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Operation Ironman: One Man's Four Month Journey from Hospital Bed to Ironman Triathlon
“…George's books just keep getting better…”“…laugh out loud funny (note to self, don't read it on the tube)…”“…it won't fail to entertain, enthral and motivate…”“…hilarious and heart-warming…”“…inspiring, poignant and humorous…”“…I laughed, I cried, and am proud of a man I have never met…”Operation Ironman follows George Mahood’s hilarious and inspiring journey from a hospital bed to an Ironman triathlon. After major back surgery, George set himself the ultimate challenge –a 2.4 mile swim,a 112 mile bike ride,and a 26.2 mile run,all to be completed within 16 hours.He couldn’t swim more than a length of front crawl, he had never ridden a proper road bike, he had not run further than 10k in 18 months... and he had never worn Lycra.He had FOUR months to prepare.Could he do it?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2015
About the author
George Mahood
18 books470 followersGeorge Mahood is an award-winning writer. Specifically, he was placed third in the Little Brington Village Fete's limerick competition (Under 10s category) in 1988. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years.
George studied Communication Studies and English Literature at Leeds University. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making. He currently works as a photographer, specialising in weddings. George has been the lead singer and guitarist of a rubbish band and the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.
George has plenty more madcap ideas that will form the basis of future books. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch, see more photos from FREE COUNTRY, and to hear about future projects.
www.facebook.com/georgemahood
www.twitter.com/georgemahood
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
July 2, 2016
I have read many of the "must read" running books (Born to Run, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Ultramarathon Man etc), but what I love about this book is that it is about a regular person trying to do something extraordinary. His is not a crazy athlete that runs across a continent, he didn't run a marathon a day for 50 days, and he didn’t break the 4 minute mile record. He is just a regular guy trying to do something may people would find impossible (and something he even thought was impossible at one stage). That is what makes this book so inspiring, and why I rate it 5/5.
Even though I am a regular marathon runner, I have never thought of running an Ironman (I still have no plans, but after reading Operation Ironman, well...maybe one day I will think about it). The personal stories and anecdotal style of writing makes him appear real. Inspiring and entertaining, a good motivation to get off the couch and push yourself a little further.
Even though I am a regular marathon runner, I have never thought of running an Ironman (I still have no plans, but after reading Operation Ironman, well...maybe one day I will think about it). The personal stories and anecdotal style of writing makes him appear real. Inspiring and entertaining, a good motivation to get off the couch and push yourself a little further.
April 18, 2017
Even though I'm old and fat, I love sports and I love sports stories. This is a really good sports story. I knew how the story turned out, but got so caught up in the narrative I was ridiculously emotional during the last part of the book. Mr. Mahood delivers a fantastic reading experience.
December 29, 2015
George Mahood is a great writer and I've enjoyed a couple of his previous books immensely. This book is something a little special though. It's as well written and humorous as his other books but also has a more than a little raw honesty and emotion in there too.
The story is quite a journey from a dark and difficult place that most of us hope never to experience, to a place of triumph that many would love to visit but few ever will.
It's quite a page turner and I was genuinely inspired by it.
The story is quite a journey from a dark and difficult place that most of us hope never to experience, to a place of triumph that many would love to visit but few ever will.
It's quite a page turner and I was genuinely inspired by it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
In order to psych myself up for my first cycle session as part of my summer triathlon-conquering plans, I picked up this book and it was incredibly amusing. So often these ironmen are perceived as super human people (which George definitely is) but it's nice that the story was told from a human, real life perspective, rather than everything went right, the athlete was always motivated and always loved going for runs in whatever whether and was able to just stop the rest of life for training for a length of time. It was also just a very funny book. What the author did was nothing short of remarkable, and I will follow in his footsteps one day. But first challenge, the bike session.
November 16, 2016
Go Ironman!
Just finished another fun & entertaining book by George Mahood, and looking for another. My 37 year old daughter just recently tackled her first (& only???) half triathalon in very similar fashion, and I thought she was the only absolutely mad person who went in never having put all three of the parts of the event together before competing. It was refreshing to read a blow-by-blow account of the preparation and the actual event by another crazy person. But wow, an Ironman event! I believe a good life should be approached with guts and determination, all the smarts one can muster, and a great deal of silliness and laughs, and I think George is pulling it off in style. (Next time skip the furtive application of Vaseline, George, and invest in some Hooha Ride Glide from Amazon to keep you slipping & sliding all the way to the finish line with a smile on your face.
Yeah, read this book. Good for couch potatoes as well as the athletically inclined.
Just finished another fun & entertaining book by George Mahood, and looking for another. My 37 year old daughter just recently tackled her first (& only???) half triathalon in very similar fashion, and I thought she was the only absolutely mad person who went in never having put all three of the parts of the event together before competing. It was refreshing to read a blow-by-blow account of the preparation and the actual event by another crazy person. But wow, an Ironman event! I believe a good life should be approached with guts and determination, all the smarts one can muster, and a great deal of silliness and laughs, and I think George is pulling it off in style. (Next time skip the furtive application of Vaseline, George, and invest in some Hooha Ride Glide from Amazon to keep you slipping & sliding all the way to the finish line with a smile on your face.
Yeah, read this book. Good for couch potatoes as well as the athletically inclined.
December 16, 2017
Loved this book. It was an easy read...as if George was an old friend telling me his Ironman journey. I think his level of overall fitness before the spinal tumor was downplayed. But I don't think it was intentional, I think he didn't realize just how much in shape he really was. This isn't inspiring in the ra-ra way a lot of IM stories are. It is just a good story...almost a leisurely route to IM. But no one can downplay what finishing an IM does to a person. Great book for anyone, no triathlon experience necessary.
January 3, 2016
Another great book from George. Highly recommend it!
October 17, 2017
Great guy, excellent relaxing read, I love his writing style.
Long may you write, George!!
Long may you write, George!!
July 22, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel a fraud for reading it for free. A truly inspiring story of grit and determination. Straight onto ‘Chasing trails’ 👍🏻
October 2, 2022
At this point, I think I’ve read George’s whole backlist.
This was so inspiring.
This was so inspiring.
February 28, 2021
amusing, inspiring, entertaining. highly recommend!
April 16, 2019
Absolutely fantastic book. Superbly written and hilarious at times.
Read in one sitting when I only wanted to read for 30 minutes but couldn't put the book down.
I am sure like everyone else who has read the book I now have crazy ideas about wanting to do an Ironman...
Read in one sitting when I only wanted to read for 30 minutes but couldn't put the book down.
I am sure like everyone else who has read the book I now have crazy ideas about wanting to do an Ironman...
March 25, 2017
Loved it!!
Warm, funny,inspirational with the occasional sarcastic remark. Everyone must read all Georges books immediately. I did and can't wait for the next one!
Warm, funny,inspirational with the occasional sarcastic remark. Everyone must read all Georges books immediately. I did and can't wait for the next one!
January 11, 2016
Original copy of this review is found at: http://www.nerdprobs.com/books/book-r...
When life throws something bad at you, you can either wallow in self-pity or you can take it as a opportunity to change yourself for the better. That is exactly what the author did. He challenged himself and (spoiler alert) he came, he saw and he conquered.
When the author, George Mahood, started to experience back pain he chalked it up to a pulled muscle or generally overdoing it. When it didn’t go away he went to the doctor to find out what the problem was. After multiple tests, they told him that he had a tumor growing within his spinal cord. His GP first suggested that surgery was not a good option due to the amount of issues that could arise. After trying to wait it out, the symptoms became unbearable. He decided to have surgery to remove the tumor. While laying flat on his back in the hospital recovering, he decided that he was going to do a Ironman (2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, 26.2 miles running) in order to get himself into better shape. He signed up and set a goal of September to run it. This gave him a little over 4 months to train and get into shape. He could barely swim, never rode a bike in a competitive manner, and hadn’t run anything greater than a 10K in over 18 months. But his mind was made up.
He starts his training in a piecemeal fashion. He doesn’t follow any sort of diet plan and does really the bare minimum that he needs to train. He does participate in a race with his wife but that doesn’t go as planned. He likes running with her but she on the other hand cannot stand it. He goes to the local pool to get some help with his swimming. The thing that he trains the most is the biking. He participates in RideLondon 2015, a 100 mile ride that goes from London out to Surrey and ends back in London. He rides that Coast to Coast Trail from Plymouth to Ilfracombe. I could ramble on about the book because I enjoyed every moment of it but I think that will give the gist.
I really enjoy this author. This is the 4th book that I have read by him. I bought the book the moment I saw that it was out on Amazon. His writing style flows well and it feels like he is actually telling you the story personally. Read this book then go read his other three. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
When life throws something bad at you, you can either wallow in self-pity or you can take it as a opportunity to change yourself for the better. That is exactly what the author did. He challenged himself and (spoiler alert) he came, he saw and he conquered.
When the author, George Mahood, started to experience back pain he chalked it up to a pulled muscle or generally overdoing it. When it didn’t go away he went to the doctor to find out what the problem was. After multiple tests, they told him that he had a tumor growing within his spinal cord. His GP first suggested that surgery was not a good option due to the amount of issues that could arise. After trying to wait it out, the symptoms became unbearable. He decided to have surgery to remove the tumor. While laying flat on his back in the hospital recovering, he decided that he was going to do a Ironman (2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, 26.2 miles running) in order to get himself into better shape. He signed up and set a goal of September to run it. This gave him a little over 4 months to train and get into shape. He could barely swim, never rode a bike in a competitive manner, and hadn’t run anything greater than a 10K in over 18 months. But his mind was made up.
He starts his training in a piecemeal fashion. He doesn’t follow any sort of diet plan and does really the bare minimum that he needs to train. He does participate in a race with his wife but that doesn’t go as planned. He likes running with her but she on the other hand cannot stand it. He goes to the local pool to get some help with his swimming. The thing that he trains the most is the biking. He participates in RideLondon 2015, a 100 mile ride that goes from London out to Surrey and ends back in London. He rides that Coast to Coast Trail from Plymouth to Ilfracombe. I could ramble on about the book because I enjoyed every moment of it but I think that will give the gist.
I really enjoy this author. This is the 4th book that I have read by him. I bought the book the moment I saw that it was out on Amazon. His writing style flows well and it feels like he is actually telling you the story personally. Read this book then go read his other three. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
March 14, 2017
Inspiring and funny, but needed to be tighter. Some annoying grammatical errors and extraneous material, but enjoyable none-the-less.
January 8, 2016
I've just finished reading a book (on Kindle), by one of my favourite self-published authors - George Mahood.
I first came across him when somebody suggested that his first book, Free Country, would cheer me up. It certainly did - I laughed til I cried! His next two were almost as funny, and I've been looking forward to this latest one. It's called Operation Ironman.
Now you might be wondering why I am interested in such a subject, and you'd be right in the normal course of events; but this is different. I empathised with him: - I walked to Santiago de Compostele after radiotherapy for breast cancer. Last year, George had surgery to remove a tumour from his spinal cord, and while he was recovering, he decided he would take part in and Ironman triathlon to give him something to aim for and boost his recovery. This book tells how he does just that - in only four months. Some of his tales are hilarious, and what I like about him, is that he doesn't need expensive bikes and snazzy outfits to achieve his goal - he's a very ordinary family man. The other point of interest for me, is that it is the Vichy Ironman he enters (all the others were booked up), and Vichy is not too far away from here.
So, if you want a laugh as well as inspiration, download this on to your Kindle (it's very cheap) - or buy a copy from Amazon! I know George Mahood will appreciate another sale!
I first came across him when somebody suggested that his first book, Free Country, would cheer me up. It certainly did - I laughed til I cried! His next two were almost as funny, and I've been looking forward to this latest one. It's called Operation Ironman.
Now you might be wondering why I am interested in such a subject, and you'd be right in the normal course of events; but this is different. I empathised with him: - I walked to Santiago de Compostele after radiotherapy for breast cancer. Last year, George had surgery to remove a tumour from his spinal cord, and while he was recovering, he decided he would take part in and Ironman triathlon to give him something to aim for and boost his recovery. This book tells how he does just that - in only four months. Some of his tales are hilarious, and what I like about him, is that he doesn't need expensive bikes and snazzy outfits to achieve his goal - he's a very ordinary family man. The other point of interest for me, is that it is the Vichy Ironman he enters (all the others were booked up), and Vichy is not too far away from here.
So, if you want a laugh as well as inspiration, download this on to your Kindle (it's very cheap) - or buy a copy from Amazon! I know George Mahood will appreciate another sale!
March 13, 2017
Great book, couldn't put it down
December 29, 2016
Triumph
I liked learning about the physical challenges George went through to complete this arduous journey. He has a lighthearted and realistic view of his challenges and accomplishments. A enjoyable read.
I liked learning about the physical challenges George went through to complete this arduous journey. He has a lighthearted and realistic view of his challenges and accomplishments. A enjoyable read.
March 15, 2016
Read this book! George Mahood is an amazing writer. I laughed my way through "Free Country" and "Every Day is a Holiday" and "Life's a Beach" so I knew I would read this book even though I am not keen on sports. I knew George would make this story amusing and clever and he exceeded my expectations from page one.
George tells all his stories with such good humor and kindness. I thought this book was going to be about running, cycling and swimming but it is not. It's a story about determination and adaptability and finding solutions rather than excuses.
It is a story about George's connections - his truly remarkable wife and kids, his family and neighbors, friends and acquaintances. They all enabled him in some way (subtly and not so subtly) to form a vision and set a goal and develop techniques to take on this incredible challenge.
Well done, George!
George tells all his stories with such good humor and kindness. I thought this book was going to be about running, cycling and swimming but it is not. It's a story about determination and adaptability and finding solutions rather than excuses.
It is a story about George's connections - his truly remarkable wife and kids, his family and neighbors, friends and acquaintances. They all enabled him in some way (subtly and not so subtly) to form a vision and set a goal and develop techniques to take on this incredible challenge.
Well done, George!
July 24, 2019
edit 2019: okay this is definitely my favorite Mahood book. I didn’t get to compete in my triathlon in 2016, and here I am in 2019 trying again and this time, I have excruciating nerve pain in my lower back. So still relevant, still laugh out loud hilarious, and still inspiring. I can’t stand reading exercise books about superhuman people with 5% body fat who eat granola for dessert and ran 10 miles before breakfast since the age of 7. George Mahood is not that exerciser. He’s realistic and relatable.
2016:
Mahood is hilarious and entertaining. This might've been my favorite book yet, since I'm currently dealing with a stress fracture and have my first (normal person) triathlon later this summer. Mahood experiences basically the same thing: major surgery on a spinal cord tumor, and then an Ironman. Potatoes, potatoes.
2016:
Mahood is hilarious and entertaining. This might've been my favorite book yet, since I'm currently dealing with a stress fracture and have my first (normal person) triathlon later this summer. Mahood experiences basically the same thing: major surgery on a spinal cord tumor, and then an Ironman. Potatoes, potatoes.
November 7, 2019
Pretty bad
As an amateur triathlete, couldn’t resist a book about someone training for Ironman. But as hard as George Mamood tried, this book was not at all funny. It also wasn’t really descriptive in the way a book should be. And as to the training or explanations of triathlon terms, etc. , such as it was...it made me cringe. So much that is incorrect. Such bad decisions made. Congrats on completing the race, despite yourself. It’s clear that you have some natural athletic abilities. But for people reading this book, please don’t take this as a blueprint for how to train for Ironman. The only thing George got correct were the 3 100+ mile rides. And if you’re looking for an interesting, humorous book, well, I’d suggest skipping this attempt at it.
As an amateur triathlete, couldn’t resist a book about someone training for Ironman. But as hard as George Mamood tried, this book was not at all funny. It also wasn’t really descriptive in the way a book should be. And as to the training or explanations of triathlon terms, etc. , such as it was...it made me cringe. So much that is incorrect. Such bad decisions made. Congrats on completing the race, despite yourself. It’s clear that you have some natural athletic abilities. But for people reading this book, please don’t take this as a blueprint for how to train for Ironman. The only thing George got correct were the 3 100+ mile rides. And if you’re looking for an interesting, humorous book, well, I’d suggest skipping this attempt at it.
December 28, 2015
Fun reading by the same guy who told the tale of singing an A-Ha song to strangers to get dinner. As a sort of hack runner, I appreciate the spirit of preparation (or lack of) for a major event. I've never attempted an Ironman, but I've run several long distance races including a Marathon, so I have a basic idea. Mahood barely prepares at all, and yet does really well in his back surgery to Ironman race. The story is at times funny, heartwarming (he loves his family and they love him sooo much!), daring, and informative. I do hope he includes some data for the data junkies: splits, paces, T -Times, etc. Maybe on the website....
January 13, 2016
George Mahood, you've done it again! A fantastic memoir. I have no interest what-so-ever in Ironman events or Triathlons and the like, but George grabbed me by the hand and dragged me along on the journey. I didn't read Operation Ironman, rather I listened and watched George and his family battle through adversity to participate in an Ironman event. Poignant, funny and an inspiration for all those who wish to overcome their dificulties. Full of interesting and useful information and tips for potential Ironmen. George demonstrates his determination to succeed in his own peculiar and inept way. Beautifully written, imaginatively edited and well formatted for Kindle.
January 6, 2016
Amazing as always. I laughed. I cried. I pumped my fist in the air in encouragement. I even learned some things... Some of them useful. :) Thank you for writing another awesome book George. You truly are one of my favorites.
Facebook review: #aubreyreads2016 I have read everything that George Mahood has written, and he truly is one of my favorites. He is funny and kind and a really good family man and now he is an inspiration. Highly recommend (this and all of his books) Caveat... He is a bloke from England so watch out for the occasional swear word. 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
Facebook review: #aubreyreads2016 I have read everything that George Mahood has written, and he truly is one of my favorites. He is funny and kind and a really good family man and now he is an inspiration. Highly recommend (this and all of his books) Caveat... He is a bloke from England so watch out for the occasional swear word. 5 OUT OF 5 STARS
January 8, 2016
Entertaining
A book about training for an iron man is not the first one I reach for. But it was written by an author I already knew I liked. Someone gave it high praise on Facebook so I decided to delve in.
What a treat. I felt like I was along side George every moment. I was grateful that I was just reading and not right alongside sweating away as that would be weird.
His love for his family and determination shines through with every word. It's inspirational - not to the point where I'm going to go compete in an ironman but inspirational none the less. A great read.
A book about training for an iron man is not the first one I reach for. But it was written by an author I already knew I liked. Someone gave it high praise on Facebook so I decided to delve in.
What a treat. I felt like I was along side George every moment. I was grateful that I was just reading and not right alongside sweating away as that would be weird.
His love for his family and determination shines through with every word. It's inspirational - not to the point where I'm going to go compete in an ironman but inspirational none the less. A great read.
December 31, 2015
Very inspirational.
Wow , D.W., way to surpass those dolphins! Really love your unstoppable spirit in the face of such opposition. That attitude is what I seek. Clueless, yet fearless. No offense of course, for you are my hero Mr. Manhood. Last time I commented on the biggish reference and was so excited to see it again. I told my husband that it was my doing. I changed the world! Hope that's okay. Glad to read your continuing works, I was beginning to worry.
Wow , D.W., way to surpass those dolphins! Really love your unstoppable spirit in the face of such opposition. That attitude is what I seek. Clueless, yet fearless. No offense of course, for you are my hero Mr. Manhood. Last time I commented on the biggish reference and was so excited to see it again. I told my husband that it was my doing. I changed the world! Hope that's okay. Glad to read your continuing works, I was beginning to worry.
January 2, 2016
I loved this book. George Mahood has a relaxed, laid-back style of writing that is interesting, entertaining, endearing and laugh-out-loud funny. He's able to convey feelings into words like only the best authors can. This book isn't just for marathoners. I've never run a marathon in my life, nor do I have a desire to, but I enjoyed the book immensely. Keep writing, George. I'm ready for the next one.
January 9, 2016
Such a heartwarming book
First of all, well done on such a great achievement! Having read all of the author's books (and always looking forward to the next one) it's safe to say the usual charm that normally applies to his books is very much present here as well. I have such fondness towards this family I don't even know though. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants a fun/ny and uplifting story. Keep up the good work,George!
First of all, well done on such a great achievement! Having read all of the author's books (and always looking forward to the next one) it's safe to say the usual charm that normally applies to his books is very much present here as well. I have such fondness towards this family I don't even know though. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants a fun/ny and uplifting story. Keep up the good work,George!
February 13, 2016
"Inspiring"
This is an amazing story of determination written with much humor ('cuse me, humour) which greatly entertained me and pleased me. One man's stunning story of a four-month struggle to participate in the Ironman Triathlon in August 2015, four months after surgical removal of a tumor on his spinal cord. Life is a challenge and we can all learn from his dedication and determination. His story is well written, easy to read, and moves right along. Highly recommend.
This is an amazing story of determination written with much humor ('cuse me, humour) which greatly entertained me and pleased me. One man's stunning story of a four-month struggle to participate in the Ironman Triathlon in August 2015, four months after surgical removal of a tumor on his spinal cord. Life is a challenge and we can all learn from his dedication and determination. His story is well written, easy to read, and moves right along. Highly recommend.
January 5, 2016
I loved this book! A great inspirational read for anyone "coming back" from an injury, illness or setback. You don't have to know anything about triathlons. If are a triathlete then you will enjoy the humorous parts even more. You may find yourself saying, "Oh no!" If you like a well written family story about setting an impossible goal and working toward it, you'll love Operation Ironman!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews