Best training/race book for IM distances

Gordo's book is good.  Another one that's geared towards the first-timer is Don Fink's book, "Be Ironfit."

Going Long is very good.  Especially if you love information and want to understand many of the why's about training and racing.  BeIronfit is a much more basic book that focuses on keeping it simple and on giving you actual 30 week plans to go by.  If you are looking for a plan, Going Long will not give you one...BUT it can help you set one up.  I thought both books were good and useful.  I also highlyu recommend "Becoming an Ironman" by ?.  This is only for inspirational stories of first time Ironman finishers.  It's great to read when you are having some doubts throughout the training.  Good luck!

TH3_FRB - 2006-11-20 9:18 PM Get yourself a copy of Going Long, then follow it up with Iron Will and you'll be ready to go all Peter Reid on your IM training

I'll add to this comment about Iron Will.  If you are into the history of the Ironman and like hearing the stories you will love this book.  It is incredibly motivating.  Also, although it is not tri-specific, try Dean Karnazes Ultra-marathon Man:  Confessions of an all night runner.  It will motivate you into the mindset that we really can do anything we put our minds to, and that we need to be a little psycho to do what we do - and that's ok!  These books are more about motivation and mindset than about training techniques and plans.

Good luck!

I think Iron Will is out of print.  I was lucky to pick up a cheap used copy on Amazon last year but letely they've been going for $50 or more.  Even so, if triathlon is a part of your lifestyle I'd say it's worth $50 to add this to your library.  Look for the 2nd edition.

running2far - 2006-11-27 10:43 AM I just bought "beIRONfit" and can't put it down.... I have Going Long but so far I'm enjoying "beIRONfit more... Ironwill???? Great, need to go to borders at lunch

TH3_FRB - 2006-11-27 5:49 PM

I think Iron Will is out of print.  I was lucky to pick up a cheap used copy on Amazon last year but letely they've been going for $50 or more.  Even so, if triathlon is a part of your lifestyle I'd say it's worth $50 to add this to your library.  Look for the 2nd edition.

running2far - 2006-11-27 10:43 AM I just bought "beIRONfit" and can't put it down.... I have Going Long but so far I'm enjoying "beIRONfit more... Ironwill???? Great, need to go to borders at lunch

I checked it out of my library for free.