Triathlon 101

by John Mora

In "Triathlon 101," John Mora offers a book full of valuable lessons and insights to help you prepare for and compete in your first triathlon or improve your results the next time out. No other triathlon resource focuses on the unique needs of newcomers to the sport. Inside you will learn how to:

- design your own triathlon training calendar and logbook, - choose the proper equipment to fit you and your budget, - eat during training and ""load up"" for racing, - prevent overtraining and recover quickly from common injuries, - swim and navigate safely in open water, - smoothly transition from one sport to the next, and- taper your training to peak on race day.

Sample training programs, photos featuring the best and most current equipment and correct technique, and expert advice from top pros and coaches-Terry Laughlin, Lauren Jensen, and Troy Jacobson-are provided to help you get off to a great start. Success stories from triathletes who started just like you will increase your motivation and confidence.

Spare yourself the trial-and-error experiences that discourage many from the sport. Be a smart triathlete from the start. Take the best course available for developing multisport athletes-"Triathlon 101."

Genres: Fitness, Nonfiction, Sports

232 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Akhilesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book I picked up from the library to see if I needed to know anything in specific. The book goes over the basic and advanced techniques (bike/run/swim) that could be used in triathlon. It seemed simple enough to go over and was a quick read.

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Am training for my 3rd (sprint) “tri”, but this is the first book I have read on the subject.

Appreciated (& needed!) the section on swimming, in particular: trying to reduce strokes, interval vs. set distance/time vs. drills for training. Being aware of overtraining so that you don’t “destroy health for the sake of fitness”. Most time is spent biking but most injuries occur running. Run types: long slow, tempo (20-30 min.), “fartlek”, or hills….

These are a few gems from a solid book!

[Mikhail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent intro into triathlon if you have never read anything about it before.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful primer for someone just who is just about to enter their first or second triathlon. After registering for my first Olympic distance event, I bought the book and quickly read it straight through; it gave me a good foundation with which to approach gear retailers, my own training schedule, diet, and realistic expectations for race day. In some ways it reads like a series of "tips-for-beginners" articles that you might read in a Tri magazine. Even though I didn't realize it fully when as I was reading, there are many bits of useful information that I simply did not know beforehand (e.g., the importance of aerobars, the utility of carbohydrate gels, the centrality of skill and form in swimming, etc.). I fully expect a that my training from this point forward will be much more effective for having read this book; if for no other reason than that I will seek out competent coaches rather than go it alone!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent! I did my first triathlon in the summer of 2010 and thanks to this book, I was prepared and successful. This book had all the answers for a first time triathlete. From training plans, to proper equipment, to transition issues, to what to eat, nutrition during training,and for me most importantly, how to approach the swim. This book outlined approaches to each component of the triathlon both mentally and physically. Plus, a few motivational stories to help reinforce the points. A really worthwhile book.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended to me by an experienced triathlete, and it's a really good overview of your first triathlon. Quick and to the point. For a more detailed training guide, check out The Triathlete's Training Bible by Joe Friel.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book for first time triathletes, or second-timers who are "actually going to train this time." You can find information on the logistics of triathlon, different kinds of triathlons, nutrition and beginner training information. It really helped me prepare for my triathlons. Throughout the process of training I continually looked back through the book for information.

[Jill]

I've checked this out from the library 3 times now (twice the last time I trained for a triathlon, now that I'm gearing up to do a tri again). I really should probably just buy this book. It is written for the beginner, but Inever seem to graduate beyond beginner status when it comes to triathlons. Will let you know how it helps my progress.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for the basics. I liked it, and would recommend it to someone starting out. I was looking for a little more help with the running and biking, and this didn't give me all I hoped. But, it was still good.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, not that any of you are going to run out and get this one, but I have been reading it in preparation for a race this summer. Good solid advice on each race segment. No training schedules though.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good all around primer on triathlon topics. Not too detailed or technical. You could most of this information from the internet, but it would take a considerable amount of time to pull it together.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This woman on the cover is seriously intent on running through whatever obstacle blocks her path, whether it be water, road or molten lava. But seriously, this book is good for everyone, from experienced Ironman triathletes to people who just dabble in a little bit of triathleticism.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

has some good advice on what to expect

[Amber Toro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to triathlon. It is a great place to start for any one just getting into the sport.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer for a first-timer in the sport. It's got a little bit of advice about each part of the sport, without getting bogged down in details that might confuse a newcomer to triathlon.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're about to train or run your first Triathlon, buy this book. You'll find lots of the small tricks and tips the other books don't tell you.

[Janey2197 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to TRIATHLON, this is a decent book

[Kristin R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book for learning the basics of triathlon. It includes training and gear and some on diet. It is a good resource for anyone who knows virtually nothing about the competition.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely want to do a triathlon in a couple years! This book provided a great overview of the sport beginners and was very motivating :)

[Loredana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners, motivating!

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the other triathlon book by far, but still not terribly great. Gave me a better understanding of what to expect (although there weren't really any surprises).

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, basic book for anyone new to the multisport scene.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect primer for anyone jumping in to the world of multi-sport.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better basic book about triathlons than the first I tried reading.