What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Kona: From back of the pack smoker to racing the Ironman World Championships in Kona
Sitting watching TV with a cigarette in one hand, a black coffee in the other and nursing a crushing hangover I switched channels until I found sports. There was some sort of bike race on and I half watched while lighting another cigarette off the butt of my last one for a minute before switching channels again. Just as I hit the button on the remote the commentator mentioned something about the athletes swimming before and running afterwards as well as racing the bike. I thought he said something about the run being a marathon but that couldn't be right. This sparked my interest and I switched back, but he was talking about something else so I waited for him to get around to describing exactly what this race was. I didn't have long to wait as he said they first did a 2.5 mile swim, then 112 miles on the bike all topped of with running a marathon. I was stunned. I didn't think that would be physicially possible and as I lit another cigarette I wondered how many days did they have to do it. I guessed it would have to be three days. Swim the first day, bike the second and run the third but it still sounded like a crazy thing to do. Then he said that they did it all in the one day, one after another without stopping. I was completely incredulous. And hooked. I remained glued to the TV and learned that these bronzed, muscular Greek God looking athletes weren't all professionals either. There was an amateur or "age group" race as well Although I could hardly tell the difference between the pros and amateurs. They all looked unbelievably fit. As I sat there mesmerised I swore to myself that I'd race there someday. I'd stop smoking and drinking and somehow do "The Ironman" At the time I had no idea what that meant or how I would do it and after a while as things have a way of doing I got busy with life and I forgot all about The Ironman and Hawaii. I forgot until several years later when I had actually given up smoking and had taken up triathlon. It had taken me two years and sixteen races of swimming breast stroke before I learned to swim properly. I never once looked even remotely like Kona material but I wanted to have a go at doing an Ironman. It took another three years before I plucked up the courage and lined up for my first one in Nice, France. I finished in the last quarter of the field, hours behind the athletes racing for those precious Kona slots. Nothing I had done up to then had given any indication that I should have had a reason to believe I had a chance at qualifying, but three years later when I asked Aisling, my wife if she thought it was possible she immediately said yes and then she added let's do it. Aisling's belief in me started us on a journey that led to me treading water on the most iconic start line in triathlon, waiting for the cannon to fire at the start of the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. This is how we overcame all of the odds and discovered what it would take to get to the Ironman World Championships. This is our Kona story.
- GenresAutobiography
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2017
143 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2018
This book follows the author's journey from non-athlete to athlete and eventually to the Ironman World Championships. I enjoyed following is story. The most remarkable aspect of this read for me was the amount of dedication and perseverance it took him to reach his goal. The workload and program he adhered to is incredible. Basically, his whole life revolved about endurance training. His story is a lesson in what separates success from failure. Most often its not natural talent, but rather a willingness to do what's necessary.
September 10, 2020
This was a very inspiring read. I think I like inspirational reads, especially related to Ironman. Definitely makes me want to get off my laurels, get over my “eventually” mentality and start working toward my M-dot faster.
That being said, I did have a few more critical points. I think I would have been able to follow the story a little better if the chapters were dated. I understand why the story structure jumps around in the timeline. I appreciate that relevant backstory is given only as it becomes relevant. But I think the overall flow might be better if a year at least were listed on all chapters in order to clarify to the reader when exactly a chapter is taking place. Earlier chapters much more so than later ones.
I will also say that there are a great many typos which made reading a little more challenging. I can get over a misplaced comma here and there, a few “the”s that look like “he”s but there are a few sentences with poor and confusing structure, missing words, and paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences.
Overall: the story was wonderful but the document could have used a little more editing to make sure the story can be understood to its fullest.
That being said, I did have a few more critical points. I think I would have been able to follow the story a little better if the chapters were dated. I understand why the story structure jumps around in the timeline. I appreciate that relevant backstory is given only as it becomes relevant. But I think the overall flow might be better if a year at least were listed on all chapters in order to clarify to the reader when exactly a chapter is taking place. Earlier chapters much more so than later ones.
I will also say that there are a great many typos which made reading a little more challenging. I can get over a misplaced comma here and there, a few “the”s that look like “he”s but there are a few sentences with poor and confusing structure, missing words, and paragraph breaks in the middle of sentences.
Overall: the story was wonderful but the document could have used a little more editing to make sure the story can be understood to its fullest.
July 11, 2021
Like Reading Rob's Journal
I love endurance and athletes like Rob inspired me to be the athlete I am (solid middle of the pack). I wouldn't read this again or even recommend it really. I think Rob was more trying to promote his workouts or himself as a coach. His story is cool but the book is missing that story piece, the emotional hook, the drive forward. That's not to say he doesn't have those, it's to say he doesn't know how to string them together. I'm sure he's a fantastic coach, he's just not a strong writer. Skip this book, read Goggins, Karnazes, or Jurek and follow Cummins workouts.
I love endurance and athletes like Rob inspired me to be the athlete I am (solid middle of the pack). I wouldn't read this again or even recommend it really. I think Rob was more trying to promote his workouts or himself as a coach. His story is cool but the book is missing that story piece, the emotional hook, the drive forward. That's not to say he doesn't have those, it's to say he doesn't know how to string them together. I'm sure he's a fantastic coach, he's just not a strong writer. Skip this book, read Goggins, Karnazes, or Jurek and follow Cummins workouts.
October 27, 2019
Very inspiring read
It was an inspirational read although I do think the ability to be able to improve to the extent of getting a kona place and get those marathon times has to be there to some degree albeit I appreciate it takes hard work and a lot of training. Still amazing none the less. Rob obviously has the ability to dig in when it hurts most which is perhaps what I mean in reality.
Was disappointed that I couldn't get any of the downloads that are offered don't know if the link is broken but I tried on both my kindle and kindle app on my phone
It was an inspirational read although I do think the ability to be able to improve to the extent of getting a kona place and get those marathon times has to be there to some degree albeit I appreciate it takes hard work and a lot of training. Still amazing none the less. Rob obviously has the ability to dig in when it hurts most which is perhaps what I mean in reality.
Was disappointed that I couldn't get any of the downloads that are offered don't know if the link is broken but I tried on both my kindle and kindle app on my phone
May 17, 2019
A fantastic book for not only someone who is interested in triathlons or sporting events, but simply anyone who wants to change their life, a gritty story of perseverance and hard work, dedication and patience, of pain but no suffering. I was thoroughly inspired by Rob Cummins' journey from being a chain smoker to realizing his dream of going to Kona Ironman. The work he put into becoming what he is today is really mind-boggling.
A must read for everyone.
A must read for everyone.
October 27, 2018
A very ordinary Story
A great book about how a very ordinary man achieved an extraordinary goal.
Throughout the narrative what comes across is Cummins commitment to hard work and perserverance. At no point do things feel easy and Kona at no point ever seems 'a given'.
A good read for ordinary people with extraordinary goals.
A great book about how a very ordinary man achieved an extraordinary goal.
Throughout the narrative what comes across is Cummins commitment to hard work and perserverance. At no point do things feel easy and Kona at no point ever seems 'a given'.
A good read for ordinary people with extraordinary goals.
December 30, 2021
Good story and inspiring from Rob, thank you for sharing. Unfortunately just poorly written, all it needed was proof reading and editing and would have been a much more enjoyable reading experience. Littered with mistakes and nonsensical sentences made for a clunky, awkward narrative. I enjoyed the story, but it was let down by the writing unfortunately.
December 23, 2022
While there are some spelling, and sentence errors (another edit would clear it up) I still found the book overall enjoy able. It's written like journal entries and flow of thought. I personally enjoy that type of writing but I know it is not for everyone. I found the book very inspiring and relatable. It would be something I would reread.
July 10, 2018
Good reading
This book gives a great insight into the world of triathlon and Ironman, from humble beginnings to competing with the world's best shows what determination and true grit and make you do, an inspiring read for anyone. Nothing is impossible
This book gives a great insight into the world of triathlon and Ironman, from humble beginnings to competing with the world's best shows what determination and true grit and make you do, an inspiring read for anyone. Nothing is impossible
September 3, 2018
Great Book - well worth reading
Well written, enjoyable and quick read. Provided me with lots of motivation to go out and train for my upcoming 72 mile charity bike ride (my first endurance event ever). This is an inspirational autobiography and not a training guide.
Well written, enjoyable and quick read. Provided me with lots of motivation to go out and train for my upcoming 72 mile charity bike ride (my first endurance event ever). This is an inspirational autobiography and not a training guide.
March 9, 2019
Great read! I love seeing how ordinary people change for the better to chase a dream. I was hooked from the start and thought it was great to see how athletes prepare. I didn't give 5 stars because of some grammatical errors that I'm sure are just because I read the kindle version.
June 10, 2020
Very encouraging and pleasant
An interesting journey to an extremely high goal when it comes to sports. Humans can achieve incredible things as soon as rhey dare to challenge themselves
An interesting journey to an extremely high goal when it comes to sports. Humans can achieve incredible things as soon as rhey dare to challenge themselves
September 19, 2020
Deep reflections
This book is a whirlwind of emotions, ones that don’t even come close to what goes through the head of an Ironman athlete.
It showcases the grit that is needed to truly live your best life and experience things as they come in the moment.
This book is a whirlwind of emotions, ones that don’t even come close to what goes through the head of an Ironman athlete.
It showcases the grit that is needed to truly live your best life and experience things as they come in the moment.
December 7, 2018
Fantastic read.
Really enjoyed reading this book, his determination to get to Kona, had the dream and achieved. Loved reading this inspiring story.
Really enjoyed reading this book, his determination to get to Kona, had the dream and achieved. Loved reading this inspiring story.
February 4, 2020
Konami dream come true
Moving and motivating. Wanted to race at Kona. Loved how a simple tale of a man's dream made me realize I had similar dreams.
Moving and motivating. Wanted to race at Kona. Loved how a simple tale of a man's dream made me realize I had similar dreams.
March 23, 2020
Good read!
It’s a good interesting read, especially if you’re looking for motivation when stuck in quarantine. Nothing will be immensely surprising but still an easy good read.
It’s a good interesting read, especially if you’re looking for motivation when stuck in quarantine. Nothing will be immensely surprising but still an easy good read.
May 4, 2020
Makes me want to get in better shape!
May 27, 2020
Great book that shows you whats possible when you really put your mind to it
August 28, 2021
Repetitive, boring writing. The personal story isn’t nearly as compelling as you’d hope for given the cover.
May 1, 2022
An inspiring story of how the author went to transform his life and participate at Kona.
July 5, 2019
Page turner - thoroughly enjoyed it
An inspiring yet accessible story of determination and what the average guy is capable of. Very enjoyable read. Would recommend to anybody interested in the rigours of triathlon training for age groupers.
An inspiring yet accessible story of determination and what the average guy is capable of. Very enjoyable read. Would recommend to anybody interested in the rigours of triathlon training for age groupers.
November 7, 2019
A good read throughout.. just an example of how with untold commitment you can reach your dreams regardless of your fitness levels
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews