What do you think?
Rate this book
Iron Sharpens Iron
The past sticks to us like pine sap.
In small Adirondack towns like Lake Placid, people remember the things you wish they would forget. Colden MacIntyre will always be the son of the guy who went crazy. But Colden believes he can scrape off that pine sap past by doing something extraordinary, something that makes his friends and family wonder if maybe he’s gone a little crazy too.
In a place known for historic sporting events, Colden sets his sights on the most famous race in town, a long-distance triathlon usually won by elite racers from around the world.
For most of his life, Colden and his friends have cooked for the tourists, cleaned their toilets, chopped their wood and shoveled their snow. People from out of town own the biggest houses on the best spots on the lakes. But not everything in Lake Placid is for sale. Some things can only be earned through sweat and sacrifice. Maybe Colden’s clean slate can be found with a 140.6-mile gauntlet and some help from his friends.
In small Adirondack towns like Lake Placid, people remember the things you wish they would forget. Colden MacIntyre will always be the son of the guy who went crazy. But Colden believes he can scrape off that pine sap past by doing something extraordinary, something that makes his friends and family wonder if maybe he’s gone a little crazy too.
In a place known for historic sporting events, Colden sets his sights on the most famous race in town, a long-distance triathlon usually won by elite racers from around the world.
For most of his life, Colden and his friends have cooked for the tourists, cleaned their toilets, chopped their wood and shoveled their snow. People from out of town own the biggest houses on the best spots on the lakes. But not everything in Lake Placid is for sale. Some things can only be earned through sweat and sacrifice. Maybe Colden’s clean slate can be found with a 140.6-mile gauntlet and some help from his friends.
Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
60 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 12, 2021
Iron Sharpens Iron takes readers on a satisfying romp through the Adirondacks as Colden works through his issues by training for a long-distance triathlon. Funny, smart and sensitive, the book's well-drawn characters travel from Main Street in Lake Placid to deep into the High Peaks wilderness as Colden tries to shed his past and find a new, brighter future. It's a paean to the restorative power of nature and the redemption found in community.
February 17, 2021
It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s first novel. The characters are believable, and this reader bonded with them immediately. The story line is interesting, and the drama compelling. There are none of the glaring flaws one might expect from a first publication, no disconnects in development, no awkward phrasing, no rush to pull all the pieces into a neat package. In short, it was a delightful read from beginning to end.
April 11, 2021
A friend recommended his book to me, and I admit that I was a bit dubious about reading it. I'm not into sports, and I wasn't sure that an author would be able to write about sports in a way that would hold my interest. But, I love the Adirondacks, and I wanted to be a good friend, so I dove in. I was pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed the setting, of course, and was glad to find the plot and characters appealing. I was happy also to find that the training scenes actually intrigued me the most. I'm recommending this book to a couple cyclists I know!
February 22, 2021
The author’s story about a young man with a tragic past and his effort to find meaning in his life is a testament to facing your fears and becoming the person you want to be. Colden, the main protagonist, is born and raised in a small community in the Adirondack Mountains called Lake Placid. Lake Placid is famous for it’s yearly Ironman Triathlon. Terns uses this magnificent area as the setting for his story. Lake Placid and the terrain of the Adirondack Mountains becomes a parallel main character for Colden. As a townie in Lake Placid he has a long and passionate connection with hiking and biking. Colden loves the outdoors, being connected to this one place becomes a “living, breathing being,” helping him to journey through his grief and create his story.
Locals in the Adirondack Mountains are in for a real treat. To be able to follow his journey through the mountain trails adds an intimacy readers like me missed. But I still felt the obsessive bogeyman Colden felt during all those painful months of training, not just to be in, but to win, the Ironman Triathlon. His passion, determination and longing to accomplish this prize is thrilling. The odds of him winning were extremely challenging without coaches driving him, sponsor deals, or training in Olympic centers. Colden also had a full time, demanding job, as a cook for a local restaurant in Lake Placid.
But Colden had another source of strength few who journey to Lake Placid for the Ironman Triathlon had. He had lifelong friends and the support of local folks he grew up with, went to school with, worked beside and loved/hated his whole life. He also had the compulsive “invisible man” driving him to accomplish his goal. This manic drive came from deep within Colden - a need to win the Ironman. This purpose gave him clarity. His clarity, driven by self meditations through hiking and riding the Adirondack trails, is where he found his purpose for life. This combination of strength and companionship gave him the motivation to handle the toll training took on his body, the time commitment it demanded, and the high anxiety he felt all the way up to the finish line.
I’d also like to mention the sophistication of the author’s dialogue in the book. Terns revealed his supporting cast of characters through dialogue. It helped to set the mood for how Colden was feeling and the different relationships he had with each character. His dialogue with his family and friends enhanced the story so much. Terns brought humor, tension and whatever mood he was trying to create through his conversations with the characters. Each character had his own unique way of speaking. He captured the forceful and deliberate speech of his friend Rab. Terns’ dialogue caught the love and razor-edge jabs between Colden and his Aunt Jackie. Through his dialogue we learned about his grade school friend Steven Hadley who was an idiot when drunk and a genius when sober. Terns revealed the self-depreciating humor of his main character, Colden, and the changes in attitude of the acerbic speaking Forrest Hadley, from suspicion to one of pride and support for Colden. Colden’s girlfriend Jen provided charming and tender support for Colden that connected with me.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because I not only learned about the energy and hard work required to participate in a triathlon such as the Ironman, but also the hidden treasure chest of the Adirondack Mountains. My husband and I are motivated by this book to travel to the Adirondacks this summer. This book moved along like a really good movie for me - one I can visualize watching someday on the “Big Screen”. It was fun, humorous, informative, heartbreakingly emotional at times, meditative and an inspiring read. The ending was not Colden’s destination, but his lovely transformative journey. Great read!
Locals in the Adirondack Mountains are in for a real treat. To be able to follow his journey through the mountain trails adds an intimacy readers like me missed. But I still felt the obsessive bogeyman Colden felt during all those painful months of training, not just to be in, but to win, the Ironman Triathlon. His passion, determination and longing to accomplish this prize is thrilling. The odds of him winning were extremely challenging without coaches driving him, sponsor deals, or training in Olympic centers. Colden also had a full time, demanding job, as a cook for a local restaurant in Lake Placid.
But Colden had another source of strength few who journey to Lake Placid for the Ironman Triathlon had. He had lifelong friends and the support of local folks he grew up with, went to school with, worked beside and loved/hated his whole life. He also had the compulsive “invisible man” driving him to accomplish his goal. This manic drive came from deep within Colden - a need to win the Ironman. This purpose gave him clarity. His clarity, driven by self meditations through hiking and riding the Adirondack trails, is where he found his purpose for life. This combination of strength and companionship gave him the motivation to handle the toll training took on his body, the time commitment it demanded, and the high anxiety he felt all the way up to the finish line.
I’d also like to mention the sophistication of the author’s dialogue in the book. Terns revealed his supporting cast of characters through dialogue. It helped to set the mood for how Colden was feeling and the different relationships he had with each character. His dialogue with his family and friends enhanced the story so much. Terns brought humor, tension and whatever mood he was trying to create through his conversations with the characters. Each character had his own unique way of speaking. He captured the forceful and deliberate speech of his friend Rab. Terns’ dialogue caught the love and razor-edge jabs between Colden and his Aunt Jackie. Through his dialogue we learned about his grade school friend Steven Hadley who was an idiot when drunk and a genius when sober. Terns revealed the self-depreciating humor of his main character, Colden, and the changes in attitude of the acerbic speaking Forrest Hadley, from suspicion to one of pride and support for Colden. Colden’s girlfriend Jen provided charming and tender support for Colden that connected with me.
I gave this book a 5 star rating because I not only learned about the energy and hard work required to participate in a triathlon such as the Ironman, but also the hidden treasure chest of the Adirondack Mountains. My husband and I are motivated by this book to travel to the Adirondacks this summer. This book moved along like a really good movie for me - one I can visualize watching someday on the “Big Screen”. It was fun, humorous, informative, heartbreakingly emotional at times, meditative and an inspiring read. The ending was not Colden’s destination, but his lovely transformative journey. Great read!
March 6, 2021
I haven’t been reading many novels lately, but this one got my attention, being written by fellow 46er and Times Union outdoors columnist Herb Terns. It’s about a native Adirondacker who aspires to win the ultra-competitive Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon, which is typically won by non-locals. It was a real page turner! There are many places mentioned that will be familiar with Adirondack hikers and adventurers. Highly recommended!
March 11, 2021
I found this book a delightful read. Set in Lake Placid, New York, it is a tale of one man’s preparation and training for the Adirondack Ironman triathlon-the nation’s hilliest. If you know the region you can appreciate the details of the quest to not just complete the race but to win it. The characters of the friends who band together to help and encourage the the effort are so carefully drawn that by the book’s end you feel that you have known them for years.
Personally my experience of the region centers on fly fishing which is not mentioned. But the beauty of the area and the folks who live there is evident on every page.
Personally my experience of the region centers on fly fishing which is not mentioned. But the beauty of the area and the folks who live there is evident on every page.
Read
March 9, 2021Great Story. The reader will find it impossible to not root for Colden and live the craziness of training for a triathlon. Herb takes the reader to the Adirondacks and keeps you turning pages.
May 23, 2021
I was quite surprised to get into this book and realize that it is not simply a sports story. It is a story about finding the best in yourself, and truly working at bringing that best self forward. Col is a young man, likeable, hardworking, and carrying some heavy baggage. I was rooting for him from the start, and still at the end. Other characters are interesting and multidimensional. A great read!
March 29, 2021
I purchased Herb's book because I'm a fan of his outdoors column in the "Times Union". Although the closest I'll ever get to the Ironman race is as a cheering spectator, I found this book very enjoyable. Set in Lake Placid, NY, it is a pleasure to explore the Adirondacks with the main character, Colden. I found myself alternating between, "I've been there!", to "I've got to see that someday!" The storyline is very compelling and the characters are likable. I found myself wanting to spend more time with Rab, Ratio, and the crew. I was actually sad to finish it, which is always a sign of a good ready. Highly recommended!
October 31, 2022
Determination. Dedication. Energetic. Disciplined. Strategic. Crazy. Exhausting. These are all words that I would use to describe Iron Sharpens Iron by Herb Terns.
Iron Sharpens Iron is the journey of Colden MacIntyre after he runs his first Ironman race in his hometown of Lake Placid. Colden lost his mother to a car accident and his father is not well and living in a facility. Colden has a group of close friends, his aunt Jackie and uncle Lincoln and a great job running The Derby restaurant. Unfortunately after running the Ironman race he loses his father and feels like his life has no meaning so he comes up with a great plan….he’s going to train for and win the Ironman race.
It becomes clear pretty quickly that Colden cannot do it on his own so his friends rally alongside him….and when I say alongside I mean alongside. His close friends Ratio, Rad and Jen can be seen riding or running along side Colden as he trains. And the rest of his close friends and family help in whatever way they can.
Reader will love the relationships and friendships in this book. You cannot help but find yourself rooting for Colden to accomplish his goal and find what it is he is looking for and lacking in his life. Iron Sharpens Iron is a very motivating story. After reading what Colden deals with in his training, it will make readers want to accomplish a goal they may have been putting off. Readers will be captivated when readers this story and come race day, you will be on the edge of your seat reading to see if Colden wins the race.
Iron Sharpens Iron is the journey of Colden MacIntyre after he runs his first Ironman race in his hometown of Lake Placid. Colden lost his mother to a car accident and his father is not well and living in a facility. Colden has a group of close friends, his aunt Jackie and uncle Lincoln and a great job running The Derby restaurant. Unfortunately after running the Ironman race he loses his father and feels like his life has no meaning so he comes up with a great plan….he’s going to train for and win the Ironman race.
It becomes clear pretty quickly that Colden cannot do it on his own so his friends rally alongside him….and when I say alongside I mean alongside. His close friends Ratio, Rad and Jen can be seen riding or running along side Colden as he trains. And the rest of his close friends and family help in whatever way they can.
Reader will love the relationships and friendships in this book. You cannot help but find yourself rooting for Colden to accomplish his goal and find what it is he is looking for and lacking in his life. Iron Sharpens Iron is a very motivating story. After reading what Colden deals with in his training, it will make readers want to accomplish a goal they may have been putting off. Readers will be captivated when readers this story and come race day, you will be on the edge of your seat reading to see if Colden wins the race.
August 26, 2023
This absolutely has to be one of my new favorite books. I was up in lake placid visiting family and picked this book up to read during our time at our cabin in Tupper. It also turns out it was the weekend of the yearly iron man I picked it up! I’m definitely more of a romance novel reader so I wasn’t sure if i was going to like this book, but I loved it. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read.
March 11, 2024
Picked this one up over Christmas in Lake Placid, and loved getting to read a story that took place there. It was fun to be familiar with places described in the book.
I’m a sucker for triathlons, so this book was definitely up my ally.
Makes you realize HOW crazy completing an Ironman is … 😯 Go Colden!!
P.S. Haven’t read a book with this writing style before - was maybe hard to follow at some points
I’m a sucker for triathlons, so this book was definitely up my ally.
Makes you realize HOW crazy completing an Ironman is … 😯 Go Colden!!
P.S. Haven’t read a book with this writing style before - was maybe hard to follow at some points
October 1, 2021
Colden is a Lake Placid resident who decides to tackle the LP ironman after family tragedy. Despite the long odds his friends help him train. This is a novel of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. I often hike in the ADKs so recognize a lot of the places which probably added to the story. I really enjoyed this book
December 2, 2021
This is a splendid read. A very different story. Great dialogue. It's a story about a guy you can care about, rather than the cliche bad guy you're forced to like. Biking in the mountains, hiking in the mountains, pining for a particular woman. An honest and motivating story about someone who is haunted by what he has lost and fights to be found again.
August 19, 2022
Very enjoyable novel, showing the power of friends and family who believe in you and support your dream. Having it set in a familiar locale gave it an extra special aspect. And it gave me insight into the training and experience of doing the Ironman, which I’d experienced watching my niece complete it a few years ago. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the Adirondacks.
May 26, 2021
Incredibly well written, felt like I was on Coldens journey with him. Would highly recommend to anyone.
January 18, 2023
I run marathons and ultra-marathons on a regular basis, so I am very familiar with how much time it takes in training, just to be semi-competitive at even smaller local races. (that's just running only) Knowing it takes that much time for an average guy like me to just finish these races, I am always in awe of how much time it must take to train all three disciplines just to be able to finish an Iron Man event. I love reading books like this, they inspire me.
This book also had some other themes and story lines and characters that could have been books by themselves, so a lot was covered in 400 pages. You have to suspend disbelief just a little to get through this one if you are or have been a competitive athlete in your lifetime, but it's still a very good story and Colden is definitely someone you find yourself rooting for throughout the book.
After all the build up, I wish the he had gone into more detail and drama during the final race sequence, it seemed like it went by too quickly. He could have easily dedicated 50 more pages to this and I would have gobbled it up.
Still a great book though, right up my alley.
This book also had some other themes and story lines and characters that could have been books by themselves, so a lot was covered in 400 pages. You have to suspend disbelief just a little to get through this one if you are or have been a competitive athlete in your lifetime, but it's still a very good story and Colden is definitely someone you find yourself rooting for throughout the book.
After all the build up, I wish the he had gone into more detail and drama during the final race sequence, it seemed like it went by too quickly. He could have easily dedicated 50 more pages to this and I would have gobbled it up.
Still a great book though, right up my alley.
September 28, 2024
I love books when I can connect to them. This book is placed in Lake Placid, about a local athlete and his training for the Ironman. The author brings in the peaks, local resultants, and street names which I thought was a lot of fun- not to mention I got this book at a local bookstore when I ran the Lake Placid marathon.
The dedication and description of training is accurate. I would reread this book.
The dedication and description of training is accurate. I would reread this book.
October 18, 2022
236 pages of running, biking, and swimming. 40 pages of storyline. Whyyyyyy did I waste so much time reading this book?!?!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews