I’m glad it’s not billed as durability, because otherwise I’d really feel cheated. I’ve just put 118 miles in on the soles and the shoes look like I’ve taken a sander to the bottom – outside heels worn to the sole, same with the outside ball of the foot on the left side. Much of the running has been on a treadmill too – aren’t they supposed to be a softer surface? In addition, this is the only running shoe that I’ve purchased that has ever rubbed a blister on my ankle. As far as looks go, they look alright, but I really don’t buy my shoes based on their looks. Besides there are definitely better looking shoes out there. All told, I don’t think I’ll be repeating the New Balance purchase.

This is a great book. Friel is articulate and personable and capable of conveying the information a beginning triathlete needs to know. His sections on biking and running should be copied and handed out in bike or running stores to novice runners and bikers. Old hands should read them too. His language is clear and his approach is clearly spelled out. He’s teaching novice triathletes how to succeed – how to cross the finish line in that first sprint-distance triathlon with a grin on your face. He’s also evangelizing for the “triathlete lifestyle” – trying to get novice triathletes to allow themselves time to grow into a long triathlon career. He keeps the technical details manageable and keeps the reader focused on what they need to do. The book is well organized with the chapters flowing in a logical order. Well done!