Shortlisted for Best New Writer of the Year - The British Sports Book Awards 2012
"Andy Holgate is the Bill Bryson of the Triathlon World. Quite simply, I LOVED this book." - Tricrowd.com
"A really fascinating story." - Talk Radio Europe
"An Inspiration to us all." - Lancaster Guardian
"An inspirational story." - North West Evening Mail
This book is both a lesson in true grit and determination, but its goal is one that is attainable. Andy isn't a sporting superstar, he holds down a 9 to 5 job and all the pressures that go with it; he isn’t blessed with speed and talent; there are no multi-million pound sponsorship deals; yet this remarkable “common man” is inspiring in a way that some of today’s sporting superstars have forgotten how to be. You wouldn’t recognise Andy in the street, yet his story provides valuable lessons to us all: 'Never give up' and 'Anything is possible'.
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"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ability of the sport to change people's lives, like Andy's story, is not something I've considered. So it was a real eye opener. Trying to be as fit and as fast as you can all the time it is very easy to get wrapped up in your own little world so it was nice to be given a wider sense of the sport, and really, be reminded of the real reason and power of sport; to inspire enjoyment in activity. Thanks for a great read."
Alistair Brownlee, ITU World Triathlon Champion
"Anyone new to tri, considering the leap to ironman or just after a mental boost should check out this autobiographical account of one overweight librarian's first forays into multisport. In an inspirational story Andy recounts how he was enticed to take part in Cockerham's annual triathlon, and bitten by the endurance bug. If you want to roll your eyes and chuckle conspiratorially at another newbie's mistakes and triumphs, tuck in."
220 Triathlon Magazine
"What really comes to the fore in Andy's book is that no matter what level of triathlon you are invloved in, the motivations, discipline, rewards and love of the sport are universal. From first-timer to professional athelete we all experience the same highs and lows and have the same doubts and fears in training and racing. The jubilation and satisfaction of achieving goals carries us to the next training session and the next challenge. Andy's book dispels many of the reservations that can initially prevent people from taking up any form of physical activity and shows us how sport can not only be a positive step towards physical well being but also can be rewarding for the mind and soul."
Catriona Morrison – Multiple Ironman Champion
"Andrew Holgate claims he 'Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run,' but he can certainly write. His book is filled with terrific lessons on living life to its fullest. I would argue that he can swim, can ride and can run very well indeed! A Great Book!"
Dean Karnazes – NY Times Best Selling Author and Ultra-Marathon Legend
"Best for Inspiration! If he can do it... Holgate's ironman journey is an uplifting insight into the power of taking on a challenge. He tells his story with an irreverent sense of humour and packs the book with useful information. If you re thinking of doing an ironman this book is just the thing to convince you that you are up for the challenge."
Triathletes World Magazine
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"Andy Holgate is the Bill Bryson of the Triathlon World. Quite simply, I LOVED this book." - Tricrowd.com
"A really fascinating story." - Talk Radio Europe
"An Inspiration to us all." - Lancaster Guardian
"An inspirational story." - North West Evening Mail
This book is both a lesson in true grit and determination, but its goal is one that is attainable. Andy isn't a sporting superstar, he holds down a 9 to 5 job and all the pressures that go with it; he isn’t blessed with speed and talent; there are no multi-million pound sponsorship deals; yet this remarkable “common man” is inspiring in a way that some of today’s sporting superstars have forgotten how to be. You wouldn’t recognise Andy in the street, yet his story provides valuable lessons to us all: 'Never give up' and 'Anything is possible'.
---
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ability of the sport to change people's lives, like Andy's story, is not something I've considered. So it was a real eye opener. Trying to be as fit and as fast as you can all the time it is very easy to get wrapped up in your own little world so it was nice to be given a wider sense of the sport, and really, be reminded of the real reason and power of sport; to inspire enjoyment in activity. Thanks for a great read."
Alistair Brownlee, ITU World Triathlon Champion
"Anyone new to tri, considering the leap to ironman or just after a mental boost should check out this autobiographical account of one overweight librarian's first forays into multisport. In an inspirational story Andy recounts how he was enticed to take part in Cockerham's annual triathlon, and bitten by the endurance bug. If you want to roll your eyes and chuckle conspiratorially at another newbie's mistakes and triumphs, tuck in."
220 Triathlon Magazine
"What really comes to the fore in Andy's book is that no matter what level of triathlon you are invloved in, the motivations, discipline, rewards and love of the sport are universal. From first-timer to professional athelete we all experience the same highs and lows and have the same doubts and fears in training and racing. The jubilation and satisfaction of achieving goals carries us to the next training session and the next challenge. Andy's book dispels many of the reservations that can initially prevent people from taking up any form of physical activity and shows us how sport can not only be a positive step towards physical well being but also can be rewarding for the mind and soul."
Catriona Morrison – Multiple Ironman Champion
"Andrew Holgate claims he 'Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run,' but he can certainly write. His book is filled with terrific lessons on living life to its fullest. I would argue that he can swim, can ride and can run very well indeed! A Great Book!"
Dean Karnazes – NY Times Best Selling Author and Ultra-Marathon Legend
"Best for Inspiration! If he can do it... Holgate's ironman journey is an uplifting insight into the power of taking on a challenge. He tells his story with an irreverent sense of humour and packs the book with useful information. If you re thinking of doing an ironman this book is just the thing to convince you that you are up for the challenge."
Triathletes World Magazine
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