Book Review: Iron War by Matt Fitzgerald

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Considering that an Ironman distance event is three consecutive sports consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112- mile bike race followed by running a 26.2 mile marathon (138 miles total), it is fair to say that relatively few people in this world will ever complete one or even attempt one. However having the chance to get into the minds of those who do and truly understanding “why” they do is remarkable. As an endurance athlete I am intrigued with what makes these athletes push themselves to extremes over long periods of time (even the fastest athletes are out competing for 8-plus hours). Not only is it amazing to complete one, but to compete at the world class level is even more amazing.

On my journey through the book I found myself wanting to cheer out-loud. The author, Matt Fitzgerald, writes in a way that made me feel as if I was right in the action, beside them in the race trying to keep pace. It was amazing to feel as if I was there at the World Championships watching Dave Scott & Mark Allen duel out what was to be later recognized as the most memorable rivalry race in the history of endurance events. I am amazed at the level of intensity these two athletes could endure. Let’s face it, doing an Ironman in and of itself is amazing, and to battle it out for the win, shoulder to shoulder for hours on end – even more amazing. The book really helped me appreciate and respect those athletes that are dedicated to the sport and are willing to put the effort required to train for the most grueling event out there, the Ironman.

If you are looking for some motivation and want to just be in awe I highly recommend this book. You might even find yourself cheering out-loud while you read it like I did. You can even get Iron War for your Kindle.

To learn more visit http://www.mattfitzgerald.org/

“The 1989 Ironman® World Championship was the greatest race ever run. In a spectacular duel that became known as Iron War, the world’s two strongest endurance athletes—and its fiercest rivals—raced side by side at world-record pace for a grueling 138 miles in relentless heat. Iron War is a deeply personal epic that explains how, over the course of an eight-hour race, Dave Scott and Mark Allen pushed themselves and each other beyond the known limits of human endurance.”

Velo Press puts out a lot of other great triathlon books. Click here to take a look.

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