Rating: 
Summary: The Straw
Review: As a long time triathlete (16 years), I found this book to be a much needed breath of fresh air. Since I have been involved in the sport, triathlon has evolved from a rough and tumble gunslinger's kind of challenge to a much more refined and scientific undertaking. There is almost nothing in this book about lactate threshold, bladed spokes, or the merits of the electrolyte-replacement-drink-of-the-moment. There is a lot about peanut butter, which I for one, am glad to see.This book, and the stories inside, return us to the true nature of triathlon. The fundamental reasons we all race; to challenge ourselves, to be healthy, to have FUN, and to find out what is really out there for us to experience in this short life. I am returning to the sport after a somewhat lengthy sabatical. I can honestly say that I think I lost sight of why triathlon is important to me. I think I forgot about the roots of this great sport. I never really had a burning desire to do an Ironman, although I always thought I would do one eventually. A couple of halfs had helped to fuel the "long-distance" fire. I am back on my bike, ready to go, and this book has been a gas can. Inspiring!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a book that provides everything!
Review: From cover-to-cover "Becoming an Iroman" provides all triathletes that much needed charge to help them tackle their first, second or third Ironman. The author also manages to show her readers that the triumphs and pitfalls faced by the profiled triathletes can be similar to their own fears and fortunes that they encounter in their sport.
Rating: 
Summary: Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I found this book very amateurish. The author purports to tell the story in each subject's own words. Sometimes, though, ones own words aren't very good - that's what authors are supposed to do - think through the words! I guess some of the stories were inspiring, heartwarming and even somewhat interesting, but in the end I didn't get much more of this than "I decided to run the Ironman, so I trained really hard and I did it".
Rating:
Summary: The Straw
Review: I got into triathloning (is that a word?) because I no longer wanted to do marathons. I've completed 3 marathons, and after each one, I said that was the last one. But I really meant it after the third, and took up triathlon as an alternative. I just completed my first Olympic distance triathlon, and had a blast. I love triathlon! I bought this book because I know several people that have done an Ironman, and I have always thought they were crazy! But after reading the stories, I now have an overwhelming desire to do one. This has actually made me very angry! I stopped doing marathons because they hurt! Now I want to add a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride in front of it?!?! I've lost my mind! I never envisioned the Ironman as an adventure, but to read the thoughts of each participant, it seems like the Ironman is more about the journey, and not about the race. Each athlete has their own approach and outcome, and I could relate to each. The book is divided nicely into different sections. I liked to read about the ones that barely made the cutoff of 17 hours. I will be one of those people! And to know that some professionals actually DNF'd their first attempt is somewhat comforting. The book is just a great compilation of life stories - knowing who you are and where you are going. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves triathlon. But if you've ever said "I'll never do an Ironman", you better watch out!
Rating:
Summary: From "I'll NEVER do an Ironman" to "Sign me up!"
Review: I got into triathloning (is that a word?) because I no longer wanted to do marathons. I've completed 3 marathons, and after each one, I said that was the last one. But I really meant it after the third, and took up triathlon as an alternative. I just completed my first Olympic distance triathlon, and had a blast. I love triathlon! I bought this book because I know several people that have done an Ironman, and I have always thought they were crazy! But after reading the stories, I now have an overwhelming desire to do one. This has actually made me very angry! I stopped doing marathons because they hurt! Now I want to add a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride in front of it?!?! I've lost my mind! I never envisioned the Ironman as an adventure, but to read the thoughts of each participant, it seems like the Ironman is more about the journey, and not about the race. Each athlete has their own approach and outcome, and I could relate to each. The book is divided nicely into different sections. I liked to read about the ones that barely made the cutoff of 17 hours. I will be one of those people! And to know that some professionals actually DNF'd their first attempt is somewhat comforting. The book is just a great compilation of life stories - knowing who you are and where you are going. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves triathlon. But if you've ever said "I'll never do an Ironman", you better watch out!
Rating:
Summary: Becoming an Ironman -- You can't put it down!
Review: I read this book in two days - I just could not put it down. It's an awesome and awe-inspiring book filled with stories relating to one of the greatest athletic and life accomplishments. Kara, congratulations and thank you for writing such a fantastic book!
Rating: 
Summary: A great idea but a disappointment
Review: I really looked forward to reading this book as a source of inspiration, but I think the editor ends up missing the boat by overzealously trying to preserve the ironman's own words. This means that crucial facts about people's lives are left out, or the reader is plunged into the middle of the tale, not really understanding whose story is being told, or why we should care. Rather than having the effect of making the race more immediate, this ends up making all of the stories seem alike. We don't necessarily get backstory about who this person is, or from where he/she got the drive to do this ironman, or why. The stories are often told as if the teller is speaking to a good friend, who already knows everything about the speaker, and just needs to hear how this one race went. I hope if the editor decides to follow up this volume with another, she heeds this critique. I would love to buy another volume, but only if more information about the athletes is included.
Rating:
Summary: Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: This book gave me all the confidence i needto complete an Ironman Triathlon.From 9hr finishes to over 16. from 20 year olds to people past 80 And every triiathlon across the globe.It really shows no matter who you are you can become an ironman[the only thing i didnt like was that some of the stories droned on but otherwise I LOVE IT!!!!]
Rating:
Summary: Very moving book
Review: This book has described an event to me that has always been something I have aspired to trying someday, yet I have never been able to get the right answers that I needed in terms of very basic "how did it feel" questions, from the few friends I know who've actually done an Ironman. I was moved to tears and now, after reading these wonderful stories, I can say to myself that yes I can do an Ironman, and more importantly, that I WANT to do an Ironman.
Rating:
Summary: Very moving book
Review: This book has described an event to me that has always been something I have aspired to trying someday, yet I have never been able to get the right answers that I needed in terms of very basic "how did it feel" questions, from the few friends I know who've actually done an Ironman. I was moved to tears and now, after reading these wonderful stories, I can say to myself that yes I can do an Ironman, and more importantly, that I WANT to do an Ironman.
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