Training Plans for Multisport Athletes: Your Essential Guide to Triathlon, Duathlon, Xterra, Ironman & Endurance Racing

If you're looking for a scientifically-proven collection of training schedules for the sports listed on the cover than this is the book for you. This quickly covers the theory behind effective training and then presents a number of training schedules based on your sport and time available. My first Ironman training schedule I got off the web and although it worked I was never quite sure of the purpose of each day's exercise, how it fit into the schedule for the week, and how that week fit into the overall plan and although I finished I was not happy with the results. Gale's training programs are scientifically proven and you'll understand what each session is for and why you're doing it.Another thing I liked is she addresses a lot of common questions athletes in training have, such as "If I skip a day do I make it up and how? How can I insert a race into my training schedule?" and others. She also addresses nutrition with actual formulas that you can use to calculate how many carbs, protein and fats you should consume everyday and immediately after exercise for optimal performance and recovery.I was not used to workout codes (example "Swim 1:00 E(FORM)") which took some getting used to, and there are explanations in both the front and the back of the book so it requires some thumbing through while getting used to it, but as you ramp up on the syntax all that goes away. Not a big deal but I think it could have been consolidated better.Also - if you are a triathlete I would highly recommend getting her companion book Workouts In A Binder for swimming. The swim workouts in the book are almost non-existent and the Binder is basically a must have. Although I think the book itself should include more workout routines for swimming I would have bought the Binder anyway; it has a lot of different workouts that keep swimming challenging and fun and its waterproof so you can keep it with you in the pool.(I also got the water/sweat-proof Workout In a Binders for indoor cycling by Friel and Run Workouts by Bobby McGee to compliment this book. In terms of "meshing" with Gale's book the cycling binder works well but the running does not. The running book is fine by itself for running but I could not "make it fit in" for triathlon training.)Overall I love this book and paired up with the Swim and Indoor Cycling binders they are now my IM training bible.

This book was really the foundation for my training for a recent 1/2 ironman triathlon. I'm a casual athlete and this book gave me all the information needed to step up to the next level and do better than I ever imagined possible. It has relatively brief sections on nutrition, how to train (levels of exercise and such), weight training, specific run, bike, and swim workout, stretching, and a good section on how to modify the plans in the book, but the bulk of the book is training plans for various levels of athlete's for specific goals - everything from a first sprint triathlon to a competitive ironman, with plans for duathlons and other types of multisport athlets. I followed a 13 week plan for a 1/2 ironman and, even never having done a triathlon before, exceeded all expectations with this plan. Don't get me wrong - it wasn't by any means easy, and for almost all of the 13 weeks my body was feeling a bit beat up, but come race day I performed better than I had in any of my training workouts. I can't recommend this book enough.The book does stay at a fairly high level. It takes more of the "trust me this will work" approach. If you're interested in the theory behind the book or want to spend time developing a HIGHLY tailored plan, I would recommend Joe Friel's Triathlete's Training Bible ... , but for most people this is too much information. Both books are based on the same training methodology and the authors work closely together.The one thing that this book doesn't cover that many triathlete's need help with is how to swim correctly and easily. For this I would recommend one of Terry Laughlin's books ... . Spend a couple months doing his drill progression and swimming will be the least of your concerns in a triathlon.In short, this is a phenomenal traing tool that will help all levels of athletes reach their and exceed their goals in a large variety of multisport events.

This excellent book offers a training plan for everyone - the novice, the Ironman (or half-ironman) competitor, the sprinter, the Olymic distance specialist, and the "I like to do triathlons in the summer, but I also play volleyball, racquetball and softball" athlete. The training plans are easy to follow and can be modified to suit one's personal schedule. One unique feature is the treadmill workouts in the appendix. I've done 2 of them and have noticed an improvement in my running. These workouts are tough and great for any triathlete who has to occasionally train indoors. Best of all, they're not boring. I used to dread my treadmill workouts, but now I actually look forward to the challenge. I also liked the section for beginners. Several friends have expressed an interest in triathlon but are not up to my level of training. Now I can recommend this book to those who want to get their feet wet (literally!) in the sport. I own several training books, and this is the one I reach for most often. I agree with the reviewer who mentioned that this book rounds out a collection including Joe Friel's and Rick Niles' books. I also recommend "Total Immersion" by Terry Laughlin, "The Fit Swimmer" by Marianne Brems, and "Swim, Bike Run" by Glenn Town and Todd Kearney. There aren't too many triathlon books out there, and these are the best of those available. If you don't own any of those books, buy "Training Plans for Multisort Athletes" first! Sidenote: I saw Ms. Bernhardt's post about the revised training plans, so I e-mailed her with a request for the update. She got back to me in 2 days with new plans.

A good read

This book really opens up your understanding for training plans.I found several new ideas on training and how to adopt myself better in planning for training.For anyone who's into multi sports this book is highly recommmended.

Book came promptly, good condition. It’s great source of reference and support for my British Triathlon Coaching.

Optimal for self-trained athletes. Training plans are well laid out and explained.

Nonostante la lingua inglese e facile da leggere.Dopo un'introduzione iniziale che spazia da metodologia di allenamento ad alimentazione, passa a una programmazione dettagliata sull'allenamento che può essere adattata alla esigenze individuali.