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10 Best Triathlon Books 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-by-Week Training Guide: Plans, Scheduling Tips, and Workout Goals for Triathletes of All Levels

Author's Expertise: Experts from Triathlete Magazine
Training Plans: Structured training plans
Nutrition Advice: Essential nutrition aspects
Mental Strategies: Essential mental strategies
Illustrations and Diagrams: Includes illustrations and diagrams

Chosen by 1237 this week

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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

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

Going Long: Training for Triathlon's Ultimate Challenge

Author's Expertise: experienced author
Training Plans: detailed plans for training phases
Nutrition Advice: nutrition advice for endurance sports
Mental Strategies: helps stay motivated and focused

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

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

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
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-by-Week Training Guide: Plans, Scheduling Tips, and Workout Goals for Triathletes of All Levels

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Author's Expertise
Training Plans
Reader Reviews

Most important from
213 reviews

Author's Expertise
The author is highly responsive to questions, often replying within 24 hours.
Training Plans
A great training guide with over 40 plans for everyone from beginners to pros.
Reader Reviews
Good information for those trying to get into triathlon, covering training, gear, and more.

Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-by-Week Training Guide is a comprehensive resource for triathletes of all levels. Authored by experts from Triathlete Magazine, this guide offers valuable insights into structured training plans, making it useful for beginners and seasoned athletes alike.

The week-by-week format helps in easy scheduling and tracking of progress, which can be a significant advantage for those looking to follow a disciplined regimen. The book also covers essential aspects like nutrition and mental strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to triathlon training. The inclusion of illustrations and diagrams enhances the learning experience, making complex concepts easier to understand.

Weighing in at 2.85 pounds and with 480 pages, the book might be a bit cumbersome for those who prefer lighter reading materials. Additionally, since it's a paperback edition, it may not be as durable as hardcover alternatives, especially for frequent use. The publication date of 2006 means some information might be dated, but the core principles of training and nutrition likely remain relevant. This guide is best suited for dedicated triathletes who are serious about following a structured training plan and seeking comprehensive advice on various aspects of the sport.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,237
Author's Expertise
Training Plans
Reader Reviews

Most important from
213 reviews

Author's Expertise
The author is highly responsive to questions, often replying within 24 hours.
Training Plans
A great training guide with over 40 plans for everyone from beginners to pros.
Reader Reviews
Good information for those trying to get into triathlon, covering training, gear, and more.
#2

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

Rating
9.4
Training Plans
Illustrations and Diagrams

Most important from
98 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.

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.

In addition to training plans, the book provides valuable nutrition advice, helping athletes optimize their diet for better performance and recovery. This section is thorough and offers practical tips that can be easily integrated into daily routines. Mental strategies are also addressed, which is crucial for triathletes who need to maintain focus and motivation throughout their training and races. The mental aspects discussed are insightful and can help athletes develop a stronger mindset.

The illustrations and diagrams included in the book are clear and helpful, making complex concepts easier to understand and apply. They enhance the readability and practical use of the guide. 'The Triathlete's Training Bible' is an excellent resource for dedicated triathletes seeking a thorough and expert-led guide to improve their performance. Its detailed training plans, nutrition advice, and mental strategies make it a valuable tool, though beginners might find its extensive content a bit complex to navigate at first.

Rating
9.4
Training Plans
Illustrations and Diagrams

Most important from
98 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.
#3

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

Rating
9.1
Author's Expertise
Training Plans
Reader Reviews

Most important from
1104 reviews

Author's Expertise
Offers 30 years of triathlon experience, providing the expertise needed to move beyond basic tips to advanced strategies.
Training Plans
This book helps visualize a whole year or season, making it a great resource for long-term planning and structuring one's life around triathlon.
Reader Reviews
Not a beginner book, but perfect for those with some experience looking to improve performance and recovery.

The Triathlete's Training Bible, 4th Edition, is written by Joe Friel, a highly respected authority in the world of triathlon coaching. His extensive experience is evident throughout the book, providing credibility and trustworthiness to the content.

One of the standout features of this book is its comprehensive training plans. These plans cater to athletes of various levels, from beginners to advanced, ensuring that readers can find suitable guidance regardless of their experience. The book also delves into essential nutrition advice, helping athletes understand what to eat to optimize their performance and recovery. Mental strategies are also covered, offering valuable insights on how to maintain focus and motivation during training and competitions.

Illustrations and diagrams are included to visually explain concepts, making the information more accessible and easier to understand. Some readers might find the book's depth a bit overwhelming, especially if they are new to the sport. Additionally, at 352 pages, it is quite a hefty read, and its size (8.5 x 0.8 x 11 inches) and weight (2.1 pounds) may make it less convenient to carry around. For those serious about improving their triathlon performance, this book is a valuable resource.

Rating
9.1
Author's Expertise
Training Plans
Reader Reviews

Most important from
1104 reviews

Author's Expertise
Offers 30 years of triathlon experience, providing the expertise needed to move beyond basic tips to advanced strategies.
Training Plans
This book helps visualize a whole year or season, making it a great resource for long-term planning and structuring one's life around triathlon.
Reader Reviews
Not a beginner book, but perfect for those with some experience looking to improve performance and recovery.

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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