Swim, Bike, Bonk

Just as George Plimpton had his proverbial cup of coffee in the NFL as the un-recruited and certainly unwanted fourth-string quarterback for the Detroit Lions, so, too, did Will McGough immerse himself in a sport he had no business trying. Like Plimpton, whose football folly turned into the bestselling Paper Lion, travel and outdoor writer McGough writes of his participation in, around, and over the course of one of the world's premier triathlons, the annual 140.6-mile Ironman in Tempe, Arizona. McGough chronicles the Ironman’s history, his unorthodox training, the pageantry of the race weekend, and his attempt to finish the epic event. The narrative follows not just his race but also explores the cult and habits of the triathlete community, beginning with the first Ironman competition in Hawaii in 1978. This is a light-hearted, self-deprecating, and at times hilarious look at one man's attempt to conquer the ultimate endurance sport, with a conclusion that will surprise and delight both dedicated triathletes as well as strangers to the sport.

“McGough’s writing shines with his self-deprecating humor and easygoing curiosity.”, “The story of this impossible adventure is captivatingWhile he is sometimes reluctant, more often his voice brims with gung-ho, foolhardy, youthful bravado, plus generous doses of self-deprecation. McGough’s humor shines throughout, but most in his unselfconscious presentation of the physical toll that the race takes, including the difficulty of pee breaks when certain extremities have gone numb and the dreaded chafing of, well, everything.”, "The book is absolutely hysterical…This is a great book for a newbie triathlete and an experienced Ironman would love it as well because it’s raw, truthful, insightful and humorous all in one package.", "[Swim Bike Bonk digs] into the psyche of those who are beyond passionate to the point of obsession with pursuit of the achievement that is the mother of all endurance events.", “Swim, Bike, Bonk: Confessions of a Reluctant Triathlete is not only an entertaining account more than worthy to accompany you on your next trip, it’s a great read for dedicated and first-time triathletes, or even competitive athletes in general. While I’ve never attempted a triathlon (and never intend to), I have raced competitively in a variety of sports and found myself groaning and cheering along with McGough."

Will McGough is an award-winning international travel writer and the owner of Wake and Wander Media. He graduated from Virginia Tech a long time ago and has written for a variety of adventure and travel publications. He also guides trips and splits his time between Hawaiʻi, Colorado, and the road.