The Perfect Distance: Training for Long-Course Triathlon (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) [Paperback]

Tom Rodgers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 2006 | Series: Ultrafit Multisport Training Series

Author Tom Rodgers has developed real-time software and training systems to measure the performance of astronauts aboard NASA's International Space Station. The Perfect Distance puts that expertise to use in a step-by-step program of preparation and training for triathletes. Packed with technique and drills and built on the proven Ultrafit platform, this is the first book to equip triathletes for the long course. Half-Ironman races are the fastest-growing distance in triathlon and a pivotal stepping stone toward the sport's ultimate challenge — the Ironman. The book outlines every facet of effective preparation for a long-course event. There are sport-specific chapters as well as instruction on selecting equipment, making smart nutrition decisions, strength training, and overcoming injuries — accompanied by clear charts and tables throughout. Extensive appendixes featuring workouts for swim, bike, run, key training sessions, and indoor training make The Perfect Distance an authoritative, one-stop resource for novices and more seasoned trainers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tom Rodgers trained astronauts for physiology experiments aboard NASA's International Space Station using training systems and software that he developed to measure VO2max, respiratory quotient, bone density, and muscle mass before turning his attention to triathlon. Tom Rodgers is now a USAT certified coach and accomplished triathlete.

Product Details

• Paperback: 371 pages
• Publisher: VeloPress; 1 edition (December 21, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931382948
• ISBN-13: 978-1931382946
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #261,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #85 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Triathlons
  • #93 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Triathlon

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD FOR BEGINNER OR ADVANCED, GREAT FOR LONG-COURSE TRIATHLETE, January 11, 2007

By 

Svi "John Gilliam" (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Perfect Distance: Training for Long-Course Triathlon (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

I was thinking of moving up to the half- or full-ironman distance triathlon, and this book seemed a logical choice. As far as I know, it's the first volume dedicated to half-iron training and racing. The author spends the first few chapters going through the basic theory of training and "design science," but then dives right into the specific detail of the three sports and training for this distance. The individual chapters on swim, bike and run are as useful and detailed as any other triathlon book, with some later advances in bike aerodynamics, power metering, and running technique.

But the best and unique aspect of the book are the specific workouts, case studies and race strategies for the half-iron distance, including categories for beginner, veteran, and elite triathletes. What works for one group may not work for others. He does give separate examples for different levels, and beginners should stay with the simpler stuff in the book.

If you have read either Friel's TRAINING BIBLE or Byrn's GOING LONG, you'll feel at home with Rodger's similar approach, but his style and emphasis are different. His writing style is clear like Friel's, but he has more personal anecdotes and humor to go along with the scientific training principles. He used to train astronauts at NASA, so there is plenty of science and technology in the book, but also a lot of heart. Since he started later in life, he has more sympathy for beginners and the average or aging athlete than a pro triathlete or someone who coaches mostly pros. But make no mistake: he's a hard-racing, top-ranked age grouper with lots of world championship racing, especially Ironman and ultradistance, so some of the material can be quite challenging, but also inspiring.

Nice photos of famous folks at Kona, as well as good drawings and diagrams to illustrate swim, bike and run technique. About the only thing that could have been better would be to use the larger page format of the TRAINING BIBLE books, especially for tables and graphics, though for the money this is a well-printed publication.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Brief Comments about The Perfect Distance, February 8, 2008

By 

R. C. Fincher - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Perfect Distance: Training for Long-Course Triathlon (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

A good addition to a library of distance 'how to' books but not one I would suggest for anyone new to the sport who seeks specific instructions of what to do. This book provides a very good overview of the philosophy the half-iron distance training but is lacking in specific progressive training acts to undertake during each training phase.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good for overall approach, not for specific training plans, January 27, 2010

By 

Matthew Brand - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Perfect Distance: Training for Long-Course Triathlon (Ultrafit Multisport Training Series) (Paperback)

If you're looking for a specific training plan, this is not the book for you. This book mostly teaches about how you should approach your training but doesn't really give you any of the standard charts that you usually see. This book would probably be good for coaches but for someone, like me, who is trying to figure out a general guideline of what to do, this book falls short.