Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete [Paperback]

Jane Booth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 12, 2007

Follow Jane Booth's humorous, honest and surprising journey from a woman who couldn't tell the front from the rear of her bike helmet to an athlete capable of competing in an Olympic-distance triathlon. Celebrate her every victory, from a skirmish with a wayward wetsuit to conquering her fear of falling off her bike. Race alongside her as she battles to finish a race that lies at the outermost edge of her abilities. And share Jane's unexpected discovery of how endurance sport changed her attitudes, her aspirations and her whole approach to life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Whether you are an elite competitor or a first timer, read this book to be inspired to start moving - and move like you have never moved before. To connect with your body and your inner strength in ways you've never felt before. And like Jane, unlock your true potential and inspire others to find theirs. --Brandi Chastain, World Cup soccer champion and Olympic gold medalist, from the Foreword

Jane Booth transformed her life by her willingness to take a risk - and try a tri. She shares private and personal moments, wins and losses, and gives you essential information to make your life experience more rewarding - triathlon or not. --Sally Edwards, Former Masters World Record Holder, Ironman Triathlon, from the Foreword

The delightful, sometimes hilarious, and always warm account of a woman who leaves her comfort zone, confronts her fears of athletic endeavor, and discovers the triathlete within. Much more than just reaching her goals, Jane comes to the poignant realization of what endurance in life really means. --Dean Ottati, author, The Runner and the Path

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Fast Foot Forward Press; 1st edition (February 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978700767
• ISBN-13: 978-0978700768
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #709,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertains as it inspires, February 25, 2007

By 

Kathy96 (San Francisco Peninsula) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete (Paperback)

It is rare to find a book that can inform, inspire, and entertain all at the same time. This book is not a prescriptive approach to training for a triathlon, but an emotional one. It's about finding out if you have the grit and determination to accomplish what you set out to accomplish. The author tells readers how she did it, not how they should do it. Most of all, she offers up great writing laced with joy and humor.

She shares the details of her setbacks: family illness, injuries, and a bike crash the day before a big race. She also shares her triumphs: surviving her winter training sessions in the frigid San Francisco Bay, conquering the Hill called Kevin, running her first triathlon exactly one year after making the decision to train for a triathlon.

Although I may not become a triathlete, I can remember the power of positive thinking and the wisdom of the author's mantra that she repeats as she manages to power up a steep gradient for the first time without stopping to rest: "This hill is Kevin; this hill is my friend."

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Transformed by this Story, March 3, 2007

By 

Jana McBurney-Lin "Author, My Half of the Sky" (Los Gatos, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete (Paperback)

Running holds about as much appeal for me as watching paint dry. So, when a friend passed me Transformed by Triathlon, I was skeptical about opening the cover. However, I was soon transformed by the British-born author's take on American culture, triathlon culture, and life itself. An entertaining read that inspired me--if not to look for some running shoes--at least to look at myself and wonder, "What should I achieve this year?"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great!, October 10, 2007

By 

Curt Johnston "Curt" (Flagstaff, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Transformed by Triathlon: The Making of an Improbable Athlete (Paperback)

I thought this book was great, I couldn't put it down until I was finished. She tells her story of her start with triathlon from the beginning, it was informative, it will make you laugh out loud, if you do triathlon it will make you remember your start and if you thought you could never do something like triathlon she just might help you decide different!