What do you think?
Rate this book
Be IronFit: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness
The third edition of the best Ironman triathlon training book in the market, this updated volume contains time-efficient training methods that have been honed over the years and have been proved to aid anyone in achieving their athletic dreams—from beginners to experienced competitors. This edition contains all new training plans, new swim sessions, new athlete profiles, and state-of-the-art flexibility and core strength regimens. Be Iron Fit contains:
* The essential workouts with exercise photography * The training cycle * Core training * 30-week training programs * Effective time management * The principle of gradual adaptation * Effective heart-rate training * Proper technique * Equipment tips * Race and pre-race strategies * Mental training * Effective goal setting and race selection * Nutrition * And much more.
* The essential workouts with exercise photography * The training cycle * Core training * 30-week training programs * Effective time management * The principle of gradual adaptation * Effective heart-rate training * Proper technique * Equipment tips * Race and pre-race strategies * Mental training * Effective goal setting and race selection * Nutrition * And much more.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
170 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 24, 2022
Really helpful and looking forward to getting stuck into it! And referring back to this for comfort/motivation most likely 😇
August 21, 2012
While I am not actually following the Fink plan, I did find this book helpful. It really makes the idea of training for an Ironman seem reasonable (even though as I read that sentence I think--nothing about training for an Ironman seems remotely reasonable). It is easy to follow and has some great tips. I thought the information about what skills to focus on in each of the sports was particularly helpful. I would recommend it to anyone who is not a professional athlete and interested in training for an Ironman.
December 28, 2016
Makes a lot of sense
I've heard lots of people both rave about this book and complain that HR based training makes it feel slow. So I was very interested to see how they sold the HR training side. I now see what they are saying and understand. It seems like a good idea to me. Will see how it goes over the coming months.
I've heard lots of people both rave about this book and complain that HR based training makes it feel slow. So I was very interested to see how they sold the HR training side. I now see what they are saying and understand. It seems like a good idea to me. Will see how it goes over the coming months.
December 10, 2019
A lot of good information in here! I've completed to IRONMAN triathlons with no organized training, just making up workouts that I *think* I should be doing. Ha! If I'm going to be spending all this time and money on racing, maybe I should train smarter? Bingo!
This book teaches exactly that. It teaches how to train more efficiently to achieve great results. Some of the lessons that I've put to immediate use are:
1) Training based on time, not distance. This would apply to biking and running, but my biking right now is on the trainer, using software, and the workout intervals are based on time, so I'm already getting this one right, but I'll have to remember for when I start riding outdoors again, on my *new* bike. For running, I've definitely been going by time, not distance now.
2) Heart rate zone training. Again, definitely been using this for running. After having calculated my heart rate zones more-or-less accurately, I've been going out for time-based Zone 2 runs, and they are so slow! Hello, ten-minute miles! I know I have to just trust the process and I will get better eventually as my body becomes more efficient.
3) Swim workouts. I've been following the specific swim workouts in the book, which are very interval-based, and I *hope* that they are making me stronger. Who knows? At any rate, they certainly can't be hurting, since my previous swim workouts were kind of just "do whatever I feel like", which wasn't all that successful.....
This is a book that is not just one-and-done. This is a book I'll keep on hand throughout my training for reference. There is a lot of useful information in here for successfully completing Iron-distance triathlons, and yes, I want to become someone who's maybe in the middle of the pack, instead of towards the end. I think that this book is key in getting me there!
This book teaches exactly that. It teaches how to train more efficiently to achieve great results. Some of the lessons that I've put to immediate use are:
1) Training based on time, not distance. This would apply to biking and running, but my biking right now is on the trainer, using software, and the workout intervals are based on time, so I'm already getting this one right, but I'll have to remember for when I start riding outdoors again, on my *new* bike. For running, I've definitely been going by time, not distance now.
2) Heart rate zone training. Again, definitely been using this for running. After having calculated my heart rate zones more-or-less accurately, I've been going out for time-based Zone 2 runs, and they are so slow! Hello, ten-minute miles! I know I have to just trust the process and I will get better eventually as my body becomes more efficient.
3) Swim workouts. I've been following the specific swim workouts in the book, which are very interval-based, and I *hope* that they are making me stronger. Who knows? At any rate, they certainly can't be hurting, since my previous swim workouts were kind of just "do whatever I feel like", which wasn't all that successful.....
This is a book that is not just one-and-done. This is a book I'll keep on hand throughout my training for reference. There is a lot of useful information in here for successfully completing Iron-distance triathlons, and yes, I want to become someone who's maybe in the middle of the pack, instead of towards the end. I think that this book is key in getting me there!
July 22, 2022
I believe this is a first sports book I've ever read in my life.
As I signed up for my first Ironman next year in Bolton I have no idea what I'm doing except running. Open water swimming and cycling is very new. I loved this book because it has everything you need for your training. I definitely understand more now and already started training in zones and time training as it's recommended in the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get into Triathlon.
As I signed up for my first Ironman next year in Bolton I have no idea what I'm doing except running. Open water swimming and cycling is very new. I loved this book because it has everything you need for your training. I definitely understand more now and already started training in zones and time training as it's recommended in the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get into Triathlon.
August 13, 2018
Great book to start your triathlon journey. I will be re-reading this a few times for sure. Lots of workout plans for different intensity levels. I’m not yet done gathering information from this book and I’m sure I won’t be for a long time.
Great explanations and achievable goals. Paperback book is around 280 pages with 100 of those pages dedicated to workout plans already drawn out.
Great explanations and achievable goals. Paperback book is around 280 pages with 100 of those pages dedicated to workout plans already drawn out.
October 6, 2022
A very good book for aspiring triathletes, no matter the current fitness level. This book acted as a second coach to me during my triathlon journey as I went from Olympic level to 70.3. Very specific, structured and guided tips and tricks along with a lot of stories coming from real experience makes this a must read for fitness enthusiasts.
October 26, 2025
This book will do its best to get you ready to race an Iron distance triathlon (full Ironman)
Very informative with a lot of resources available, with 3 different training plans for different goals and fitness levels.
I will get back on feedback for training once I get there!
Goal: Full Ironman Australia
Very informative with a lot of resources available, with 3 different training plans for different goals and fitness levels.
I will get back on feedback for training once I get there!
Goal: Full Ironman Australia
May 28, 2020
Great book and not at all a boring read! I really dived in and set up my training schedule by the day exactly like his was written out. It made me feel really confident that I could actually complete this race in the future
July 4, 2021
It's pretty good. I found the chapter on swimming a bit meh. It needed photos to get the ideas across. The case studies were mostly men and super repetitive and really a waste of pages. The useful bit is the actual plan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
Bought this book because I’m considering doing a half-iron man this year.
Really broke the whole process down simply and made the whole thing feel it a lot less daunting.
Will most likely follow the program.
Really broke the whole process down simply and made the whole thing feel it a lot less daunting.
Will most likely follow the program.
September 2, 2025
Really helpful to understand all that goes into Ironman training. The rationale behind the program is reasonable and takes the mystery out of training. Looking forward to updating this review after the program.
August 3, 2017
Can't imagine I actually picked up and read a sports-related book.
This book is super useful for me who is totally new to triathlon.
The game is on!
This book is super useful for me who is totally new to triathlon.
The game is on!
April 2, 2018
Enough to get me through an iron-distance race ;)
January 7, 2021
Great help with my training.
July 26, 2021
Sensational!! Easy to digest and so helpful.
November 2, 2022
Book read, plan developed… we’ll see how well it works in September.
January 6, 2023
Written more for someone that is attempting the IM distance
May 31, 2023
Excellent Training plans for Long Distance Triathlon. It works!
January 22, 2024
A true bible for triathlon beginners, but also for the ones who aim for the elite group.
December 28, 2024
Some good areas but a little odd at times
July 26, 2021
Must for Ironman beginners
August 19, 2024
good read!
I have been eyeing the iron distance triathlon for a while.
Did my first half Ironman a few months ago (trained alone, just reading posts from google) and I found this book to be a good eye opener.
Signed up for my next half and my full Ironman… wish me luck. 😃
I have been eyeing the iron distance triathlon for a while.
Did my first half Ironman a few months ago (trained alone, just reading posts from google) and I found this book to be a good eye opener.
Signed up for my next half and my full Ironman… wish me luck. 😃
June 14, 2014
For a long time I read triathlon training book to get some motivation to my training. The book I selected was Be Iron Fit, 2nd: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness by Don Fink.
From the start of the book it became obvious, that this wasn't a deep dive to the training science, but more of a practical guide to the training while being busy. It did go through every aspect of triathlon from techniques to nutrition, but it kept all of those in a high level. At least compared to Joe Friel's approach.
At some point I was disappointed and thought that book doesn't have much to give to me. I'm quite good life organizer, so I've always found the time to train. This book heroes the people who have been able to make ironman even with very busy schedules. I do respect everyone who have done ironman, but I don't respect busy people. So book annoyed me quite often.
It still was enjoyable book. It reminded about the basics of triathlon training. It also did give some good time management tips. About actual training for triathlon, it didn't have that much to give. It was more like a long motivational speech, that you can make it if you just want it.
If you want easy book to read as a first triathlon training guide, this a proper book. If you've already familiar with basic training, then I recommend you select a different book to read.
This review was originally published in my blog - here
From the start of the book it became obvious, that this wasn't a deep dive to the training science, but more of a practical guide to the training while being busy. It did go through every aspect of triathlon from techniques to nutrition, but it kept all of those in a high level. At least compared to Joe Friel's approach.
At some point I was disappointed and thought that book doesn't have much to give to me. I'm quite good life organizer, so I've always found the time to train. This book heroes the people who have been able to make ironman even with very busy schedules. I do respect everyone who have done ironman, but I don't respect busy people. So book annoyed me quite often.
It still was enjoyable book. It reminded about the basics of triathlon training. It also did give some good time management tips. About actual training for triathlon, it didn't have that much to give. It was more like a long motivational speech, that you can make it if you just want it.
If you want easy book to read as a first triathlon training guide, this a proper book. If you've already familiar with basic training, then I recommend you select a different book to read.
This review was originally published in my blog - here
December 26, 2017
A very comprehensive and detailed guide on how to go from mere mortal to Ironman. Absolutely every single aspect of the Iron competition is detailed here, but in a simple enough way that is impossible to get lost in the programs, tips and general advices. As the author says over and over again in the book, simplicity is the key.
The book is not only targeted to newbies in the multi-sport, but even seasoned and professional Ironmans will fin this guide very useful, and maybe give it a shot to the more advanced training programs to achieve better results.
The book is not only targeted to newbies in the multi-sport, but even seasoned and professional Ironmans will fin this guide very useful, and maybe give it a shot to the more advanced training programs to achieve better results.
January 12, 2025
I used this book ten years ago to train for my first Ironman. I finished the book and finished the Ironman. It is truly the perfect blend of inspiration and information (multiple levels of training schedules depending on your goals) for anyone dreaming of an Ironman. I'm not training for another Ironman, but I've missed the 'fitness level' achieved during those training days. This is the 'unique' bend of Fink's book. he sees training as a means to fitness...not just finishing an Ironman...and he does a wonderful job of affirming health as the primary purpose of our training.
February 10, 2016
A must read for those thinking about or preparing to participate in any Ironman event. Even if you have no interest in participating in such an event, the book can still provide you with beneficial information on health and training. If you are a busy person then this book will help you with time management when it comes to training. As a bonus, the book also contains advice from Ironman participants and as a result this book is a must buy for Ironman enthusiasts.
July 30, 2016
As author mentioned, this book is not meant to be "too technical" and it is indeed not very technical in nature. It reads more as general high-level tips and a guideline for training for an Ironman, with sample training schedules for a "Just Finish", "Intermediate", and "Competitive" triathlete. I came away from the book feeling like I gleaned a few new insights (e.g., most endurance athletes train at too high of a heart rate and do too much anaerobic training), but nothing too in depth.
June 28, 2024
Well written and an enjoyable read. Unfortunately for me, much of the book is (logically enough) specific to the full Ironman distance, whereas I am currently training for a half-distance Ironman. I'll definitely re-read it if and when it's time to start preparing for the full experience. It gave me a lot of respect for triathlon as a sport in general and reminded me how demanding it is. I felt a bit like you'd have to be a crazy person to sign up for what the book describes... 😬
April 12, 2008
This is my favorite triathlon training book. It's both informative AND inspiring. There are 3 30-week programs to choose from (just finish, intermediate and competitive). The intermediate will have you training for 10-15 hours/wk. That sounds like a lot, but somehow it will have you believing that the Ironman is accessible with its time management tips and VERY clear training programs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews