule training to do quite well and achieving personal goals.

So, for the beginning tri get this and order triathlete magazine at the same time. Understand new methods exist - but the basics are still the same. He also had a video out I remember watching but this was back in the days of VHS. I have not seen this in ages but if my memory holds true images it was also great. For the more experienced it would be an interesting snapshot of the past - and you will easy distinguish what new philosophies or training methods are now prominent.

It's simply a classic and I give it a 5 despite the date because it is still relevant and worked well for me from short to long course triathlons.

The delivery was perfect, fast & easy.
The book was brand new also.

Thanks!