Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week

by Eric Harr

The Transforming Power of Triathlon Training for a triathlon will get you in the best shape of your life, not to mention give you a new and exciting fitness pursuit. More than that, it will change your life in ways you never imagined. In 1994, when Eric Harr decided to train for his first triathlon in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the extent of his exercise was walking to the local mango stand for lunch. That one simple step set in motion dozens of other positive steps. Eric began eating better, had more energy, and grew more sensitized to the joys of everyday life. Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week by Eric Harr is the key to unlocking a healthy, passion-filled life. All the motivation and practical advice you need to train for and finish a triathlon is within these pages. Four separate training programs to accommodate every fitness level A complete list of all the gear you need, with money-saving tips on how to get it for less A 40-minute stretch-and-strengthen workout you can do at home--plus an abbreviated 10-minute workout for those days when you're pressed for time A complete menu plan with delicious, healthy meal choices to fuel your active body Strategies to stay motivated and injury-proof your body Discounts on triathlon gear, race entry fees, travel expenses and lodging A minute-by-minute guide to your race day

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Fitness

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2003

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got me into triathlon shape in 6 weeks and cut 19 minutes off my previous time!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me. I've wanted to do a triathlon for a long time, but I didn't know how to start or what I needed to do. Plus, I'm kind of lazy. I signed up for a triathlon 6 weeks from when I picked up this book and started training. I am in the middle of week two. It's been super easy to fit into my schedule (I'm a teacher and have lots of free time). I would recommend this book for someone who wants to try a triathlon but doesn't know where to start. I would not recommend this book for an experienced triathlon (neither does the author, he recommended a book for people ready for the next step). That being said, one of the things I liked about this book is there are four different training plans, one for couch potatoes (that lasts 8 weeks), one for semi-active, one for pretty active (that's what I'm doing), and one for super athletes. If I decide I like doing triathlons, then I can just go to the next training level. This book is mainly for sprint triathlons, but he does note how you should change for an Olympic triathlon or a half-Ironman. Overall, it was a great resource that I picked up at a local used bookstore!

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were going to recommend ONE book for somebody thinking about completing their first triathlon, this would be it. It's a fast read and the training program is very accessible to people just starting out. Buy this book and only this book -- you have enough to think about with fitting training into your already busy life without reading books filled with technical details and scary amounts of advice. I used it for my first sprint triathlon, and it was perfect. That said, if you've already discovered triathlons, there are better books to take you to your next personal best.

[Andrw Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for preparing you for your first triathlon. This book is written in a conversational tone and walks you through the process of preparing for a triathlon. The author really assumes you are starting from nothing and goes through good details (more details than I needed) on how to prepare and do well.

He goes through the psychological aspects, how to deal with the fear of swimming in open water, how to pace yourself through the event, etc. that really helps you feel more comfortable with the process. This was the better of two books that my wife purchased for me to prep.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems to be a great guide for beginning triathletes. Harr details simple, clear information and instruction for a variety of skill levels, but I suspect most useful to beginners and novices, like I am. I plan to re-read specific sections when I am ready to begin training for a specific triathlon event. This was a great resource for providing general background knowledge and for making me believe that I will be able to train for and complete a triathlon!

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good first Triathlon book. Harr covers pretty much everything you need to know for your first race, but it is not too in-depth or complicated. While the title makes it seem almost easy, don't be fooled. It does take a bit of training to be ready for a Triathlon. A great read for a begining triathlete.

[Christy Keeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for those wishing to do their first triathlon, but quite simplistic for the experienced triathlete. I also question some of the book's recommendations. For example, Harr recommends either an ice bath or extremely hot bath following hard workouts/races. I've never read that hot water is beneficial for recovery.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm planning on completing my sprint first triathlon in April so I'm doing some reading up to prepare for it! Anyone want to join me?? I highly recommend reading Slow, Fat Triathlete first (even if you are not slow or fat! It makes the triathlon totally approachable for real human beings)!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a complete beginner to the sport, this book was very helpful in training for a triathlon. I haven't raced yet so I guess we'll see. I liked how he provided different workouts for different skill levels. For a little higher skill level it's not a program you can do in four hours a week.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used and continue to use this book on a daily basis. Great for the beginner looking to enter into the sport of Triathlons. The book outlines how to COMPLETE a race, NOT how to COMPETE in the race!

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the best I have come across for the beginner triathlete. It's simple, easy to understand, yet inspiring. I developed my training plans for my first race from this book.

[Nettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well rounded book explaining how to train for a triathlon. This book is perfect for the beginner and intermediate triathlete.

[Jim Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information, most of it helpful, some of it based on weirdness. I'm sure it will be a good resource when I finally get around to trying for a triathlon...

[Levi Cress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book I read on triathlon. I bought it to train for my first race. I was a really good book for getting into the sport.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

a great resource for training for a triathlon. it helped me be ready physically and mentally.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for beginners with little time to train....