Good triathlon book?

[gettingfit]

Hi,

I am going to try my first triathtlon or duathlon spring or summer 2008.
I've been looking on Amazon for a triathlon book and found the following:

The Triathlete's Training Bible (2nd Edition) by Joe Friel
Ultimate Guide To Weight Training For Triathlon by Robert G. Price
The Triathlete's Guide to Bike Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training) by Linda Wallenfels

The Triathlete's Guide to Bike Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training) by Linda Wallenfels
The Triathlete's Guide to Swim Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training) by Steve Tarpinian
The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training (Ultrafit Multisport Training) by Ken Mierke


I was wondering if anyone can recommend or discourage any of them.

Thank you

[daniella]

Joe Friel is good. To get ready for my first IronMan I read his book, "Going Long" that he co-wrote with Gordon Blyn. It was very good. I haven't read his "Triathlete's Training Bible", but several of my friends liked it alot. Steven Jonas wrote "Triathloning for Ordinary Mortals" specifically for first time triathletes. I found it very helpful and encouraging. Dr. Jonas is an M.D., which gives him a good perspective on the sport. "Triathlete Magazine" is a good source of info for training, nutrition, gear and race strategy.

Best wishes and welcome to one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

[RoJoGo]

I would recommend finding a tri-club in your area because there is nothing like experiences from others to help and guide you thru.

Books are fine...any of those will give you some ideas...but maybe volunteering at one or even just going to one and watching will give you a much better persepective!

WARNING....triathlons are very addicting! LOL! I'm serious...once you do one, the next you'll be out looking at $12K tri-bikes and $500/mo coaches! LOL!

Good luck and let us know which one or one's you decide.

[mtn_sport]

I've found Friel's books to be useful in terms of methodology of training plan design, but his presentation of physiology is a bit outdated. I'm sure this is a physiologist's debate and not a practical matter, since doing the work is still exactly that. I especially like how he discusses periodization for multisport training, the phases of a training program and how they should succeed one another leading to peak performance. I have used it with great success.

That said, it is a technical book and will require you to think as you read through it designing your own program. An alternative would be Gale Bernhardt's "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" - more cookie-cutter programs to choose from.

Hope this helps! Joining a tri club is also excellent advice, as is volunteering. These races couldn't exist without volunteers!