Becoming an Ironman: First Encounters with the Ultimate Endurance Event
physical fitness proponents, an Ironman triathlon seems to be  the ultimate exercise in masochism. It consists of a 2.4-mile  swim, a 112-mile bike race, and a full marathon (a 26.2-mile  run), all done in one day. This sport attracts only the most  dedicated athletes, and it apparently provides the participants  with a huge amount of satisfaction. This book is not a  description of how to prepare for an Ironman triathlon but an  oral history of the men and women who have participated in  Ironman competitions worldwide.. Thom, contributor to Triathlete  magazine, Runner's World, and the Dallas Morning News, has  arranged the book according to the athletes' experience, such as  first-time competitors, veterans of the early days of the sport,  and, most affecting of all, physically challenged athletes. The  participants' dedication and single-mindedness are truly  inspiring. No matter what physical pain they endured, these  athletes all say they would do it again. Highly recommended for  all public and school libraries. William Scheeren, Hempfield  Area H.S. Lib., Greensburg, PACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.