Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete
Just as George Plimpton had his proverbial cup of coffee in the NFL as the un-recruited and certainly unwanted fourth-string quarterback for the Detroit Lions, so, too, did Will McGough immerse himself in a sport he had no business trying. Like Plimpton, whose football folly turned into the bestselling Paper Lion, travel and outdoor writer McGough writes of his participation in, around, and over the course of one of the world's premier triathlons, the annual 140.6-mile Ironman in Tempe, Arizona. McGough chronicles the Ironman’s history, his unorthodox training, the pageantry of the race weekend, and his attempt to finish the epic event. The narrative follows not just his race but also explores the cult and habits of the triathlete community, beginning with the first Ironman competition in Hawaii in 1978. This is a light-hearted, self-deprecating, and at times hilarious look at one man's attempt to conquer the ultimate endurance sport, with a conclusion that will surprise and delight both dedicated triathletes as well as strangers to the sport.
"1130882531"
Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete
Just as George Plimpton had his proverbial cup of coffee in the NFL as the un-recruited and certainly unwanted fourth-string quarterback for the Detroit Lions, so, too, did Will McGough immerse himself in a sport he had no business trying. Like Plimpton, whose football folly turned into the bestselling Paper Lion, travel and outdoor writer McGough writes of his participation in, around, and over the course of one of the world's premier triathlons, the annual 140.6-mile Ironman in Tempe, Arizona. McGough chronicles the Ironman’s history, his unorthodox training, the pageantry of the race weekend, and his attempt to finish the epic event. The narrative follows not just his race but also explores the cult and habits of the triathlete community, beginning with the first Ironman competition in Hawaii in 1978. This is a light-hearted, self-deprecating, and at times hilarious look at one man's attempt to conquer the ultimate endurance sport, with a conclusion that will surprise and delight both dedicated triathletes as well as strangers to the sport.
19.95 In Stock
Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete

Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete

by Will McGough
Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete

Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete

by Will McGough

Paperback

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Overview

Just as George Plimpton had his proverbial cup of coffee in the NFL as the un-recruited and certainly unwanted fourth-string quarterback for the Detroit Lions, so, too, did Will McGough immerse himself in a sport he had no business trying. Like Plimpton, whose football folly turned into the bestselling Paper Lion, travel and outdoor writer McGough writes of his participation in, around, and over the course of one of the world's premier triathlons, the annual 140.6-mile Ironman in Tempe, Arizona. McGough chronicles the Ironman’s history, his unorthodox training, the pageantry of the race weekend, and his attempt to finish the epic event. The narrative follows not just his race but also explores the cult and habits of the triathlete community, beginning with the first Ironman competition in Hawaii in 1978. This is a light-hearted, self-deprecating, and at times hilarious look at one man's attempt to conquer the ultimate endurance sport, with a conclusion that will surprise and delight both dedicated triathletes as well as strangers to the sport.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781493059379
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date: 05/15/2022
Pages: 320
Sales rank: 627,875
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Will McGough is an award-winning international travel writer and the owner of Wake and Wander Media. He graduated from Virginia Tech a long time ago and has written for a variety of adventure and travel publications. He also guides trips and splits his time between Hawaiʻi, Colorado, and the road.

Table of Contents

Foreword: Reflecting Back to the First Race in 1978 vi

Prologue xiii

Part 1 Don't Do It 1

Part 2 Is This Really My Life? 79

Part 3 Behind the Iron Curtain 127

Part 4 Swim Fast, Don't Breathe 197

Appendix

Glossary of Terms 291

List of Costs to Compete in the Ironman Arizona 292

Workout Log 293

Index 296

Acknowledgments 303

About the Author 304

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