Books on Triathlon Training

Whether you are a novice or an experienced triathlete, training for a triathlon is an undertaking that requires commitment and dedication. It is not always easy to maintain motivation, develop training plans or find all of the information you need to compete in triathlons, but there are many books on the market that can provide a plethora of information.

  1. The Triathlete's Training Bible

    • Joe Friel's book "The Triathlete's Training Bible" is the most comprehensive reference for triathletes of all abilities, says triathletesports.com. Friel himself is a certified USA Triathlon coach and has been coaching endurance athletes since 1980, according to Barnes & Noble. The book offers an overview of everything triathletes need to train and compete--planning your triathlon season, organizing workouts, race preparation and developing a specific training plan for your goals and ability. Friel writes on nutrition for triathletes, strength training, swimming, running and biking techniques, and post-workout or race recovery. Though the book covers many aspects of triathlon, attention to detail is not lost, and going into its third edition, this book has proved to be indispensable to triathletes at all levels of the sport.

    Triathlons for Women

    • Sally Edwards, the national spokeswoman for the former Danskin Triathlon Series and the Trek Women Triathlon, has written a comprehensive book for women triathletes called "Triathlons for Women." Having coached women through triathlons for more than 20 years, the book is filled with useful advice and training tips. The book includes eight-week training plans for triathletes of all levels, ranging from beginners to experienced levels; training drills for swimming, biking and running to help improve your form and technique; and advice about preparing for race day, what to pack and what to expect during the triathlon.

    Be Iron Fit

    • An Ironman triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon. Such a test of endurance requires a certain level of physical fitness, and Ironman coach Don Fink's "Be Iron Fit" outlines training plans, tips and techniques to develop this fitness level. Even if an Ironman is not in your triathlon future, this book is a helpful resource. Barnes and Noble describes the book as having chapters on time management skills, training cycles, heart rate training, sample training programs, transition techniques and triathlon gear tips, nutrition and goal setting. No matter what your fitness level or triathlete status, this book can help improve your fitness and aid in your race training.

    Slow Fat Triathlete

    • Interested in doing a triathlon but afraid you are out of shape? Do you think all triathletes are these super-athletic, lean individuals? This book will have you rethinking those assumptions. "Slow Fat Triathlete" by Jayne Williams is about one woman's decision to enter a triathlon after years of poor health and obesity, and how she became hooked on the sport, despite not looking like a "typical" triathlete. Written in a conversational, humorous voice, the book is filled with Williams' anecdotes of training mishaps, equipment tips and encouragement. The subtitle of the book is "Live your athletic dreams in the body you have now," and the book illustrates how to do just that, while still having fun.