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 'Swim Smooth: The Complete Coaching System for Swimmers and Triathletes' stands out in the triathlon-books category, particularly through its comprehensive approach to swimming training. Authored by experts in the field, the book provides well-constructed training plans that cater to various skill levels, which is a significant strength.

The detailed illustrations and diagrams enhance its instructional value, making complex techniques easier to understand and apply. Additionally, the book's emphasis on mental strategies offers valuable insights into maintaining focus and improving performance, an often overlooked aspect of training.

However, it lacks extensive coverage on nutrition advice, which might be a drawback for those looking for a complete triathlon guide encompassing all aspects of training. The physical dimensions and weight of the book make it a bit bulky, which might be inconvenient for on-the-go reading. Nonetheless, for swimmers and triathletes aiming to enhance their swimming skills, this book remains a highly recommended resource.

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.