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.

Workouts in a Binder: Swim Workouts for Triathletes is a handy guide focused specifically on swim training, making it a good choice for triathletes aiming to improve their swimming performance. The author provides structured swim workouts that can help swimmers of various levels build endurance and technique. Because the book is concise and focused solely on swim workouts, it doesn't cover other triathlon necessities like nutrition advice or mental strategies, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for those.

The book includes helpful illustrations and diagrams to clarify exercises, which is useful if you are new to swim training. Published in 2002, some training methods might feel a bit outdated compared to more recent guides. Its 96-page length means it won't overwhelm you but also indicates the content is quite focused and not comprehensive for overall triathlon preparation.

If swim training is your main concern and you prefer straightforward workout routines, this book can be a practical addition. To obtain a full triathlon training plan that covers nutrition and mental preparation, consider complementing this book with other resources.

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.