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10 Best Triathlon Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide, 5th Edition

The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide, 5th Edition, authored by Joe Friel, is a well-regarded resource in the triathlon community. Joe Friel is a respected coach with decades of experience, lending credible expertise to the content. The book covers a range of essential topics for triathletes, including detailed training plans tailored to different levels of athletes, from beginners to advanced competitors. These plans are comprehensive and offer structured guidance to help readers reach their training goals effectively.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,365
Training Plans
Illustrations and Diagrams

Most important from
69 reviews

Training Plans
The new edition is excellent and perfect for getting back into action, especially for those planning a long-term training approach.
Illustrations and Diagrams
The information, formatting, and structure of this edition are of good quality, though some charts for estimating weekly TSS are missing.
#2
9.6 score

The 20-Week Half Ironman: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Conquering the Half Ironman Race (Swim Bike Run 101 | Triathlon Training Field Guides)

The '20-Week Half Ironman: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Conquering the Half Ironman Race' is a practical guide tailored for novice triathletes. It offers a structured 20-week training plan, breaking down the training into manageable steps, making the daunting task of preparing for a Half Ironman feel achievable. Nutrition advice is included, which is crucial for athletes to optimize their performance and recovery.

Rating
9.6
Training Plans
Reader Reviews

Most important from
21 reviews

Training Plans
The plan is well-written with an easy-to-follow, clear layout, making it perfect for beginners.
Reader Reviews
For those new to triathlons, the guide is crucial for preparation and motivation.
#3
9.4 score

The 40-Week Ironman: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Conquering the Ultimate Triathlon Challenge (Swim Bike Run 101 | Triathlon Training Field Guides)

The 40-Week Ironman: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Conquering the Ultimate Triathlon Challenge is tailored for beginners aiming to complete an Ironman triathlon. The book is authored by someone with expertise in triathlon training, providing readers with structured training plans spread over 40 weeks. These plans offer a gradual build-up to the intense physical demands of an Ironman, making it suitable for those who are new to the sport.

Rating
9.4
Training Plans

Most important from
20 reviews

Training Plans
The book provides all the tools and resources needed, with an in-depth day-by-day and week-by-week guide on structuring training, necessary equipment, and building a fuel plan.

Top 10 Best Triathlon Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score
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The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide, 5th Edition

Author's Expertise: Joe Friel, respected coach
Training Plans: Training plans for all athlete levels
Nutrition Advice: Nutrition advice for performance and recovery
Mental Strategies: Strategies for focus and motivation
Illustrations and Diagrams: Helpful illustrations and diagrams

Chosen by 1365 this week

80/20 Triathlon: Discover the Breakthrough Elite-Training Formula for Ultimate Fitness and Performance at All Levels

Author's Expertise: Matt Fitzgerald, endurance sports coach
Training Plans: Comprehensive, for all skill levels
Nutrition Advice: Valuable advice on effective fueling
Mental Strategies: Techniques for focus and motivation
Illustrations and Diagrams: Includes helpful illustrations and diagrams

Strength Training for Triathletes: The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance

Author's Expertise: Significant expertise in the field
Training Plans: Well-structured plans for power and endurance
Nutrition Advice: Valuable advice for effective fueling
Mental Strategies: Aid in focus and resilience
Illustrations and Diagrams: Included

The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World’s Most Comprehensive Training Guide, 4th Ed.

Author's Expertise: Joe Friel
Training Plans: Comprehensive for various levels
Nutrition Advice: Essential advice
Mental Strategies: Focus and motivation insights
Illustrations and Diagrams: Included

Swim Smooth: The Complete Coaching System for Swimmers and Triathletes

Author's Expertise: Authored by field experts
Training Plans: Training plans for various skill levels
Mental Strategies: Mental strategies for focus and performance
Illustrations and Diagrams: Detailed illustrations and diagrams

Your First Triathlon: Race-Ready in 5 Hours a Week, 2nd Edition

Author's Expertise: experienced author
Training Plans: 5 hours weekly practical plans
Nutrition Advice: essential nutrition advice
Mental Strategies: helps novice triathletes
Illustrations and Diagrams: included
Reader Reviews: praised for accessibility and practicality
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Buying Guide for the Best Triathlon Books

Choosing the right triathlon book can be a game-changer in your training and performance. Triathlon books can provide you with valuable insights, training plans, nutrition advice, and mental strategies to help you succeed in the sport. When selecting a triathlon book, it's important to consider your current level of experience, your specific goals, and the type of guidance you are looking for. Here are some key aspects to consider when picking the right triathlon book for you.
Author's ExpertiseThe author's expertise is crucial because it determines the credibility and reliability of the information provided. Look for books written by experienced triathletes, coaches, or sports scientists. If the author has a proven track record in the sport, their insights and advice are more likely to be valuable. For beginners, a book by a well-known coach might be more beneficial, while advanced athletes might prefer insights from elite triathletes.
Training PlansTraining plans are structured schedules that guide you through your workouts leading up to a race. They are important because they provide a roadmap to improve your fitness and performance systematically. Training plans can vary in length and intensity. Beginners should look for books with beginner-friendly plans that gradually build up intensity, while more experienced athletes might seek advanced plans that include specific workouts for speed, endurance, and strength.
Nutrition AdviceNutrition advice is essential for optimizing performance and recovery. A good triathlon book should cover topics like pre-race meals, hydration strategies, and recovery nutrition. The depth of nutrition advice can vary; some books offer basic guidelines, while others provide detailed meal plans and recipes. Choose a book that matches your level of interest and need for nutritional guidance. Beginners might need more general advice, while advanced athletes might benefit from more detailed and scientific approaches.
Mental StrategiesMental strategies help you build the mental toughness required to handle the physical and psychological demands of triathlon. This can include techniques for staying motivated, managing race-day nerves, and developing a positive mindset. Books that offer mental strategies can be particularly useful for athletes who struggle with the mental aspects of training and racing. Look for books that provide practical exercises and real-life examples to help you apply these strategies effectively.
Illustrations and DiagramsIllustrations and diagrams can enhance your understanding of complex concepts and techniques. They are important for visual learners who benefit from seeing exercises, drills, and race strategies depicted visually. Some books are text-heavy, while others include plenty of visuals. If you prefer learning through images, choose a book with clear and informative illustrations and diagrams.
Reader ReviewsReader reviews can provide insights into the book's effectiveness and readability. They are important because they reflect the experiences of other athletes who have used the book. Look for books with positive reviews from readers who share similar goals and experience levels as you. Pay attention to comments about the book's practicality, clarity, and how well it helped readers achieve their triathlon goals.

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