Home > Fit City > Archives > 2009 > April > 06 > Entry
Triathletes: Ask the experts, win a book!
Got a question about training for an Ironman-distance triathlon?
I’ve arranged for Joe Friel and Gordon Byrn, co-authors of the book “Going Long, Training for Ironman-Distance Triathlons,” to field questions from readers of this blog.
Post your questions here and I’ll make sure Friel and Byrn get them. We’ll pick the best ones and I’ll publish them, along with the authors’ answers, in a future blog entry.
And get this — we’ll give away a copy of the book to whoever asks the best question. (If we get enough good questions, we’ll give away more than one copy, so fire away!)
Friel and Byrn are top triathlon experts. Friel, a certified USA Triathlon and USA Cycling coach, has worked with the top endurance athletes since the 1980s. He’s the author of “The Triathlete’s Training Bible,” “Your First Triathlon” and “The Cyclist’s Training Bible,” and writes for Inside Triathlon and VeloNews magazines. He’s got a master’s degree in exercise science.
Byrn has raced Ironman competitions in Hawaii, Australia, Canada (where he posted a time of 8 hours and 29 minutes) and New Zealand. He won the 2002 Ultraman Hawaii, a three-day ultra-endurance triathlon. He’s also certified by USA Triathlon, Triathlon Australia, and the American Swim Coaches Association as a coach.
For “Going Long,” Friel offers the coaching framework and Byrn offers the athlete perspective. The book includes sport-specific drills, workouts, strength training tips and information on wellness and recovery. I like the section about training the mind, which is packed with sound advice about reassuring yourself when the pre-race jitters strike, avoiding broken goggles and what to do if your appetite evaporates on the course.
When the authors answer the questions, I’ll post the names of the book winners. Those folks will then have to email me their snail mail addresses so I can get them the book. So check back often.
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment Categories: Triathlon
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.
By Jody
April 7, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
Is there an Ironman race without the time cutoffs? I’m so old (71) and slow that I would never be able to finish the swim in time to start the bike, or if I did pull it off, I’d never be able to finish the bike in time to start the run.
By Nichole
April 7, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this
I have a couple questions.
What is the best advice for nutrition the day(s) before the IM and throughout the event itself?
Since the distance for the swim is 2.4 mi, what distance do you recommend building up to (ie. how much farther than 2.4?)
How do you gauge “race pace” on the bike? Is it better to start steady and build speed toward the end, or just stay at a moderate pace the entire time?
What is the best way to prepare for a marathon distance run after a swim and bike of those distances?
Hope that isn’t too many questions :)
By Mary Keith Trawick
April 7, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
My questions:
Q1: As the biking distance rises in training I tend to get saddle sores. I’ve heard many differing theories on how to avert this: get better bike shorts, get a new seat, and/or obtain a good bike fit. What is your advice and/or experience with this pesky occurrence?
Q2: How do you maintain your focus during an Ironman distance race (e.g. some athletes count to 100 repeatedly, or have certain songs going through their head)?
Q3: Gordo - You have an impressive website and note that one of the most popular topics on your discussion board is anything linked to nutrition. Why do you think this is such a popular topic and how much do you think nutrition can affect Ironman training?
By Mary Keith Trawick
April 7, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this
My questions:
Q1: As the biking distance rises in training I tend to get saddle sores. I’ve heard many differing theories on how to avert this: get better bike shorts, get a new seat, and/or obtain a good bike fit. What is your advice and/or experience with this pesky occurrence?
Q2: How do you maintain your focus during an Ironman distance race (e.g. some athletes count to 100 repeatedly, or have certain songs going through their head)?
Q3: Gordo - You have an impressive website (www.coachgordo.com) and note that one of the most popular topics on your discussion board is anything linked to nutrition. Why do you think this is such a popular topic and how much do you think nutrition can affect Ironman training?
By Ryan
April 7, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this
Thank you for this opportunity!
What kind of advice would you give the athlete who wants to take triathlon to their highest level possible? For the athlete who has great potential, but because of work, scheduling, and finances, can’t afford it all. Can you recommend some simple steps to acquire assistance in these areas. Whether it be writing sponsorship letters, grant assistance, or tips from other accomplished athletes.
Thank you again! Ryan
By Devon
April 8, 2009 7:19 AM | Link to this
I just completed my first half-Ironman, and at times I found myself feeling discouraged or even kind of bored. What kind of mental dialogue do successful triathletes use to keep going strong for all those hours?
By chris summers
April 8, 2009 6:53 PM | Link to this
For 100+ mi training rides out to the hinterlands (or Hill Country!) how do you balance carrying the extra weight of enough water and food vs. running out and not having water and snacks for many (LONG) miles? Rmemeber it gets hot in S TX in Summer…
By Laura
April 10, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this
What would you say is the single most important element to make the transition between the bike and the run smoother? That’s always the hardest part for me— getting into a running groove after getting off the bike.
By Nichole
April 17, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this
I haven’t seen any additional comments regarding the IM questions. Are these still going to be answered? I keep checking back, just wanted to make sure I was checking back for a reason.
By Pam LeBlanc
April 17, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Hi Nichole, Yes, they’ll be answered. Sorry for the delay, the authors have been busy. I’m hoping next week. We’ll get ‘em up as soon as we can. Pam
By Pam LeBlanc
April 21, 2009 12:21 PM | Link to this
We’ve got our answers, and I’ll post them on the blog Wednesday. Book winners chosen by Velopress, which publishes “Going Long,” are Nichole, Devon and Laura. You three, please email your snailmail address to me at pleblanc@statesman.com and I’ll get your books in the mail soon.