Serious Training for Endurance Athletes

As for the rest of the book, it's great, but it takes a *LOT* of paperwork. Fortunately my wife is handy with MS Excel and plotted all the charts for me with forulas that makes it all easy. However, without her I know that I would be daunted and discouraged at the task of making all the charts and calculations by hand. In a future updated edition (I hope that they make one) the book should come with a CDROM loaded with all the charts and formulas, or at least a web site link for downloading them. In the 21st century it's good practice to have online content and I hope to see it with this great text book.


"A Must For SERIOUS Athletes"   November 6, 2002
Although I rarley compete in races of any sort, the SERIOUS system enabled me to architect graphs and charts to acknowledge my strenghths and liabilities in my fitness plan. The SERIOUS acronym also clarified my elemenatry misconceptions of Speed, Endurance, Race/Pace, Intensity, Overdistance, Up/Verticle, and Strength. Implementing a training log was also beneficial for stratifying new plans, goals, and highlighting accomplishments. If your a genuine competitor who seeks the extra winning edge, I highly reccomend that you incorporate the SERIOUS system into your training arsenal.
-AllotofVision-
Marshall University, Huntington, W.Va


"A Must For SERIOUS Athletes"   November 6, 2002
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Although I rarley compete in races of any sort, the SERIOUS system enabled me to architect graphs and charts to acknowledge my strengths and liabilities in my fitness plan. The SERIOUS acronym also clarified my elemenatry misconceptions of Speed, Endurance, Race/Pace, Intensity, Overdistance, Up/Verticle, and Strength. Implementing a training log was also beneficial for stratifying new plans, goals, and highlighting accomplishments. If your a genuine competitor who seeks the extra winning edge, I highly reccomend that you incorporate the SERIOUS system into your training arsenal.
-AllotofVision-
Marshall University, Huntington, W.Va


Thanks, Rob!   August 8, 2002
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I first met Rob Sleamaker 10 years ago as a member of the U.S. Triathlon Team. At the time, I was training for ultra-marathon events (double Ironmans, etc.) and trying to creatively build massive endurance capacity without destroying my body. Rob helped me to shape a balanced year-round approach that allowed me to use my hard workouts productively and ensured that I was also doing the right amount of "base" work.

Make no mistake, the plan I used was not for the casual athlete - it involved 5-6 hours/day of training at times and every day was planned almost a year in advance. But if you can use this book to shape a program that fits your needs, but that is based on Rob's principles, you will be a happy, balanced and very fit athlete whatever your degree of committment.

By the way, the attitude that Rob taught me to approach training with has helped me in my post-triathlon life, as well.


To take you to the next level   February 14, 2002
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

THis book is designed for SERIOUS athletes who want to get the most from their training without wasting time.
SERIOUS is an acronym for Speed, Endurance, Racing, Intervals, Overdistance, Uphill, and Strength. Each componemt is examined and explained. When combined they produce a well-rounded training program, focusing on time.
By using time, a person won't spend 1 hour training when 30 minutes will do. By using different components, a person receives a better overall fitness program while preventing burnout and lessening the chance for injury.
It sems strange to train for 15 minutes then stop but the intensity is greater so it balances out. I enjoy the long slow runs and rides. The time is great for clearing my mind and enjoying the scenery.
Setting up the initial program takes some time and tinkering, but well worth it for everyone who does multi-sport activities.