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Faster - Demystifying the Science of Triathlon Speed

Edwin CroucherEdwin Croucher
in General Training Discussions

I just finished the book "Faster". Not a long read and in my opinion, not hugely enlightening. The two biggest points I found in the book are to be successful in a Triathlon, especially a long distance one you need a power meter and have proper pacing. I am pretty sure that a couple of people on this team have mentioned both those points before. The book has all sorts of science along with math equations in it. Although Galileo and Newton have some great equations for speed, force and the like, I know I go faster on the bike when I pedal than when I let gravity do all the work.  The book states that if your swim and run too hard, you won't run very fast. Although it was not printed in the book, as I read I kept hearing "ride your should bike and not your could bike." I know I have heard that before. I know that I am a newer member to EN, but for anyone who care there is far more informative reading in the WIKI than in this book.

Comments

  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    I've read that book, too. I think you're a bit hard on it because you're not its target audience. I think that book is aimed at people who have done a couple triathlons and are just now looking to "get serious" and "get faster"...not vets or 50 year olds who are already running sub 20 5K's like you. :-) It's an inexpensive and easy read, and probably a good quick resource for an experienced newbie who is just at the point of making more of a financial and time commitment.

    But I certainly agree it's not an essential for the EN library.
  • Edwin CroucherEdwin Croucher

    William, I didn't mean to come off so critical. My point was really there is so much high quality training and racing information already available on the EN site. I love the science, and there are some very good points.

  • tim cronktim cronk
    I like to read various books and listen to different people , about all aspects and theory of triathlon and then apply my sig line to what I believe may help me.... Once you think you know it all you can never learn any more... One of the big things I like about RnP here at EN , changing with education and experience as history and the theories in this sport evolve.

    Reading Racing Weight Now and while its mostly review from what I think I already know I am getting a refresher and little nuggets to think about.

    Yesterday I was at a swim clinic in this retirement community I'm renting in here in Oro Valley... I kept an open mind and listened to the pointers and idea's the "Old Guy" who isnt even officially a coach was giving me... Again nothing earth shattering and while I didnt agree with most of what he said to me... I did walk away with a few things to think about while I swim!!! Was not a waste of time.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I nominate WJ to be EN's Bill Nye the Science Guy 

  • rstrangemdrstrangemd

    Agree - there isn't much day-to-day practical information to help with training or racing beyond the massive resources on the EN site. However, it is well written and does a fantastic job of explaining the science to a newbie like myself. Literally, the author is a rocket scientist and triathlete but he is very witty and able to relate in layman terms. I like the fact that he proves that greater gains in speed can be made with better training than going out and purchasing another ultra-lightweight accessory. More fuel to resist the extraordinary claims made by Race Expo vendors! 

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