10 Best Triathlon Books 2025 in the United States

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.

The book '80/20 Triathlon' is authored by Matt Fitzgerald, a well-known endurance sports coach and author, which adds credibility and expertise to the content. The book focuses on the 80/20 training principle, where 80% of training is performed at low intensity and 20% at high intensity. This evidence-based approach is designed to optimize performance and prevent burnout, making it suitable for athletes at all levels. The training plans provided in the book are comprehensive and cater to different skill levels, from beginners to experienced triathletes. Additionally, the book offers valuable nutrition advice, helping athletes understand how to fuel their bodies effectively for training and recovery.

Mental strategies are also covered, providing readers with techniques to stay focused and motivated throughout their training journey. The book includes illustrations and diagrams that aid in the understanding of training concepts and exercises, making it more accessible and practical. Some readers might find the scientific explanations and data-heavy sections a bit overwhelming if they prefer more straightforward guidance.

The book's physical dimensions and weight make it a portable option for athletes who want to refer to it on the go. In summary, '80/20 Triathlon' is a well-rounded resource for triathletes looking to improve their training efficiency, nutrition, and mental resilience.

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.

The book also covers mental strategies, helping readers develop the mental toughness required for such a demanding event. The illustrations and diagrams enhance the learning experience by providing visual aids to better understand the exercises and techniques. The book is relatively short at 107 pages, and some readers might find the content a bit condensed for a comprehensive training guide.

The paperback format and its manageable size (8.5 x 0.26 x 11 inches) make it convenient to carry around. For a beginner looking to embark on their first Half Ironman, this guide offers a solid foundation in a straightforward and accessible manner.