The 12 Week Triathlete, 2nd Edition-Revised and Updated: Everything You Need to Know to Train and Succeed in Any Triathlon in Just Three Months - No Matter Your Skill Level

by Tom Holland

Imagine being able to compete in a triathlon in just three short months! You can, with this all-encompassing, easy-to-use training program! The 12-Week Triathlete gives the most exciting, encouraging, and up-to-date exercise information for the fitness enthusiast. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, this book offers a complete program that will help you strengthen, tone-up, and both physically and mentally prepare for the big day. It will appeal to both men and women and includes: 12 weekly training programs nutrition information logs sport specific question & answer sidebars (biking, running, and swimming) information on weight-training, endurance training, speed work, and more basic questions about competing: Can you eat during a race? How do you line up your bike so you can jump right on it? What's the best way to quickly shed your swimsuit?

Genres: Health, Fitness, Sports

570 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Tom Holland is a renowned Exercise Physiologist and Certified Sports Nutritionist. An elite athlete himself, Holland has completed over 60 marathons and ultramarathons as well as 26 Ironman triathlons around the world. He holds a Master's Degree in Exercise Science and Sport Psychology and has been certified by the CISSN, ACSM, NSCA-CSCS, NASM, ACE, and AFAA. He is the author of The Marathon Method, The 12-Week Triathlete, Beat the Gym and Swim, Bike, Run - Eat: The Complete Guide to Fueling Your Triathlon. He also stars in numerous best-selling fitness videos including Supreme 90 Day, The Abs Diet Workout and Herbalife.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on the mental aspect. My only issue with this book is that training by time for a beginner, particularly a slow beginner, may be a problem as they won't be going as far as they need to.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent training book

Decent training book for triathlons. Seems a little outdated compared to newer technologies, techniques, equipment and latest techniques. I would check out other books.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good overview of race specifics. Not sure on training plans. Decent intro book for a beginner.

[Desiree Koh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last year I did the Chicago Triathlon sprint distance without training and completed in a few seconds above two hours.

That's shabby.

That and the fact that I've become rather fond of endurance events, albeit mired in a love-hate relationship with them, has driven me to sign up for more races in various permutations. However, my goal is no longer simply finishing; I'm working on performance now. Tom Holland's book has very comprehensive yet non-complex programs that makes it really easy to train for races efficiently and effectively. Maybe I shouldn't speak too soon since I am working towards a sprint race in about a month's time with his program, so I'll let you know if I finish between 1:30 and 1:40, my goal. If so, this book is golden.

However, the book is a wealth of information and Tom writes free of peacock parade jargon and a cocky jock strap attitude. I've learned so much and also shattered some of my own misconceptions about achieving my best performance during a race. I'm not a complete beginner, but I'm far from even considering myself as an intermediate-level competitor, so this book is not only educational, it's very reassuring.

And most importantly, I'm enjoying my training tremendously. After all, isn't fun what it's all about?

[Kayce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: just as helpful the second time around.

I found this book to be very helpful. I think. I guess I'll have to revisit after I actually complete a triathlon. Holland did seem very knowledgeable and made the training program accessible and it feels very doable. He also managed to get me very pumped up. I'm disappointed now that I'm not planing on participating in a race till next Spring.

[Sarah McGrath · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting read! I didn't read this book to participate in triathlons, was just curious what it was about. Learn't some good pointers about stength training, stretching and flexibility program, mental training and nutrition/hydration. Those areas were what intrigued me to read the book. However, i know also have some knowledge on swimming, biking and running :)

[Michelle Rojas Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have preferred a more detailed schedule with actual drills to follow, but it's not bad for a beginner. It does, however, tell you everything you need to know about Triathlons, what you need, and what to expect.

[Alexis Bauer Kolak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful as a beginner book. It lacks detailed plans for things like swim and bike workouts. There is a lot here on little tips to help with things you might not think about, which was great, and a holistic overview of what's it's like in the actual race.

[Nicoal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the simplicity of the information presented and the variety of training programs included.

[Richard Rouhe · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good start and a good reference once for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th triathlons etc...

[Tanya Patrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginners - I read the first version, but understand it's been updated for 2011.