20 Best Triathlon Books for Training, Inspiration, and Enjoyment

YOU ARE READING: 20 Best Triathlon Books for Training, Inspiration, and Enjoyment AT PhebinhvanhocEN

If you’re looking for triathlon books – whether for training, inspiration, or enjoyment – then we have the list for you. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best triathlon books that fit all three of these categories.

Each book has been carefully selected based on its usefulness, perspective, and general reviews from other readers. We’ve added most of these multisport and endurance books to our libraries and they inspire much of the content we share here at bettertriathlete.com.

You are reading: Best triathlon training books

Do you have a triathlon or endurance related book to suggest? tell us!

the triathlete’s training bible

by Joe Friel

Without a doubt, one of the most iconic and time-tested triathlon training books is Joe Friel’s Triathlete’s Training Bible. essentially it is a well-organized training manual that is comprehensive and easy to navigate. In its latest edition, Friel includes annual training sheets and specific training sessions for swimming, cycling, running and combined training. The book also addresses the psychology and mental aspects of training and racing, making the most recent revision of the triathlete’s training bible even more comprehensive. this is one of the best triathlon books any serious triathlete should pick up in his library. also makes a great gift.

the triathlete’s training bible is rated 4.1 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

length: training for the ultimate triathlon challenge

by Joe Friel, Gordon Byrn

Written by Ironman legend Joe Friel and Gordon Byrn and now available in its second edition, Going Long: Training for Triathlon’s Ultimate Challenge is a gold read for iron distance training. The book contains chapters that discuss the basics of triathlon training and endurance development, as well as sport-specific guidance for swimming, cycling, and running. What makes this a great triathlon training book is Friel’s mental strategies and tips for athletes to get the most out of the time they invest in the sport. Included in the book are sample training plans, lots of visuals like photos, graphs, and charts, and plenty of athlete case studies.

go long is rated 4.1 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

looking for ultra

by Rich Roll

find ultra, now available in a revised and updated edition subtitled reject middle age, become one of the fittest men in the world, and discover myself, is an inspiring story book about auto-transformed ultra-endurance athlete and author, rich roll. The story tells of Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from a depressed, unhealthy lawyer to a plant-based multi-sport athlete who competes in some of the most intense endurance races in the world. A true page-turner for triathletes, find ultra delves into some of the rich roll experiences in racing events like the 320-mile ultraman and epic5, which are five consecutive ironman distance triathlons, each in a different Hawaiian. island.

finding ultra has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

Becoming a Flexible Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Solving Pain, Preventing Injuries, and Optimizing Athletic Performance

by Kelly Starrett and Glen Cordoza

If you’re familiar with Kelly Starrett’s work, you’re probably aware of the importance of proper biomechanics, movement patterns, and proper range of motion, and how all of these fundamentals influence athletic performance. Becoming a Flexible Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injuries and Optimizing Athletic Performance is every athlete’s bible (but especially triathletes) when it comes to preventing and rehabilitating sports injuries and unlock powerful reserves of athletic ability. this book now has version 2.0 with newly added content.

becoming a supple leopard has a score of 4.4 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

wired: life, death and triathlon

By Emma Carney and Jane E. Hunt

dominant triathlete in the 1990s, emma carney won the world title on her debut in her first international triathlon. emma then won more races than anyone, before a heart condition developed and stopped my race. Emma Carney was sensationally left out of the 2000 Olympic team, and for the first time, she discusses the circumstances surrounding that process in her wired autobiography. life, death and triathlon which is emma’s life story beyond triathlon. emma is now a high performance coach and works with the world triathlon development team. Emma’s story raises questions: Who is really there when things go wrong? when the system fails? Who cares when you find yourself dying on the road?

hard wired. Life, Death and Triathlon is a relatively new book that you can get more information about on Google Books. get it at amazon.

strength training for triathletes

by patrick s. hagermann

one of the best triathlon strength training books, simply titled strength training for triathletes by patrick s. Hagerman offers highly sport-specific weightlifting programs for athletes from multiple sports. Organized by sport and muscle group, the book offers more than 75 exercises that are designed to help build strength for swimming, biking, and running. athletes will appreciate sample season plans for various triathlon distances, as well as guidance on how to tailor training plans to individual needs. In short, this book makes it easy to develop a triathlon-focused strength training program for both the off-season and racing season.

strength training for triathletes has a score of 4.0 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

fast track triathlete: balancing a great life with great performance in long distance triathlon

by matt dixon

For those looking for ironman training books, legendary pro matt dixon delivers the goods on his fast track triathlete: balancing a great life with great long distance triathlon performance. dixon offers revolutionary triathlon training as well as specifics related to recovery, strength and mobility, and nutrition. As the book’s title implies, Dixon helps busy iron distance athletes optimize their training to make the most of fewer hours spent training. Novice and beginner triathletes will appreciate the training programs for: 10-week off-season training, 14-week pre-season training, and 14-week race prep training programs, with full and half ironman plans structured with key workouts more strength and conditioning exercises.

fast track triathlete has a score of 4.4 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

triathlon for all women: you can be a triathlete. Yes. your.

by Meredith Atwood

As an Ironman Triathlon coach who offers a wealth of wisdom for female triathletes, Meredith Atwood shares everything you need to make your multisport goals a reality. in her book triathlon for every woman: you can be a triathlete. Yes. you., readers can expect easy-to-adopt training plans, the latest in sports nutrition, and the most up-to-date knowledge on long-distance running. In addition to Meredith’s expertise, she also shares the expertise of other triathlon coaches, nutritionists, and athletes. Meredith’s story of going from a burnt-out wife and mother to a successful triathlete resonated widely in the women’s triathlon community. she finds out why in this epic triathlon training/inspiration book.

triathlon for all women has a score of 4.3 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

triathlon for beginners: everything you need to know about training, nutrition, equipment, motivation, racing and much more

by Dan Golding

Triathlon for Beginners by Dan Golding is an insightful and easy-to-understand triathlon book that is packed with practical strategies to help athletes progress in the sport. Dan Golding shares not only his own triathlon experience, but also the experience of world-class professionals. Readers can learn how to develop their own training plan, how to train effectively to maximize progress and minimize injury, and how to acquire essential equipment to train and compete at your full potential. If you’re new to the sport of triathlon, golding’s triathlon for beginners is well worth a read.

triathlon for beginners has a score of 3.8 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

be ironfit: time efficient training secrets to achieve the best physical shape

by don fink, melanie fink

Touted as the best ironman triathlon training book in its 3rd edition, be ironfit: time efficient training secrets to peak fitness has it all. An appropriate read for beginners and elite athletes alike, Be IronFit contains everything from sport-specific training principles, flexibility, and core strength to tips on mental training, nutrition, and time management. The IronFit series of books has been refined over a decade and offers a gold mine of knowledge for Ironman athletes. Authors Don and Melanie Fink have also published Ironfit Triathlon Training for Women. All in all, they’ve written some great books in the ironfit series that are well worth exploring.

be ironfit: time efficient training secrets to achieve the best fitness is rated 4.4 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

swim speed secrets for swimmers and triathletes: master the freestyle technique used by the world’s fastest swimmers

by Sheila Taormina

Written by 4-time Olympian (including a gold medalist) and Triathlon World Champion Sheila Taormina, The Secrets of Speed Swimming: Master the Freestyle Technique Used by the World’s Fastest Swimmers is required reading for elite triathletes. Inspired by analysis of underwater videos and photographs of some of the world’s best freestyle swimmers, this book drives home the most fundamental principles of swimming: the underwater high-elbow pull. In addition to sharing some of the best exercises to develop water sensation, Taormina also offers out-of-water strengthening exercises to cultivate proper arm position and upper body musculature that lends itself to faster swimming. /p>

swimming speed secrets for swimmers and triathletes is rated 4.2 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

power-speed endurance: a skill-based approach to endurance training

by Brian MacKenzie and Glen Cordoza

Traversing similar territory to Kelly Starrett and the West Coast CrossFit community, author Brian Mackenzie brings a refreshing and revolutionary perspective with his Speed Endurance: A Skill-Based Approach to Endurance Training. This book offers next-level training strategies combined with abundant full-color images. Power speed endurance is a gold standard for optimizing sports performance, especially for elite athletes who need an edge for both performance and injury prevention. By applying the principles of the world’s best CrossFit trainers, athletes can enjoy hands-on, step-by-step instructions for specific exercises and movements.

power speed resistance is rated 4.0 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

resistance training – science and practice

by Íñigo Mujika

Resistance Training: Science and Practice is one of the most underrated yet impactful books of its kind. The book is easy to follow and provides a systematic approach to training, making it ideal for all types of endurance enthusiasts. athletes, coaches, and sports scientists will appreciate the comprehensive and scientific nature of this book. mujika draws on the knowledge of more than 50 international collaborators who are recognized as world-class in their respective fields. In doing so, Resistance Training: Science and Practice strikes the perfect balance between both the scientific and practical aspects of resistance training and performance.

resistance training: science and practice is rated 4.7 out of 5 on goodreads. get it on amazon

unbreakable runner: unleash the power of the force & conditioning for a lifetime of hard running

by T.J. Murphy, Brian Mackenzie

This inspiring book was written by a powerful duo of crossfit endurance pioneer brian mackenzie and legendary endurance author t.j. murphy unbreakable runner: unleash the power of the force & Conditioning for a Lifetime of Strong Racing conforms to conventional training and recovery standards, and officially burns these traditions by introducing a new set of rules for fast, powerful and tough racing conventions. Murphy and Mackenzie dispel the myths surrounding popular running ideology, such as high-volume training and high-carb diets, and instead replace these trends with injury-proof, high-intensity alternatives.

the unbreakable runner has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

ready to run: unleash your natural running potential

by Kelly Starrett, T.J. Murphy

also giving an alternative look at how to become better runners/movers, supple leopard himself later presented ready to run: unlocking your natural running potential. in the book, starrett addresses Lack of training standards like how to sit too much and wear compromising shoes can contribute to chronic injuries. more importantly, he tells us what we can do about it. Ready to Run is a guide for advanced mobility runners to prevent injury, develop proper movement patterns, and produce a greater range of motion for optimal mechanics. the book is very easy to read and contains lots of wonderful photos.

ready to go has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on goodreads. buy ready to run on amazon.

Beyond Training: Mastering Stamina, Health & life

by Ben Greenfield

With a foreword written by two-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack, any serious triathlete would be hard-pressed not to take a look at Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Fitness and Fitness. life by ben greenfield. this book takes a more comprehensive approach by including much more than just triathlon and endurance content. however, almost everything in the book translates to better multisport performance. From biohacks for mental performance to optimizing nutrition and immunity, this book offers a broad perspective similar to Ben’s podcast.

beyond training has a score of 3.9 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

your first triathlon

By Joe Friel

There’s a reason one of triathlon’s most prolific authors is also a best-selling author. Your First Triathlon is a lasting testament to Joe Friel’s work, as it is considered one of the best triathlon books for beginners. Having been around for years and now in its second edition, Your First Triathlon is a clear and comprehensive book that makes short course triathlon preparation fun and easy. The book contains a simple 12-week training plan that requires only 4 hours of training per week. friel not only provides training structure and technical advice, but also includes a wide range of tips, such as managing pool etiquette, punctures, muscle soreness, and other frequently asked questions for beginners.

your first triathlon has a score of 3.9 out of 5 on goodreads. go to amazon.

The following triathlon books fall into the inspirational and fun category (minus training).

iron war: dave scott, mark allen and the greatest race ever run

by Matt Fitzgerald

This inspiring triathlon book is an epic tale of the sport’s most iconic rivalries and head-to-head races that have ever occurred. Rewinding to 1989 during the Ironman World Championships in Kona, the two greatest athletes in the sport, Dave Scott and Mark Allen, would run shoulder to shoulder at record pace for nearly the entire 8-hour race. the inspirational race would redefine the triathlon’s role in mental toughness, not to mention the limits of human endurance. The book is told in a captivating narrative that tells the story of two world-class champions and the paths that led them to their gripping showdown over three decades ago on the big island.

iron war has a score of 4.3 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

dare triathlon: my journey from the bbc breakfast couch to the gb team triathlon

by Louise Minchin

Dare to Tri: My Journey from the BBC Breakfast Sofa to GB Team Triathlete is an inspiring journey of how Louise Minchin’s new triathlon discovery quickly turns into a passionate obsession. As a former athlete from decades prior, Minchin finds his interest piqued in him as a triathlete. as she improves on his performance, she accepts the chance to represent the great British team as a competitive age grouper. In doing so, Ella Minchin must adjust to a rigorous training schedule, overcome personal nerves, a bike accident, and all the emotions in between. For competitive age groups, this triathlon book is an inspiring and motivational read.

dare to tri has a score of 4.2 out of 5 on goodreads. go to amazon.

a life without limits: the journey of a world champion

by Chrissie Wellington

chrissie wellington, a notable figure in the professional triathlon community of the late 2000s, shares her journey firsthand in Life Without Limits: The Journey of a World Champion during the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Wellington shook up the sport by coming out of nowhere to win the race as a newcomer. surprising both the press and the triathlon community at large, wellington quickly became an iconic role model for all types of athletes. Her book A Life Without Limits makes her story even more accessible as readers join her through her journeys, career experiences, and ups and downs of being a world class triathlete.

a life without limits has a score of 4.1 out of 5 on goodreads. get it at amazon.

as the crow flies: my path to ironman world champion

by Craig Alexander

A Bird’s Eye Flight brings triathletes and endurance enthusiasts an engaging story of five-time world champion craig “crowie” alexander. Recognized as one of the most successful athletes in the sport, Crowie shares his mindset, training, and relationships that allowed him to become the athlete and person he is today. From a triathlon training perspective, Crowie provides insight into your training blocks, workouts, and pivotal moments in the big races. In addition, he shares work-life balance and the struggles he faced with illness, family, and personal issues. Filled with incredible photography, A Bird’s Eye Flight is a unique story that all triathletes will appreciate.

A Bird’s Flight has a score of 3.8 out of 5 on goodreads. go to amazon.

For similar triathlon-related content, check out our resources on triathlon podcasts, multisport training, and triathlon bikes.

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