Faster: Demystifying the Science of Triathlon Speed

by Jim Gourley

Triathlon is among the world's most gear-intensive sports. The gear you select and how you use it can mean big results--or bigger disappointment. FASTER takes a scientific look at triathlon to see what truly makes you faster--and busts the myths and doublespeak that waste your money and race times. In this fascinating exploration of the forces at play in the swim-bike-run sport, astronautical engineer and triathlete Jim Gourley shows where to find free speed, speed on a budget, and the gear upgrades that are worth it. FASTER offers specific, science-based guidance on the fastest techniques and the most effective gear, answering questions Which wetsuit is best for me? What's the best way to draft a swimmer? Should I buy a lighter bike? Deep dish or disc wheels? Are lighter shoes faster? Who's right about running technique? Gourley reviews published studies in peer-reviewed journals to show what scientists have learned about swim drafting, pacing the bike leg, race strategy for short and long-course racing, and the fastest ways to handle transitions. FASTER will change how you think about your body, your gear, and the world around you. With science on your side, you'll make the smart calls that will make you a better, faster triathlete.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Stephen Redwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking each triathlon event in turn, Gourley investigates the science that proves what is provably beneficial to speed and efficiency, as opposed to the claims that are part of athletes urban myths, often fueled by misleading product information. On the bike, given a standard error of measurement of around +-10% for any measure of power output, anything that falls within that range is barely worth consideration, unless you are a professional. A surprising number of items don't make the cut. In fact, so far as the bike goes, the best investment (other than training harder) is in a power meter. Pretty much everything else, pales by comparison. In swimming, forget the minor differences between wetsuits, but do try to draft. In running, keep that cadence up - it correlates well with pace. Really interesting book, for those who are in the sport and want to understand where to deploy their finite resources.

[Thomas]

Triathlon is among the world's most gear-intensive sports. The gear you select and how you use it can mean big results--or bigger disappointment. FASTER takes a scientific look at triathlon to see what truly makes you faster--and busts the myths and doublespeak that waste your money and race times. In this fascinating exploration of the forces at play in the swim-bike-run sport, astronautical engineer and triathlete Jim Gourley shows where to find free speed, speed on a budget, and the gear upgrades that are worth it. FASTER offers specific, science-based guidance on the fastest techniques and the most effective gear, answering questions like: Which wetsuit is best for me? What's the best way to draft a swimmer? Should I buy a lighter bike? Deep dish or disc wheels? Are lighter shoes faster? Who's right about running technique? Gourley reviews published studies in peer-reviewed journals to show what scientists have learned about swim drafting, pacing the bike leg, race strategy for short and long-course racing, and the fastest ways to handle transitions. FASTER will change how you think about your body, your gear, and the world around you. With science on your side, you'll make the smart calls that will make you a better, faster triathlete.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faster, Cheaper, Lighter!

As a salty old nuke submariner, I have always worked off the theory of faster, cheaper, lighter. Power increases when you can make the other three happen. In racing with a human engine, we are solving for faster. This book explains why some upgrades are worth the expense, why the drive-thru is your most expensive investment, and which upgrades are marginal at best. And shave your beard, not your legs.

[Jaiprakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for beginners to understand where the power comes from, where to invest and where to save. With the sport getting competitive, basic understanding of what is going on will go a long way to invest in the best possible places.

[Ignacio Ruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book, with a lot of scientific information about the diferent aspects of thriatlon in order to be faster in the three disciplines.

[Thomas Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information. Scientifically based.

In this book the author breaks down the sport by each of the three disciplines and tell what may or may not make you faster. By illustrating how some changes in equipment make for very little changes in time, reading this book makes very good economic sense.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for triathlon geeks.

[Alan Kipping-ruane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and interesting read specifically regarding a scientific approach. Would liked to see more information regarding specific muscles or more anatomy focused information included.

[Grace Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for non-science oriented triathletes to understand the various factors at play in performance. Good wake up call for those of us who wants to 'buy' performance. It's not going to happen.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.