Description

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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..

About the Author

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Jacques Steinberg has been a staff reporter for The New York Times for more than ten years and currently is a national education correspondent. In 1998, he was awarded the grand prize of the Education Writers Association for his nine-part series on a third-grade classroom on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Praise For…

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“For anyone who dreams of doing a triathlon or needs to find motivation, You Are An Ironman, is a Fantastic Read! Steinberg follows six ordinary athletes on their individual odysseys, he illuminates their courage and commitment and inspires readers to boldly pursue their dreams.” — Lynn Cox

"The athletes are fascinating in their own right, which helps to create an instant bond with readers and should make the book a compelling and inspirational read for obsessive exercisers and couch potatoes alike." — The Associated Press

"... a great new book that any first time Ironman entrant should read." — Active.com

“…an engrossing story of pain and perseverance….compelling…”

— Publishers Weekly

“Anyone dreaming of completing a triathlon or just seeking to get off the couch and into better shape will find inspiration here.”

— Kirkus

“Steinberg breaks the mold….A great read for anyone thinking about getting off their couch and doing something extraordinary that will truly change the rest of their lives.”

— TriEssential.com

"Best-selling author Jacques Steinberg might not have an Ironman finish under his belt, but he certainly deserves an honorary finish certificate for his excellent portrayal of our sport. With an outsider's view of multi-sport training and racing, the trained eye and ear of a New York Times reporter and a captivating writing style, Steinberg has managed to describe the world of Ironman in a book that reads like a suspense novel while also capturing the inspiration and emotion of our sport." — Ironman.com

“Steinberg keeps up his pace the whole distance and saves the best for a power surge to the climax. You Are An Ironman could be the Rocky of triathletics.”

— StarNewsonline.com

“Steinberg is a master storyteller using his skill to narrate their stories in what reads like an epic novel—except they are true….His way of adding suspense to the story is so subtle is [sic] sneaks up on you….Whether you are an aspiring Ironman athlete yourself or not you should read this book. Between the expertly delivered story and the authentic portrayal of the people and their training there is much you can learn form their life-affirming journey while being entertained from cover to cover.”

— Examiner.com

“[A] great book to read…”

— MinnesotaTriNews.com

“[R]eaders will surely want to carry on and experience the excitement that leads to the finish line in Tempe, Ariz., [sic] where the race announcer proclaims to each entrant who comes across that ‘you are an Ironman.’”

— Winston-Salem Journal