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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

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,170
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
9.1 score

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

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.

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.
#3
8.8 score

Going Long: Training for Triathlon's Ultimate Challenge

"Going Long: Training for Triathlon's Ultimate Challenge" is a well-regarded book for triathletes, especially those aiming for long-distance events like Ironman races. Written by an experienced author, it offers detailed training plans that guide you through different phases of preparation, making it suitable for both beginners and more seasoned athletes. The book also covers nutrition advice tailored to endurance sports, helping you understand what to eat before, during, and after workouts to improve performance and recovery.

Rating
8.8
Training Plans
Nutrition Advice
Mental Strategies

Most important from
205 reviews

Training Plans
The book serves as an essential guide for transitioning from shorter triathlons to ultra-endurance races, offering a comprehensive, step-by-step training plan tailored to different ability levels.
Nutrition Advice
Nutrition guidance is exceptionally detailed, providing strategies that significantly enhance endurance, recovery, and fuel utilization throughout various training phases.
Mental Strategies
Mental and logistical preparation sections stand out as very useful, helping athletes stay focused and organized for long-distance events.
Illustrations and Diagrams
While comprehensive, the book can feel dense and may lack visual aids like diagrams that could help clarify complex training concepts.
Reader Reviews
The book’s thoroughness and practical advice make it a must-have reference, often carried to the gym or grocery store for constant consultation.

Top 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 1170 this week

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
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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

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

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

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

Fast-Track Triathlete: Balancing a Big Life with Big Performance in Long-Course Triathlon

Author's Expertise: experience in endurance sports
Training Plans: practical plans for hectic schedules
Nutrition Advice: nutrition advice
Mental Strategies: strategies to stay motivated and overcome
Illustrations and Diagrams: does not rely on illustrations
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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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