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Home > You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend Warriors Chased Their Dream of Finishing the World's Toughest Triathlon
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You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend Warriors Chased Their Dream of Finishing the World's Toughest Triathlon
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By Jacques Steinberg
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 (20 Reviews)
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List Price: $27.95
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Publisher:
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Viking Adult
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Date:
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December 31, 1969 |
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Binding:
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Hardcover
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Pages:
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304
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A New York Times bestselling author takes readers inside the Ironman triathlon. As he did so masterfully in his New York Times bestseller, The Gatekeepers, Jacques Steinberg creates a compelling portrait of people obsessed with reaching a life-defining goal. In this instance, the target is an Ironman triathlon-a 2.4-mile open-water swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride, then finally a 26-mile marathon run, all of which must be completed in no more than seventeen hours. Steinberg focuses not on the professionals who live off the prize money and sponsorships but on a handful of triathletes who regard the sport as a hobby. Vividly capturing the grueling preparation, the suspense of completing each event of the triathlon, and the spectacular feats of human endurance, Steinberg plumbs the physical and emotional toll as well as the psychological payoff on the participants of the Ford Ironman Arizona 2009. His You Are an Ironman is both a riveting sports narrative and a fascinating, behind-the scenes study of what makes these athletes keep going..
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Customers' Reviews:
Add Your Own Review |
 Tribute to the Weekend Warrior ..., September 30, 2011
By GeezerJock (Fairfax, VA)
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The book's title derives from the finish line of many triathlons where (I understand - I've never competed in one), the race official gets on the microphone, announces your name as you approach the finish tape and yells, "XXXX IS AN IRONMAN!!"
Those who juggle the demands of work, family and car repair bills have a daunting challenge in trying to fit into their schedules the time needed to adequately train for an Ironman triathlon. That is because of the sheer physical demands of the event itself. Although there are variations of triathlons ranging from sprint distances to the granddaddy, Ironman triathlons are defined by a 2.1 mile swim followed immediately by a 112 mile bike ride, followed immediately by a standard 26.2 mile marathon.
In order to train to have a realistic shot at completing this within the required time, you have to devote hours per day for many months leading up to the event. It takes tremendous physical and mental discipline and a sense of sacrifice, including financial sacrifice in order to adequately prepare.
Although some TV sporting events will televise top-tier triathlons and try athletes, what sets it apart this book by Jacques Steinberg is the focus on a handful of regular Joe's, so-called age-groupers and amateurs who had been bitten by the bug to take on the physical challenge and lifestyle of a triathlete in training. Steinberg follows these individuals in their struggles as they pursue their training and juggle various life demands while trying to fit in the requisite chunks of common needed to adequately prepare.
It is an inspiring story.
Nevertheless, you can't help but wonder whether the price paid is worth it. One cannot seem to have much of a semblance of a balanced life in training for a triathlon.
Let me add that I am not "knocking" anyone who tries this or who successfully pulls it off. I just wonder if it is realistic to live some semblance of a balanced life while pursuing this goal. It seems to me that something's got to give. What will that be?
Steinberg focuses on six different age-grouper athletes. For me at least, it was hard keeping them all straight and differentiated. The training stories and travails began to run together. It might have helped to have pictures earlier in the book of each person profiled. Instead, these are saved for the final chapter. Tracking the story of six endurance athletes simultaneously I found challenging as a reader, trying to keep the narrative threads separate. This is a minor quibble, though.
Even if you are not an endurance athlete, the stories of the individuals in "You Are an Ironman" may resonate and inspire you in your own "ironman triathlon of life."
7 of 17 people found this review helpful
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holds your interest every minute, September 25, 2011
By Ron Caplain (Swansea, MA United States)
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i read this book in two days- could not put it down- it captured my imagination- especially for one who always wanted to do an ironman but never did- this book was my fantasy- ron caplain
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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Life Changing Experience, October 10, 2011
By Gayle Salinger
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When I first saw this book I thought it would be one of those run of the mill human interest stories. As it turns out , "You Are An Ironman" offers a unique insight into the lives of Iron men and women who achieved a seemingly unascertainable goal. A fast paced read that inspires one to achieve one's own goals! Don't miss this experience.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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Truely inspirational, October 10, 2011
By mike G Derry, NH
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I started my triathlon journey two years ago and since have completed 9 sprints and one international length tri. My 3 year goal is to complete a half ironman in 2012. Recently, my wife bought me your book and I have a new perspective that I can do a full IM. Thanks to the inspirational stories of those who completed IMAZ, I have re-set my goals. I know that I am capable of more and I just needed a little push. In 2013(after planning to volunteer for 2012), I will plan to compete in IMFlorida. Further, I will raise funds for cancer research through the JanusFund in memory of my dad. I will also be documenting my journey with a blog (another great idea I will copy).Jacques, thank you for writing this story and inspiring me and thanks to those who allowed thier lives to be followed so closely.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Awesome!, November 19, 2011
By Peter J. Iccabazzi
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You don't need to be a triathlete to love this book. There are so many life lessons in here and the individuals Jacques writes about are every-day common people with a dream. What they go through, sacrifice and what these people learn are the things that we all can learn from.
As a triathlete myself this book hits home for me. I understand the struggles that they all go through in preparing for what is the worlds toughest triathlon. But Ironman is more than a physical exercise. It's about mental toughness as well and what you do to prepare for that day, and what you will find on that day.
"There is no can't in Ironman."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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incredibly inspirational, November 18, 2011
By trigal
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I just started triathlon this past year and with a few races under my belt I already wanted to dream big about being able to do an ironman someday yet it seemed impossible. I feel different now. These are everyday normal people like me and you who made it happen and they share the struggles and the victory. It was a quick read for me as I looked forward to it every night before bed. It has helped me "dream big" and now an ironman is in my 2 year plan. Also, some of these characters started out with no training (ie they start the story when they were overweight to show how far they have come ).
Really a great job!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Read this book if you want to be inspired, November 3, 2011
By Heather S.
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I LOVED this book! It's a real page-turner, full of excitement, drama, and - most of all - inspiration. The author's writing style is so engaging; I was immediately drawn in to the amazing stories of the 6 athletes he featured. I found myself rooting for each of them!
Whether you're a triathlete or not, this book will inspire you. I've already added this book to my holiday shopping list for family and friends!
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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Ironman - very motivating, November 1, 2011
By ms in ny
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Great storytelling with easy flowing narrative that I read through in a few sittings- won't bog you down. I love the concept how the author started with 6 racers at the BEGINNING and followed them through their journey not knowing in advance if there would be completed races, injuries, disappointments etc of which there are. This is much more genuine than if he started with dramatic and or famous finishers and worked backwards. We all love a sports drama story like "Miracle on Ice" but that began with a known fairy tale conclusion and then retold and usually with some Hollywood dramatic effect---here in Ironman it's genuine, at times raw using blogs of the racers but that makes it so interesting with the author not always using his voice for theirs- we really get to hear their voice- read their minds- and that is what make this motivating- it's the everyone can do it - average joe or jane type of normal guy/gal story that completely demystifies the whole Ironman for me- growing up watching Wide World of Sports and Ironman HI you thought these are gods and I could never attempt-now I see how within reach it is for me & others like me. Anybody interested in sports will not be disappointed. Anybody interested in setting a goal and achieving it whether in sports, business, or otherwise will get a good you-can-do-it uplift from this book.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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He nails it!, October 29, 2011
By monster_maniac
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Having embraced the triathlon lifestyle, I loved this book and the great human interest stories that draw such a diverse group of people. Finished this in noontime and thought of it and the athletes profiled when I did my first ironman this year. Great storytelling for the triathlete or curious.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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A book of inspiration ..., October 24, 2011
By Greg (Barrington, IL, US)
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If you have ever wanted to complete an Iron Distance race, but have had serious doubts, then this book is for you. It's hard, and not everyone can complete it, but this book shows you just what ordinary people go through in order to fullfill a dream ... I loved reading it, and I will be doing my Iron Distance race next year in 2012.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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inspiring, October 18, 2011
By c.leon
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I have always truly enjoyed reading Jacques Steinberg's work. However this time he outdid himself. I was so wrapped up in the passion and the process, that the outcome ended up being quite secondary. So now we have gone from navigating university admissions to ironman competitions. The only question left Jacques, is where will you take us next?
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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You are an Ironman, October 17, 2011
By Daniel
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Very compelling stories and journeys of six amazing people during their quest to become IRON people. Fun to follow their experiences of average everyday people not settling for anything less than than true greatness. Totally awe inpiring. If reading this book doesn't get you off the couch and try something new, nothing will. A true testiment that anything is possible. Following six people can be a little daunting with the chosen written format, but still worth every bit of effort it takes to do it. A must read for anyone wanting a first hand look at the behind the scenes action that starts way before the cannon shot on race day is even fired. If you like this book, check out Heart of Iron by Kyle Garlett, it too is the story of an amazing journey in the world of triathlon.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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You Did It!!, October 11, 2011
By M. Johnson
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Whew! I have just completed YOU ARE AN IRONMAN written by Jacques Steinberg and purchaed from Amazon. I can honestly say...I need a nap!! I have never, nor do I ever intend to participate in an Ironman triathlon, but I found this book to be an entertaining and heartfelt read, even for a non-athlete such as I. The author does an excellent job explaining the preparations and training that must occur months before the event, causing me to be completly worn out! Mr. Steinberg successfully integrates the stories of the six weekend warriors together, rather than designating each individual to a separate chapter, thus allowing the reader to become aware of each triathlete's stenghths and weaknesses when compared with each other. I highly recommend YOU ARE AN IRONMAN to anyone --triathlete or not--who enjoys an excellent book (and a good nap when finished).
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 Coffee For The Brain Book Reviews, October 17, 2011
By Coffeechug (Iowa)
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I just completed my first marathon and have been thinking about entering the world of triathlons. This big goal of mine is the Ironman despite the fact I don't currently own a bike and can barely swim. I have started to read up on the sport and while at my library I came across this book.
This book was just what I needed. It follows the journey of six normal people who all have obstacles and challenges of their own. Through reading their journey of committing to the race, training, and finally getting to race day, the reader is able to catch a glimpse into the busy lives of those who train. I walked away from the book with a sense of appreciation for families, loved ones, and the dedication of the human spirit when pushed to the limits.
I really found this to be the perfect read at the perfect time. As I contemplate this sport I need reminders that when you believe in yourself anything is possible. These are all amazing people in this book. However, at the end of the day they are regular people with regular lives of jobs, marriage, kids, and all the chaos that life brings us.
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Lost 5 pounds just reading this awesome book!, December 27, 2011
By buzs (ny, ny)
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I was so caught up in the story of the indomitable efforts by average people to train for and complete an Ironman that the pounds practically melted off me during the week I spent reading the book. This is Pulitzer-prize- deserving journalism by a world-class reporter who uncovered a gripping story. I had always assumed that Ironman participants were chiefly in their 20s and natural-born athletes who were current or recently- graduated college track stars . It was a total suprise to learn that Ironman finishers include ordinary people who started their athletic careers in middle age while balancing parenting and professional responsibilities and went on to pull off super-human feats of athletic performance and endurance. This is the best kind of self-help book, since these were illustrations of true stories, not simply exhortations to go try to improve yourself. The suspense of who would or wouldn't finish as we follow their year-long journeys to prepare for the Arizona Ironman race had no Hollywood scripting, which made it real and relatable. The author deserves his own Ironman journalistic medal for finding and reporting such rewarding stories, filled with the year-long contemporaneous accounts from the blog posts and interviews of the several individuals he tracked without knowing which ones would eventually be noteworthy. Reading this book is one of the most healthy things you can do while lying in bed before going to sleep, as you will wake up determined to exercize and eat properly.
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Enjoyed and inspired by You Are An Ironman, December 25, 2011
By Ralph L. Edwards
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My sons beginning their triathlon endeavors inspired me to dip my own toes into this challenge,or challenges as this sport has several disciplines which led me to this book. I give it four stars only because the timing jumps around as to how the individuals pace their training and pacing. I would have maxed out the rating if it had been somewhat clearer in this chronology,because it is very inspiring to someone facing the internal individual goals of,well,life. And all that it entails. It is an excellent manual to one who wants to pursue this "sport" and provides wonderful insight of the aches and pains and the victorys and wins and triumphs,too.
Excellent,excellent book. It is an ironman of a book!
Cheers,
Ralph Edwards
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every triathlete should read this book, November 8, 2011
By dmorrow6
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Without question the greatest race ever run. The book includes the history of Triathlon and includes a section on Julie Moss, famous for crawling across the finish line in the 1982 race on Wide World of Sports. A must read for triathletes.
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ironman, November 3, 2011
By Sharon L. Blok
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Hard to put down, very inspiring. Easy reading. Ironman Ariona ladies must read. Once in a lifetime deams come true.
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Great book. Easy to read., February 29, 2012
By Patrick Newton (Seattle, WA)
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Training for my first Ironman. This book takes you through other athletes going through similar circumstances. Great writing as well.
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Awesomely Inspiring!, February 28, 2012
By mcook
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My wife (who completed her first triathlon last Fall) raved about this book after reading it, and encouraged me to read it as well. Even though I had a pretty good idea of how things would turn out, I couldn't put it down. It was really interesting to read how each person approached their goal, and the challenges they faced. I was never athletic growing up, and I've only recently gotten into running, but after reading the stories in this book I'm proud to say I'm now training for my first triathlon!
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