There is a lot of information out there for newcomers to triathlon but the following four pieces are particularly important to me. I thought I’d share them with you and I strongly recommend seeking further knowledge from their sources.
The Four Pillars
http://www.endurancecorner.com/library/endurance_training_essentials/basics
Gordo Byrn has written so much great material. This piece in particular is a good introduction to the method behind the madness of Ironman preparation.
Gordo’s Triathlon Coaching Manual
http://www.endurancecorner.com/library/endurance_training_essentials/ironman_coaching_manual
You may not be coaching anyone, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking like a coach.
What are you Chasing?
http://trispecific.com/_blog/The_TriSpecific_Musings/post/What_are_you_Chasing/
Kristian Manietta from TriSpecific gets you thinking about why you are about to do an Ironman. Do you know what drives you?
Love Life, Not Stuff
http://zenhabits.net/love-life-not-stuff/
Think about how you apply this to your Ironman preparation. Enjoy the experience, buy the equipment you need, but don’t forget that at the end of the day the important part is about getting out there and enjoying what you’re doing.
The Four Pillars
Gordo Byrn has written so much great material. This piece in particular is a good introduction to the method behind the madness of Ironman preparation.
Gordo’s Triathlon Coaching Manual
You may not be coaching anyone, but that shouldn’t stop you from thinking like a coach. It provides a nice overview of what you should be thinking about.
What are you Chasing?
Kristian Manietta from TriSpecific gets you thinking about why you are about to do an Ironman. Do you know what drives you?
If I could recommend just one book from my library, it would have to be Going Long by Joe Friel and Gordo Byrn. My copy is well worn and probably one of the best ways to spend $20-30.
Do you have some recommended reading for Ironman athletes? Let me know what your favourites are.
I like these two articles, also by Gordo:
http://www.gordoworld.com/gblog/2008/11/marathon-training-in-real-world.html
http://www.gordoworld.com/gblog/2008/11/real-world-marathoning-part-two.html
They’re just as much about triathlon as marathoning. Very good reads.
/Morten