Be Iron Fit: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness, by Don Fink
I stumbled upon this book at the library while browsing for nothing in particular. It’s a book that I didn’t want to put down. As a person who never considered doing the Ironman out loud, I am now motivated and eager to start training for an Ironman 70.3. I informed my family of this almost immediately, of course I got the typical ‘But you are sure you’re ready’…’That’s a bit of a long distance isn’t it?’…’Shouldn’t you train for a few more years?’ While I wouldn’t complete an Ironman next weekend, I’m almost certain that if I stuck to a good training plan I could be ready for one in six to twelve months.
Be Iron Fit is not only motivational, it’s also educational reading for anyone who has never done the Ironman or simply wants to get fitter for a shorter distance triathlon like the sprint or Olympic distance. Or maybe you just want to take your fitness to the next level. You’ll surely get something out of this book.
In the 19 chapters, Don Fink, explains the ins and outs of training, mastering transitions, effective heart rate training, race strategies, nutrition and recovery, as well as much more. I got more out of this book than I thought I could or would as it was written in a friendly manner and in the first person as the author is an Ironman triathlete himself and can offer a lot of advice from his own experience.
As the end of the each chapter, Fink provides examples of Ironman triathletes and lets them share their experiences on time management and getting past obstacles like injury and unsupportive people in your life. It was refreshing to read that not all professional triathletes train full time; many have families and full time jobs too. Some even got into the sport in their 20’s and 30’s.
Chapter 7 provides three training programs: a competitive one, Just Finish one, and an Intermediate one. Each takes 30 weeks. 10 weeks for the base phase, 10 weeks for the build phase, and 10 weeks for the peak phase. The plans are great for even the most time constrained pro or amateur or even beginner triathlete. The competitive plan starts with 6 hours of training per week and builds up to about 20 in its peak phase. The Just Finish plan starts at 3 hours and peaks at 10.
For anyone who dreamed the Ironman was impossible this book will put things in perspective and show you that the Ironman or Ironman 70.3 distance triathlon is within your reach in as little as 30 weeks while training for as little as 3-10 hours per week.
Really? 10 hours training a week for something that tough? Hmm, have to find this book! Not that I would do one, would be great to get any sort of race under my belt again for a start. But this sounds interesting alright, thanks!
Yeah, I was surprised too, 10 hours isn’t much at all and most people who enjoy sport could probably manage it. But it’s not just about completing the Ironman, it can also help in the three disciplines individually or even modifying it for shorter distances like the enticer or sprint.
Hmmm, it would be great to say I had swam any sort of real distance too. And the sun is coming out now, I’d definitely still need a wetsuit here though:)