Triathlon Training

by Michael Finch

No matter what distances you're training for, Triathlon Training offers expert guidance for improving your racing from start to finish. Triathlon Training contains six race-specific programs—two for sprint distances, two for Olympic distances, one for the half Ironman, and one for the Ironman. The sprint and Olympic programs include target race times to help you choose the best program for yourself, based on your ability level. It also details a 12-week, step-by-step, base-building program that you can use to work up to racing distances. The instruction, time management tips, and drills in Triathlon Training will help you make the most effective use of each training day. Insights from athletes' profiles and information on nutrition, supplements, and equipment offer additional ways to maximize training as you prepare for competition. The book examines the most common triathlon injuries, offers advice on preventing those injuries, and details how to treat and recover from them, should they occur. A full-color book with more than 200 photos, Triathlon Training was developed in consultation with USA Triathlon and the British Triathlon Association. Whether you are considering your first triathlon or are committing yourself to Ironman competition, this book will help put you on the path to a successful finish.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a lot of information but it wasn’t always clear. I’ve built my Half Iron Man training plan based on this book and won’t have an answer for how well it works for months. I have to start somewhere and this book seemed like a decent place to start.

[Michelle Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, the month of November...I use this month as my time to reflect on my athletic accomplishments of the year and ponder what goals to set for next year. As I age (er-"mature") my bucket list keeps getting longer, especially in the arena of endurance sports. I've started wondering - can I do a triathlon? what about 70.3? Well that's halfway to an ironman, might as well keep going. Or what about the ultra world? 50k, 50 miles, Comrades. I've started to wonder, which event is the ultimate endurance test? Am I strong enough to find out for myself?

Nine years of marathon running has shown me that I am most myself when I'm pushing the limits of my physical and mental toughness. I've evolved into an athlete who gives either everything or nothing at all. I don't believe in wasting my time on something if I'm not going to try to be the absolute best I can be. So Olympic distance triathlon... You will have my undivided attention for four months of 2012. Lung busting pool sessions, quad burning spin classes...bring it on, I'm ready for a new challenge.

As for the book review...excellent background for someone like me who has virtually no knowledge of swimming or cycling. I wouldn't recommend it for seasoned triathletes.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone starting out in Triathlon. It's a brief history, has training programs for the 3 most popular distances (Sprint, Olympic & Ironman) as well as injury prevention/treatment and diet. I reccomend this to anyone running there first triathlon, it's a must read before you do it.

[Caryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of Triathlon history and training essentials, with a few inspirational stories tossed in for good measure. However, the training programs are not vigorous enough, resulting in (I believe) a "just-crossed-the-finish-line" result.

[Chloe]

Well I skimmed through this if that counts as reading it I don't know how far I would get if I sat down and read it word for word

[Mark Schuliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good guide for me, a first-timer. Will likely read it again before next season to see if I can glean even more as a second-timer.