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10 Best Triathlon Books 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

The Triathlete's Training Bible: The World's Most Comprehensive Training Guide, 5th Edition

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,403
Training Plans
Illustrations and Diagrams

Most important from
94 reviews

Training Plans
The new edition is excellent and perfect for getting back into action, especially for those planning a long-term training approach.
Illustrations and Diagrams
The information, formatting, and structure of this edition are of good quality, though some charts for estimating weekly TSS are missing.
#2
9.4 score

Swim Speed Strokes for Swimmers and Triathletes: Master Freestyle, Butterfly, Breaststroke and Backstroke for Your Fastest Swimming (Swim Speed Series)

The book 'Swim Speed Strokes for Swimmers and Triathletes' by VeloPress is a detailed guide to mastering different swimming strokes, including freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke, and backstroke. The author's expertise is clearly demonstrated through the in-depth techniques and training plans provided. These plans are practical and aimed at enhancing the reader's swimming speed and efficiency, making it a good fit for both novice and seasoned swimmers and triathletes.

Rating
9.4
Author's Expertise
Illustrations and Diagrams
Reader Reviews

Most important from
139 reviews

Author's Expertise
Immediate impact on technique and time, written by a swimmer for swimmers.
Illustrations and Diagrams
Probably the best single book for individual swimmers to understand and improve their technique with clear, step-by-step photos.
Reader Reviews
Packed with excellent advice, techniques, and tidbits, making it an exciting read for competitive swimmers.
#3
9.1 score

Swim Speed Workouts for Swimmers and Triathletes: The Breakout Plan for Your Fastest Freestyle (Swim Speed Series)

Swim Speed Workouts for Swimmers and Triathletes: The Breakout Plan for Your Fastest Freestyle is a comprehensive guide aimed at improving freestyle swimming speed. Written by expert coach Sheila Taormina, the book benefits from her extensive experience as both an Olympic swimmer and a triathlon coach. This adds considerable weight to the author's expertise, making it a reliable resource for swimmers and triathletes alike.

Rating
9.1
Training Plans

Most important from
45 reviews

Training Plans
Following the workout book from start to finish significantly improved swimming times and skills.

Top 10 Best Triathlon Books 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score
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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

Chosen by 1403 this week

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

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

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

Strength Training for Triathletes: The Complete Program to Build Triathlon Power, Speed, and Muscular Endurance

Author's Expertise: Significant expertise in the field
Training Plans: Well-structured plans for power and endurance
Nutrition Advice: Valuable advice for effective fueling
Mental Strategies: Aid in focus and resilience
Illustrations and Diagrams: Included

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
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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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