Description
★★★★★ “Lays out all the elements needed to succeed and excel at triathlon without compromising the other important things in your life like family, friends and sleep.”
In Fast-Track Triathlete, elite triathlon coach Matt Dixon offers his plan of attack for high performance in long-course triathlon—without sacrificing work or life.
Developed for busy professionals with demanding schedules, the Fast-Track Triathlete program makes your PR possible in Ironman®, Ironman 70.3®, Rev3, and Challenge triathlon in about 10 hours a week.
Training for long-course triathlons once demanded 15-20 hours each week—on top of work, family, travel and other time commitments. For many, preparing for long-distance triathlon is more challenging than the race itself.
Fast-Track Triathlete opens the door to your best performance in full- and half-distance triathlons in half the traditional training time. Dixon’s laser-focused, effective approach to workouts, recovery, strength and mobility, and nutrition means you can prepare for triathlon’s greatest challenges in just 7-10 hours per week for half-distance and 10-12 hours per week for full-distance.
Fast-Track Triathlete includes:
- Dixon’s complete guide to creating a successful sport and life performance recipe
- How to plan out your triathlon training
- Scaling workouts for time and fatigue
- Training and racing during travel
- Executing your swim-bike-run and transitions plan on race day
- 10-week off-season training program with key workouts
- 14-week pre-season training program with key workouts
- 14-week comprehensive race-prep full and half training plans with fully integrated strength and conditioning
Dixon’s first book, The Well-Built Triathlete, revealed his four-tiered approach to success in all triathlon race distances. Fast-Track Triathlete turbocharges Dixon’s well-built program so even the busiest athletes can achieve their long-distance triathlon dreams without sacrificing so much to achieve them.
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What other athletes are saying about FAST-TRACK TRIATHLETE:
★★★★★ “I went from marathons and sprint tris straight to a full Ironman in 1 year while overcoming an injury with this plan.”
★★★★★ “The importance of sleep/rest, quality vs. quantity, endurance AND strength, nutrition, etc. — this book shares such a realistic and balanced approach to training and helped me train for and complete my first Ironman (140.6) race as a working mother of 3 small children and a 13:32 finish time.”
★★★★★ “Breath of fresh air read on triathlon training – planning – life balance, in context of performance improvement.
Sarah Loaiza (verified owner) –
Training for a triathlon can be really intimidating, but thanks to Matt, the whole process became manageable (even with my crazy work and travel schedule). The tips, tricks, and workout plans that Matt shares helped keep me on track with my training — I never felt like I had to sacrifice my life to train. This is a must buy for anyone who’s always thinking about kickstarting their training, but never feels like the “timing is right” to do a triathlon! You can do it with the Fast Track Triathlete.
M. Gelman (verified owner) –
A few years ago I reached out to Matt Dixon to see if he could help me become an athlete. My weight at the time was 240 pounds and I’ve been struggling with fatigue issues for a few years. Today, I am healthy, happy, have a great job and just finished 70.3 Ironman race in Wisconsin. I also lost 110 pounds in the process. My story is the “other side of Purple Patch”. Someone who couldn’t swim, couldn’t ride a bike, but who succeeded with a coach who understood how to build a smart training plan for any athlete (elite or just starting). This book can change your life (it changed mine).
Marina
matthew (verified owner) –
This book changed my approach to triathlon. Brings to light the most important thing in training….how to make triathlon sustainable in your life, and become something that fits into your life, as ultimatey, that’s the best way for any athlete to be successful. It really does drown out the noise of our technology and data first approach….though all of that is in the book, it’s just a part of it, and if you’re staring at your power meter and tss you might be missing the bigger point. How to get better, and faster.
mike (verified owner) –
This shifted my life in a positive way. I never really believed I could life a full life and still race in triathlon (especially the long course) but I believe that is extremely achievable now using this book, Matt’s guidance, and the programs involved.
Brett King (verified owner) –
Gold! This book resonates with me as a busy professional trying to get the most out of my training for triathlon. He explains how to incorporate triathlon into your life to make it better…not add tons of training hours onto a busy life and make life more difficult and less enjoyable. A must read for any endurance athlete.
TriMom72 (verified owner) –
I am a long time triathlete, with a busy life (family, work, horses, and training). This book is perfect! Tons of valuable, USABLE, education and information on how to incorporate triathlon into my life and be really successful at it! Along with his first book, these are my go to training/coaching books!
Catherine Lenny (verified owner) –
Another great book by Coach Matt Dixon. Matt’s knowledge on training athletes of all abilities is truly impressive. Well worth the read for any one trying to find balance with family, work and triathlon training.
E Moresco (verified owner) –
Great book and finally an approach that doesn’t just take what the pros do and scale it down. Instead, it recognizes the need for a completely different approach given it is a completely different situation. For example, recognizing that sometimes getting the extra sleep is better than torturing yourself to get the early morning session will make healthier, better triathletes that will last longer. Great way to integrate triathlon into your work and family life rather than sacrificing them!
Alex Wasilewski (verified owner) –
A must for every triathlete whether working full time or not! Very thorough!
JMak (verified owner) –
I found this book to be a straight forward guide that addresses the very problems which plague me as a recreational racer. My work schedule involves a significant amount of travel without any consistent pattern of days on/off. This usually prevents the traditional training norms such as , ‘I do my long rides on Saturdays’. I’m looking forward to applying Matt’s methodology to my future training with the sincere hope of less stress, more fun, and better racing. A great book for us mere mortals!
Sarah Cameto (verified owner) –
The secret to having it all! As a mom of two and professional triathlete, I’ve been able to integrate the purple patch methodology of training to reach my performance goals while maintaining a healthy balance with my family life. Matt has helped me maximize my training hours without sacrificing time with family. His approach is smart, flexible and pragmatic and is proven to be one of the best in the world of endurance sports!
Emily Ure (verified owner) –
I have been a fan of Matt Dixon for years-great book with a refreshing take on balancing life with triathlon training. I would recommend to all trying to achieve success not just in racing but in life.
Neil Dsouza (verified owner) –
There were many instances where I felt – “This is me, exactly everything I am doing wrong”. A really quick read with lot of examples on how to plan correctly for your next triathlon
Joshua Ross (verified owner) –
An indispensable tool for any busy triathlete looking for balanced lifestyle of fitness, family and work. Dixon guides the reader on how to train hard but efficiently – so that desired levels of fitness and performance can be achieved without sacrificing the other aspects of a balanced life. This is definitely a book that challenges the status quo and is different than other triathlon books on my shelf. But for me, the status quo training methodologies resulted in chronic injuries, training days that started to feel like a grind, and a feeling there was never enough hours in the day to train and still spend time with family and friends. I’m never going back to that after reading this book.
Dixon is widely touted as one of the top coaches in the world and it’s easy to see why. His methodology and associated training plans are all top notch and the book reflects his reputation for clear concise communications. I know what my triathlon friends are getting for Xmas this year.
jbtriathlonSF (verified owner) –
Disclaimer: I’m coached by Matt Dixon and have worked with his San Francisco based squad for several years.
This book does a great job of distilling the essentials of triathlon training in an efficient way that does not compromise your career or family life. We all think we need tons of hours to train for an Ironman but it is simply not true. The training program in this book shows you how training for an Ironman or Ironman 70.3 race and performing well is possible in as little as 10-12 hours a week. The book shares all the tools, tips and strategies you need to continue improving at triathlon without devoting all your spare time to it.
Carmel Galvin (verified owner) –
As someone who juggles work, kids and community commitments, it is often hard to also find time to train effectively. Something has to give in the end. Matt’s book helps define a roadmap that can enable you to integrate all your life’s priorities, and do that in a way that helps you be healthier, more balanced and more successful. More than a book – this is a great toolkit for a busy executive.
Derek Robson (verified owner) –
I have been searching for a book that actually takes account that I have a busy life outside of my “sporting life”. Dixon’s book recognizes that tension and actually helps to imagine an integrated health life balance and for that I am truly grateful.
Kevin (verified owner) –
One of the best and most comprehensive books on triathlon I’ve read. This book is must read for anyone with a busy schedule. Matt not only outlines a realistic approach, but included some great tips and relatable case studies.
Peter Brees (verified owner) –
Triathlon is a very rewarding sport but training for triathlons is time consuming and demands a lot of attention. In this book Matt offers his plan of attack for high performance in long-course triathlon, without sacrificing work or life, all based on his four pillars of performance: endurance, strength, nutrition and recovery. This one is a MUST HAVE for every triathlete.
michelle Clariond (verified owner) –
I have been in the sport for so many years and started training with Matt Dixon at Purplepatch Fitness about two years ago. I’ve had massive improvements in all three disciplines and I have never been happier with my training. He ‘s the best and does a great job helping us balance training and life in the most efficient way.
Richard Kiracofe (verified owner) –
This book changed my training completely. The ball is in my court now to execute; however, Matt’s body of results and understanding of optimization of workouts with life changed everything for me. I also enjoyed the 90 days of free education offered in the book for Matt’s Purple Patch Finess program. This adds tremendous value!
Hyperion (verified owner) –
If you’re only going to get one training book for triathlon, make it this one. The book clearly lays out all the elements need to succeed and excel at triathlon without compromising all the other important things in your life like family, friends and sleep.
Half of the book is dedicated to laying out Matt’s philosophy of training and the important fundamentals you will need and the second half of the book has detailed training plans for Ironman and 70.3 distance races. The book is a tome of excellent information, practical advice and inspiration.
Marty Garcia-Cotter (verified owner) –
Two days after receiving my copy of Matt Dixon’s Fast-Track Triathlete, I have already finished it and am left with three competing thoughts: 1) where was this book in the ’80s when I first took up triathlon?; 2)where was this book when I came back to triathlon in this decade?; 3) I am so glad that I am still training and racing with this book to read as a resource!
Just as with his first book, The Well-Built Triathlete, Matt draws from many years of triathlon experience as both a former competitor and now a world-class coach. Matt continually challenges himself to learn and assess all of the time in order to develop and bring to his purplepatch fitness athletes, and so many others, the best coaching available. With Fast-Track Triathlete, Matt comes from a clear understanding that more is not always better, and that triathletes with limited time – because life intervenes – can still grow, develop and succeed at the sport, whether they are trying triathlon on for the first time, or trying for the podium.
In addition to being an outstanding coach and writer, Matt is also an outstanding person who cares about his athletes as valued individuals, and that caring comes through in both his coaching and writing.
If you are looking for the best of the best, I cannot recommend Fast-Track Athlete highly enough. It will certainly change your training, and may even change your life.
Extreme Capital Management (verified owner) –
Even if you can’t afford Matt and PP—you can.
That’s a pretty sweet deal.
He details his philosophy, the physiology, mindset and methodology to become the best triathlete you can with time left over for family, friends, and career. He is a great coach. One may not ever get to have him on deck imploring you to do “that” every F(#*$*& time or to bound better up the hills but both his books will resonate for years in your head as you continue along a sustainable, enjoyable, value added to life—– triathlon path. I think he even gives you a few months free on the education portal of Purple Patch.
Gumption and Carry On
Honest Consumer (verified owner) –
Triathletes juggle training while balancing a full and busy life. Moreover, being the driven, goal-oriented bunch that we are – we will not settle for just finishing – we want to do it WELL. Matt Dixon’s, “Fast-Track Triathlete” is a step by step guide on how to achieve Big Triathlon Goals alongside a busy, healthy and happy life. It’s a must-have for the triathlete who wants it all.
Christina G. (verified owner) –
Matt Dixon nails it again! I’ve been following Dixon’s methodology for 3+ years now, and the results are outstanding. AG podiums, continual progression of PRs. And having a lot of fun doing it. Really appreciate the updated Functional Strength methodology in Fast-Track, as well. Winner! –John G.
jordan d. ouida (verified owner) –
As someone who leads a busy life (as many of us do) this book is a must. It helped me achieve some great results while still being committed to family and work. Run, don’t walk to buy it!
T. Rush (verified owner) –
After doing triathlons (sprint through Ironman) this book was exceptionally helpful with tips on finding balance with life, family a career and triathlon. Training methods will definitely improve my times and continue to make this sport fun. Thanks Matt!!
Anna Hertel (verified owner) –
A must-read for anyone that wants to fuse triathlon into an already big and colorful life. It takes some courage to accept that not quantity is what will get you to the finish line but the quality of sessions and approach training with scalability in mind. Take the leap and read this book. It is not just applicable to triathlon training, but also to life’s challenges! It will be well worth your time and money.
awilder (verified owner) –
In The Fast-Track Athlete, Matt has put together a way to make triathlon both approachable and sustainable over the long haul. You’re going to work – and work hard at the right times – but it’s quality over quantity.
One of the biggest riddles of triathlon for me was how to schedule everything that makes up triathlon, but especially how do it in a work-life balance supporting way. The Fast-Track Athlete helps to answer those questions and more. Being able to have triathlon and a life? Priceless! Thanks, Matt!
spinepa (verified owner) –
Awesome book, tons of info, makes you think of the big picture
marialuz arellano (verified owner) –
I have been training with Matt Dixon since 2013, I have 4 kids, and work in at least 3 projects at a time. When I met him, my dream was to become a Kona qualifier… In my first year with Matt I got my first Kona qualification and did it for 3 consecutive years. I always ask myself.. how he did it, how WE did it… the FAST TRACK TRIATHLETE answers that question, and many others..
JSF (verified owner) –
Six years ago a friend convinced me to do my first triathlon. As a total novice, I haphazardly trained for my first sprint distance triathlon and despite barely surviving the swim after finishing my first race I was hooked! One sprint triathlon let to multiple sprint triathlons and eventually a few Olympic Distance tris and eventually Half Ironman distance triathlons. The ultimate goal for me was to complete a full distance Ironman triathlon which always seemed like it was out of reach due to the time commitment needed to successfully train for such an event.
Two years ago, I came across Purple Patch and Matt Dixon’s coaching program and embarked on the Purple Patch methodology of training. Since joining Purple Patch I have evolved tremendously as an athlete seeing extensive gains in my athletic ability and overall balance in training, work and life. One of Matt’s core strength’s is his ability to educate athletes the core factors for success in triathlons which go beyond just training into nutrition, rest/recovery and functional strength training and to focus on the ‘quality’ training vs just the ‘quantity’ of training.
Last weekend, I successfully completed my first Ironman distance (140.3) triathlon (Ironman Florida)!! Thanks to Matt’s training methodology and training plan outlined in this book I was able to train in a methodical and sustainable way to achieve my ultimate goal of finishing a full Ironman. I’m constantly juggling a demanding work schedule, training and personal life and with Matt’s guidance and methodology I was able to successfully integrate training into life without burnout. During my training leading up to the race, I averaged around 7-8 hours of training per week and sometimes even going a low as 5-6 hours of training if it was a very demanding week at work.
If you are looking for a formula to help you achieve success in long distance triathlon, this book is your answer… It’s packed with details with the roadmap and specific training plans and even functional strength guides to help you achieve your goal of completing a long distance triathlon. For $25 it’s a tremendous value to get the wealth of information that Matt provides in this book and definitely a no-brainer to make this small investment in your training success.
E. Glenn (verified owner) –
Great book and guide. Using it everyday for training.
Rick Wimmer (verified owner) –
I wish I had this book 20 years when I started triathlons– unbelievable advice. Every athlete should study this book and commit to the program
darrin (verified owner) –
I love the fact that I can eat!!! As a Triathlete that’s crucial!! Thanks for the info!!
jamie (verified owner) –
Matt Dixon is amazing! The training I’ve learned from him has made my life better all around. I can push myself harder than I ever thought possible.
Alan Shanken (verified owner) –
An excellent read with deep life meaning and context way beyond the scope of triathlon. This book is clearly the playbook for superior achievement for the triathlete. In addition it’s a guidline for taking on life at a high-level.
John F. (verified owner) –
I’ve been doing triathlon for 11 years and with different coaches. Started training with Matt and PPF in 2016 and have only seen good results, both in personal life and as a triathlete.
This books gives you all of the tools you need to perform better, and focus on important things like sleep and nutrition (YES, ITS A GAME CHANGER).
Stop reading reviews and start reading the book.
Simon A Hague (verified owner) –
I love Matt’s style, easy to read and full of common sense advice. I have long been an advocate of his four pillars approach. This new book translates it for those of us who have a full and committed life but still want to perform well at the sport we love.
Alister Taylor (verified owner) –
Loved it: Clear and concise, good session plans with a solid philosophy underlying it.
Gil R (verified owner) –
I hear of so many triathletes that stress over balancing family life, work, other obligations and triathlon training time. This book nails the concept of adjusting training hours to mitigate this stress. The author has the knowledge and training cred to provide some pretty detailed training plans. He also has a good writing style so this is an easy read.
Gary Lelito (verified owner) –
Good direction and questions answered in this read and very helpful information it is worth the read.
Phuong Nguyen (verified owner) –
Good for self-trainned triathlete
M. Mercer Smith (verified owner) –
I used the training plan in this book to get me through my first 70.3.
Brian (verified owner) –
This book has great ideas on balancing a busy schedule and the full spectrum of training more than just bike, run, and swim.
Mario (verified owner) –
Buena lectura. Bastante materia para ir cogiendo notas, he comprado otros y me gusta la forma de enfocar los entrenamientos que tiene este libro.
Katherine Sue Gray (verified owner) –
He presents a great perspective that helped me reframe my training and expectations in a really positive way.
Ahmed Salama (verified owner) –
Love this book, a lot of new ideas and way to long distance races, its also help you mange your time as well
M. Curtis (verified owner) –
For training, I used Fast Track Triathlete. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous if I did enough because the training plan was a minimal one (about 10 hours a week, longest week was 15ish, and longest day was 8). The workouts were also time based and not miles. I would do a 3 hour ride or a 1 hour run. I also did 90 percent of my training on a spin bike (not my trainer or road bike). I think this plan was great because it allowed me to avoid make my groin injury mad and it did get me to the finish line. I would recommend. I also did 2-4 days a week of strength and functional training.
I went from marathons and sprint tris straight to a full Ironman in 1 year while overcoming an injury with this plan.
Here are my times:
Swim: 1:30
Bike: 7:49
Run: 5:12
Total: 14:42
Course: Santa Rosa
LF (verified owner) –
Enjoyed the tips, ideas, advice and plans. I’ve read countless triathlon books but the focus on being a time-starved (frequently-traveling) triathlete is a new approach. I enjoyed the pragmatic approach to fitting triathlon into your regular life. How to manage when life gets in the way with illness or travel, for example.
Joseph L. W (verified owner) –
Recently I have been primarily a marathon runner who is preparing for my first IRONMAN 70.3. I was concerned about squeezing the additional training time but this book presents some helpful advice and encouragement to keep the most important things in life as priorities over training. I now have more confidence that I can get more value out of each workout and be prepared my race.
ach17 (verified owner) –
So many good words of wisdom in this book. I recommend it to every triathlete I know that is attempting the long course. However, this book could be a great tool for any busy person that is trying to tackle a new physical challenge. The importance of sleep/rest, quality vs. quantity, endurance AND strength, nutrition, etc. — this book shares such a realistic and balanced approach to training and helped me train for and complete my first Ironman (140.6) race as a working mother of 3 small children and a 13:32 finish time. Most importantly, I trained the entire time injury-free and experienced a trouble-free race; I felt great and had fun the ENTIRE time! Never before in any marathon or half ironman have I experienced such enjoyment and I owe so much of it to this book.
Scott (verified owner) –
This book as boosted my confidence. Many books i have read on the sport do not talk much about the mental aspects of triathlon. This book dives head first into it and has me reading when my confidence goes down. I pick it up off the night stand and read a couple chapters and feel more energized.
C. Sloane (verified owner) –
Matt Dixon and Purple Patch’s philosophy have inspired me to believe that I have the time, ability, and right to achieve performance in both multi sport and life!
Stephen Sylwester (verified owner) –
It has a great mix of all the key ingredients needed for a successful training season, preseason, and race. Good training plans, for either the HIM or Full IM. I’ve bot a bunch of other books, this is my fave for the training plan, and just excellent all around.
massimo (verified owner) –
Mi è piaciuto molto l’approccio per l’atleta amatore con famiglia lavoro etc. Molto utili le routine di strenght training perché semplici e complete. Per il resto forse non troppo scientifico per le mie aspettative. Però sicuramente un buon acquisto
Didier Nahon (verified owner) –
Excellent book for either beginners or seasoned triathletes.
A must read.
Enjoy
Rosie Fisher (verified owner) –
Glossy, nice size and weight, looks like an excellent quality book. Very happy.