Where It All Began: The 1978 Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon

This book was filled with heart and passion by a pioneer in the triathlon world. The story of 15 men who blazed the trail on February 19, 1978, with the first-ever Ironman is inspiring and a beautiful tribute to how it all began. It is incredible to see how much Ironman has grown and come over the years. It's always important to remember the roots. Loved this book and was sad to find out that Tom Knoll passed away. RIP.

good book, a bit short but a good fast read

At first glance, the book is very short, and when you open it, you realize that it is even shorter. The print of the book is on the large side. So large, that it is actually the same since (if not larger) than a large print book. All in all, the books in less than 100 pages of actually story. I think that it took me about 30 minutes to read it cover to cover.The story is what I was looking forward to, hoping to find insights of the race, the training, and the mindset of one of the men that would be the part of the first great Ironman Event. Sadly, Mr Knoll is not a great writer, and the great insights were not really there. I think that if someone had co-written the book, or based the book on interviews with him, more could have been pulled out of him and gone into the book.My full review is at my site which is my last name dot blogspot

Great book. Candid look inside how triathlon used to be. Author talks the talk and walks the walk. Saw him when we were both racing at Challenge Atlantic City 140.6.

I love this book. I've read all the other Ironman books (Chrissie / Macca / Iron War etc...) but this book is so unique. Mr. Knoll is truly the iron man legend. Today non triathlete thinks iron distance is incredible, but not impossible. Back in 1978, before anyone had completed iron distance, the thought of finishing the iron distance must have been incredible x 1000. The book really put you into the mind of Mr. Knoll has done a great job sharing his experience as the founding fathers of iron man. If you want a long read go read war and peace. If you want to go into the mind of an iron man legend look no further.

Great short and quick read to the beginning of Kona

In a world full of high tech sports equipment and complex fitness science it is hard to understand what to choose to become an Ironman. Tom's book is a no nonsense guide to the mandatory fundamental requirement. This is a quick read but packed with a few simple truths, Daring to take what seems like an impossible journey and the Power of Positive Thinking to guide you to the end. Semper Fi Tom... Don Ferguson

I was so looking forward to reading this book, after just having finished Iron War. I couldn't have been more disappointed. The content is so brief as to be almost meaningless. I have read longer magazine articles. You won't learn any more about the history of this event than you would on Wikipedia. There is precious little insight into Tom Knoll's own preparation and participation. A few runs, bike rides and swims and it is all over. The race itself is covered in about 3 pages. You won't learn anything about the other competitors. I wouldn't have been so critical if the book hadn't cost over $10. A shocking waste of money.