The Triathlete's Training Bible: A Complete Training Guide for the Competitive Multisport Athlete [Paperback]

Joe Friel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998

This intensive guide covers the specialized training needs of triatheletes, who must stretch, strengthen, and tone the muscles used in three different sports. It includes the latest research on nutrition; covers racing, rest, and recovery; and outlines the best techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Appendices include training-plan worksheets and suggested workouts.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As an age-group competitor, is Colorado State Masters Triathlon Champion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Velo Press (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188473748X
• ISBN-13: 978-1884737480
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #814,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

172 of 177 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and scientifically proven, September 6, 2000

By 

Thomas Schmierer, see you in 2004 baby (Newport Beach, CA USA (Top of the food chain)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Triathlete's Training Bible: A Complete Training Guide for the Competitive Multisport Athlete (Paperback)

After reading this book, many other books and articles on the sport seem to be poorly written. The author provides the whole picture for his claims by mentioning relevant scientific studies both supporting and nullifying his training method. He does not base any of this book on opinion, but does point out that there is also an art to training that has nothing to do with science.

He gives excellent instruction for all three sports including how to devise a training plan customized for your goals, the special skills required for each sport, and nutrition. It is a very comprehensive book and will take at least a couple of weeks to finish, but the education is priceless. I never raced a triathlon before this book and after reading it, I felt like I had more information in my head on the subject than most seasoned veterans.

The only negative about this book is that there needs to be more on swimming and to truly become a better swimmer you will need another resource; I believe he suggests Total Immersion by Terry Laughlin. Joe Friel's web site is http://www.ultrafit.com/ and you can go there for more tips or to inquire about personal coaching services. I sent him an e-mail questioning something in the book that I didn't understand and he responded the same day. I constantly quote the book to my friends. Maybe that's why it's called the "Bible".

258 of 275 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars REVIEW BY AN OLDER,RECREATIONAL ATHLETE, August 3, 2003

By 

Ed Rains (Memphis, Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Triathlete's Training Bible: A Complete Training Guide for the Competitive Multisport Athlete (Paperback)

I'm 57, and returned after a 15-year hiatus this spring to participate in multi-sport events. I think Friel's book would be great for the younger triathlete, or an older, dedicated triathlete with the time and energy to devote a aminimum of 20-25 hours a week to training. For the old geezer like me--- that is to say, a marginal athlete with a job, a family, other interests, and a maximum of twelve hours a week to train, this book is totally inappropriate. It's far too technical and clearly targets younger athletes already competing at or near the elite level. Something comparable to Galloway's 2nd edition book on running or his "Marathon---You Can Do It" would be far more useful to somebody at my level.

72 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars informative, August 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Triathlete's Training Bible: A Complete Training Guide for the Competitive Multisport Athlete (Paperback)

Not being of the multisport athlete ranks myself (I'm a runner)I endeavoured to branch out this year and try a triathlon using the advice given in this book. I found that not only was this book incredibly useful for the novice triathlete, it was also the best book on running I have ever picked up. Advice on training cycles, nutrition, strength training, and racing was invaluable even for runners alone. I would highly recommend this book for any endurance athlete.