When I first started training for triathlons, I didn’t use any kind of books or plans or anything to help me train. I just got out there and made sure to run/bike/swim somewhat regularly, and figured that would get me to the finish. And it totally did. For most beginners (like myself at the time), I truly think that just getting out there and being consistent is the biggest factor in successfully crossing the finish line.
As I’ve become more passionate about triathlon and trained for more races, though, I’ve definitely seen the value in reading more about the sport and looking at different training methodologies. Triathlon training books are helpful in that they generally give you both new ideas for individual workshops and new ideas about how to structure your yearly training plan.
Of course, as a USAT triathlon coach, I’d love it if everyone would work individually with a coach. It’s so valuable for individualized training (based on YOUR goals, history, injuries, etc – not just the average person) as well as accountability. But that said, I know that not everyone wants to invest the funds in a coach. And for those of you who feel that way, I’ve rounded up the best triathlon training books out there to help guide you this year.
[Tweet “These 5 triathlon books are sure to help you develop an awesome training plan!”]5 Best Triathlon Training Books
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1. Triathlon Training in 4 Hours a Week: From Beginner to Finish Line in Just 6 Weeks by Eric Harr
The author has a motivational voice that helps get you pumped up, and the training information is straightforward for beginners. It’s easy to follow and not overwhelming. It’s a great book for those starting out – but I will say that I don’t agree with the title implying it can take a complete beginner to the finish line of a sprint tri in 6 weeks. If you haven’t worked out in a while, you’ll need some base building time to develop your aerobic capacity and let your body get used to the demands of exercise. Once you get there though, this is a great book for those looking to delve into a tri.
2. The Triathlete’s Training Bible: The World’s Most Comprehensive Training Guide by Joe Friel
This book is, quite literally, the bible of triathlon. It is a wealth of information about triathlon training and the science behind it. It has been out there for a while, but the updated 4th edition (released in late 2016) is easier to read and more organized than previous editions (in my opinion). If you’re a nervous beginner training for a sprint tri, a lot of the book may be unnecessary info at this stage of the game. But if you’re someone that has done a few tris and is looking to step up your game, this book has a ton of helpful information to guide you in developing an optimal training plan.
3. Your Best Triathlon by Joe Friel
Yep, I’ve got two books from Joe Friel on this list! While there is a little overlap in some of the concepts between the triathlete’s training bible and this book, I love that this book has complete training schedules and specific workouts for different distances. The book covers each phase of training as well, and is very easy to understand. It’s honestly probably my personal favorite of all those on the list, though I know others may have a different opinion.
4. Triathlete Magazine’s Essential Week by Week Training Guide by Matt Fitzgerald
I’ll warn you ahead of time that the format of this book is extremely irritating, haha. Every plan is written in a code, so for each workout you have to go back to the ‘workout key’ to find out what the workout actually is, and some of the swim workouts will have about 10 codes per workout. If you’re going to buy it, be sure to buy the paperback and don’t buy the kindle since the formatting is known to be off in the e-book. All that said, this is a kick-ass book with over 40 plans from sprint distance to Ironman, beginner to advanced. It is a great way to find a pre-written training plan that could fit your needs, and has a lot of different types of workouts to keep things interesting.
5. Strength Training for Triathletes: The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance by Patrick Hagerman
If you’re trying to improve your muscular force in running or improve your stroke power on the swim, strength training can be a really valuable addition to your training plan. Sometimes it can seem like a lot to add to already busy schedule, but some key placed strength workouts can really help improve your performance. This book walks you through the ins and outs of strength training for triathletes, focusing on showcasing specific exercises that you can do to improve your own areas of weakness.
There you have it! All of these books are excellent training resources. Keep in mind that nutrition is key to performance as well. If you’re looking for a great book on sports nutrition, be sure to check out my own book “Eat to Peak: Sports Nutrition for Runners and Triathletes.”
Share with me: Have you ever done a triathlon? What are your favorite triathlon training books?
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These look like great references! A tri is on my to do list. I took a masters level swim class that I have to admit, scared me off of triathalons though. Swimming with so many around me in a competitive way makes me nervous, but I will get over it eventually! 🙂
You should definitely go to it Jodi! I’m intimidated by masters swim classes too, haha. For real though, as my hubby puts it – if you can “not drown” you can do a tri. I always start the swim in the back, to the side furthest from the buoy – it’s the calmest place to start.
Thanks for these great references! I am always looking for ways to up my fitness. Maybe giving a triathlon a try is something I could start thinking about! Thanks!
They’re a blast – I loooove them!
I’ve been trying to talk my husband into trying a triathlon so I’ll have to get him one of these books! Great resources!
Glad I could help! Hope the hubby goes for it – they’re so fun.
A triathlon is forever on my fitness bucket list. This will totally come in handy once I take the plunge! (literally and figuratively.)
If you want to do one in my neck of the woods or somewhere halfway between us, I’ll happily join ya! 🙂
I’m reading Joe’Friel’s updated Training Bible and loving it so far!
It’s great, right?! Jam packed with info.
Great list here! I have the triathlete bible and I am currently reading my way through.Which races are you doing this year?
That is the question Deborah, haha. I’m not sure which tris I’ll be doing yet. I know I’m doing a cycling ride in June (Farm to Fork Fondo) but am still trying to plan my tri season. I’m pretty limited to June-Sept up here in MA, so I’ll probably pick 2 or 3 races to do in that time frame.
I would be over the moon if I could ever complete a triathalon but I can barely swim to save my life so it’s most likely out of the question! These are great resources however!
I’m still unbelievably slow at the swim. Seriously, if a shark ever happens by, I’m the one it’s gonna eat because there’s no way I can sprint away.
On the plus side, it’s always really easy to find my bike in T1.
Bahahaha, Kim your comment made me laugh. I’m the opposite – pretty middle of the pack and comfy in the swim, but SO SLOW on the bike.
Have you thought about swimming lessons? My husband hated swimming and then took lessons a few years ago and feels so much better about it now!
I’ve never done a triathalon but these all sounds like such great resources!
Thanks Abbey!
Eat to Peak is well worth it!
Aw, thank you so much Kathleen!! 🙂
I’m a big fan of Andrew Johnston’s “Holistic Strength Training for Triathlon.” He explains how each exercise is going to affect each portion of the race – including transition. There’s some seriously painful things involving a fitness ball, though.
I bought my copy directly from the author in a PDF. Amazon didn’t get his permission to convert it to an ebook; he thought it was a bad idea because of all the pictures. The Amazon ebook version is junk. His PDF is usable, but the paper copy of the book is much easier to use. (I have both. When I ride my bike to the club to workout, I use the PDF copy on my Kindle. If I drive, I use the paper copy.)
I liked “Triathlon for the Every Woman,” but I only gave it three stars. I don’t think Meredith’s ever forgiven me for that. 😉
I haven’t read the Holistic Strength Training book yet, but I’ll definitely have to check it out! Triathlon for the Every Woman is another good one, I have read that! 🙂
So helpful! I’m training for my first triathlon and wasn’t sure what book would be best after I saw all the options on Amazon. Just bought “Your Best Triathlon” thanks to this post! So excited!!
Yayyyy! That book is really awesome and will help you excel in your tri. The training plan might be seen as a little tough but you can make adjustments if needed!
Does the Triathlete’s Training Bible have specific training plans or is it only in “Your Best Triathlon”? Looking at getting just the Bible, but I’ll get both if I need to.
Hi Caleb! I’m sorry for the delay in getting back to you – crazy week! 🙂 The Triathlete’s Training Bible has sample workouts and describes the purpose of each, as well as an annual training plan template (like one that you would fill in) – but it does not have specific sample training plans in it. That’s the reason I like “Your Best Triathlon” as a companion (or instead of the bible). Hope that helps! 🙂