Something to Cheer About While the Economy and Nearly Everything Else Tanks: A Superb New Book

A review of Dr. Steven Jonas' latest book, "101 Ideas and Insights for Triathletes and Duathletes" (Healthy Learning/ Coaches Choice, Monterrey, CA., 118 pages, $19.95). This is the much-anticipated sequel to the landmark work "Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals." The latter led thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of novice athletes into the sport of triathlon, rendering the experience both enjoyable as well as successful. In 101 Ideas, Dr. Jonas serves up comprehensive guidance with factual information and insights based on his extensive involvement with triathlon and its little sister sport, duathlon. (The latter, in case you didn't know, consists of a run, bike and run.) I don't care for the name so much. Since the swim is missing, I favor "dryathlon." However, nobody listens to me so duathlon it is.) The nine chapters address motivation, getting started, variety of race options, training, equipment, race day details and strategies, nutrition, injury prevention and management and staying with it. Each chapter has from five to twenty sub-chapters pertinent to the featured topics. If you have a question about how to prepare for a triathlon or duathlon that Dr. Jones has not addressed, you are probably worrying too much.