Table of Contents

Preface Foreword by Meredith Kessler 1 Building a Foundation for Athletic Performance Part I: Pillars of Performance 2 Stress & Endurance Training 3 Recovery 4 Nutrition 5 Functional Strength Part II: Endurance Training 6 Swimming in Triathlon 7 Cycling in Triathlon 8 Running in Triathlon Part III: Turning Potential into Performance 9 Mapping Your Path to Performance 10 Setting Up Your Plan for Training 11 Racing 12 What Experience Tells Me Epilogue Appendix A: Answers to Four Pillars Self-Assessment Appendix B: Functional Strength Exercises Appendix C: Training Templates Index Acknowledgements About the Author

About the Author

Matt Dixon is an exercise physiologist and an elite triathlon coach. He is founder and president of purplepatch fitness, a fitness and coaching company that caters to triathletes and endurance enthusiasts of all levels, from world champions to beginners.

In just five years, Dixonà ¢ €š ¬ €ž ¢s purplepatch athletes have earned over 150 professional Ironmanà €š ® and Ironman 70.3à €š ® championships and podium finishes, 50 of which are wins. Dixon has helped over 100 athletes to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Dixon is a former professional triathlete and two-time Olympic trials finalist in swimming. He has a masterà ¢ €š ¬ €ž ¢s degree in clinical and exercise physiology and contributes regularly to Triathlete, LAVA, Outside, and USA Triathlon magazines. He has also written for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Outside, Menà ¢ €š ¬ €ž ¢s Fitness, and Menà ¢ €š ¬ €ž ¢s Health.

Reviews

"The Well-Built Triathlete is an in-depth manual full of the tools and tips that helped me go from a perennial age grouper to a professional triathlete."--Meredith Kessler, professional triathlete

"'Well built' refers to Dixon's long-term and comprehensive approach toward athleticism, going well beyond the standard training programs, and outlining a great deal on nutrition, recovery, and strength and conditioning. The book gives the reader a framework for performance."--USA Triathlon magazine

"Dixon gifts the reader with a wealth of knowledge he accumulated over years of training and study as a pro triathlete, coach and exercise physiologist...Dixon delivers new insight into training zones and the importance of nutrition and recovery; often overlooked or undervalued by the masses of age groupers. If you are in the market for any kind of athletic improvement, we highly recommend you give them your full attention."--TriEdge.net

"Elite coach Matt Dixon shares his approach for what it takes to create a well-rounded athlete who continues to improve year after year."--Triathlete magazine

"Matt Dixon taught me to not view my training in isolation but rather implement a holistic focus where my program was planned in the context of maintaining a healthy body, happy family, and fulfilling life. Not only have my performances drastically improved, but also my entire triathlon experience has become far more enjoyable."--Tim Reed, professional triathlete

"One of the things that has struck me most about Matt Dixon and his coaching philosophy is his emphasis on quality over quantity. Many coaches load on volume and training hours, whereas Matt is able to create superior performances from his athletes on few hours of training. This translates into better overall quality of sessions, more time to recover, and more time for healthier life balance. His philosophy is one that I admire greatly."--Sarah Piampiano, professional triathlete

"Triathletes frustrated by poor performance despite long hours of endurance training will want to get their hands on The Well-Built Triathlete."--Triathlon Magazine Canada