The Ironman Triathlon (Ultra Sports) [Library Binding]

Bill Scheppler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Reviewed with Claudia B. Manley's Ultra Swimming.

Gr. 7-10. Books in the new Ultra Sports series offer introductions to exceptionally demanding individual sporting events. The series format, which features large type, color photographs on nearly every page, and sidebars on colored backgrounds, looks young, but the athletes pictured appear to be adults, and the writers continually seems to be addressing people interested in training for these demanding sports. Ultra swimming is "long-distance swimming, outside the confines of a pool." Following a brief history of the sport, Manley advises swimmers on safety considerations and physical and mental training, and offers tips that can enhance performance. Ironman notes the origins of the event in Hawaii and its spread to other places over the last two decades. In a triathlon, athletes compete in one demanding race that combines running, swimming, and biking. Besides counseling aspiring triathlon athletes on gear and preparation, Scheppler includes an intense training schedule, information on nutrition and hydration, and advice on preparation before a race. Each book ends with a glossary and lists of organizations, Web sites, books, and magazines. Check the Series Roundup in this issue for volumes on adventure racing, marathon cycling, skiing, and running. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Rosen Publishing Group (January 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823935566
• ISBN-13: 978-0823935567
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,068,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to the Sport, June 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ironman Triathlon (Ultra Sports) (Library Binding)

Yes, this book is written for children at the elementary school level or slightly above who are just becoming familiar with the sport. Definitely not for anyone currently participating in triathlons and looking to further their knowledge or to uncover new techniques. In that respect, I think this is a solid introduction to our sport and one that may encourage more folks to get involved, especially at the very youngest levels. If the purpose of this book is to raise awareness of our sport, than I applaud it for its effort and success.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Good Book for a Triathlete's Child, May 2, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ironman Triathlon (Ultra Sports) (Library Binding)

This is a 60 page picture book, without very good pictures. It's probably a good book for a library to have in the Children's section, however if you're actually old enough to do a triathlon, then this book is not for you. An actual caption next to one of the pictures: "Goggles and a swim cap are essential for the swimming portion of the triathlon." Hmmm. What a gem. Also good: "A triathlon is composed of three events: swimming, biking, and running." Really. Another caption. P.6. Not making it up.

What little information the book contains is so vague that it's virtually useless; buy Triathlon 101, Triathlete's Bible, or any one of a half dozen or so other great books if you'd like to actually do a tri. And it contains no information about an "ironman" that you can't get within a click or two from any search engine.

Anyway, I'm being a little harsh here: I think the book really is intended for kids, and I just bought it by mistake, so it's not really fair for me to ridicule it. If you're a librarian in charge of the kids section and are considering buying it, I guess it could be sort of useful.