Triathletes Training Bible - Books (Joe Friel, Paperback)

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Customer Reviews of Triathletes Training Bible

Mark

18th September 2008

The best. Period.
In my opinion, the goal of this book is to give people who want to compete in triathalons a scientific, self-coached training plan. Does it deliver? Absolutely. The book accomplishes this through six, cleanly divided parts.

Part one, "The self-trained triathlete" is concerned with the "philosophical" basis for methodical training. It deals with things such as attitide and commitment, which are as important to me as the physical training.

Part two, "From lab to real world" talks about the scientific foundation of training and goes into the science and priciples of training (i.e. progressive resistance, periodization, etc.).

Part three, "Training with a purpose" seems to pull together parts one and two in which a system of purposeful training is described. This part will help the reader to determine exactly what their training needs are and the best ways to address them.

Part four, simply titled "Planning" is really the heart of the book. Here the book helps you design your own training plan for a season, week by week.

Part five, "Racing and recovering" takes you through the many details of preparing to race and recovering after. In other words, it gives you info on what to do before and after the actual race. This information is essential as many athletes neglect to recover properly before starting training again for the next race.

Part six, "The competative edge" talks about other supplemental aspects of training that can contribute to peak performance. Here the book covers things such as swimming tips, weight training ex's, eating tips, keeping a training diary, etc. I like to think of this chapter as a kind of "tie up the loose ends" section.

Truly a book that lives up to its name, I can't see many readers coming away from this book without picking up much useful information- from the beginner to the experienced. Athletes with foot pain that interferes with their training might also find The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution helpful too. Happy training!

Greg
bristol uk
2nd September 2008

Excellent book that deserves the title bible!
I have no experience in the sport but after reading the book and creating my training programme i am already quietly confident about my first years results.
I can only reccomend this from a novice point of view however my reccomendation is to read it cover to cover its a great book and well wort the money.

Michael Bironneau
Loughborough, UK
13th May 2008

Great information, great presentation
My only regret is not having bought this book earlier.

I've been running for a year and now I want to train for triathlon. I bought this book hoping to find some guidance, and I found much more. This book:

-Focuses on every aspect of training, or as the author says "eating, living, and sleeping triathlon"
-Exposes and explains rigorous yet simple training methods and plans for complete novices or experienced competitors
-Gives tips on running/biking/swimming technique
-Gives specific details regarding ironman triathlon (e.g. specific pre-race nutrition)
-ALWAYS backs arguments up with studies and other forms of evidence
-Has appendices with workout plans, workout journals, yearly workout planning sheets, and more


Furthermore, I found the presentation of the book very enjoyable (easygoing style of writing, many charts/graphics to aid comprehension).

mylifestyletriathlon.blogspot.com
England
4th July 2007

Triathletes Training Bible
The Triathletes Training Bible 2nd Edition: Joe Friel

Blurb

Coach Joe Friel touts the benefits of creating a scientific, self coached training plan to refine your skills and improve your triathlon performance. You will learn how to train smarter, not harder, and apply proven techniques for increasing endurance without overtraining. Friel equips you with the know-how to build a personal training plan based on your individual needs and goals for the next racing season. In addition to the physical aspect of training, Friel addresses the importance of mental preparation and training, from attitude to zealousness.
Whether you are an amateur, professional, or training for your first triathlon event, you will find comprehensive information to help you achieve your goals and reach your maximum potential.

My Review

When I first bought this book I had only been in the sport of triathlon for a couple of months. During those months I had been swimming twice a week, cycling twice a week, running twice a week and weight training twice a week. My sessions were just endurance based spending say an hour swimming or running or cycling for a couple of hours with the club.
The first thing this book taught me was to make my sessions specific, why I needed speed and endurance sessions and how to tailor them to my goals and needs. I don't do a lot of club training and so being able to turn up at the pool during a public swim session, get in the fast lane and have a challenging and rewarding swim was essential. Before tailoring these sessions training could become boring and monotonous. The inclusion of specific drills and workouts for each sport made a welcome change and my style, especially my stroke in swimming has advanced noticeably.
I always trained with a training plan or diary but I never really knew how to create one properly. The step by step guide in this book has helped me no end and even now I still refer to it at the end of each season to plan the next! Templates are given so the correct format can be obtained for tracking weekly hours, different phases in training, events etc.
Periodization was something I had never employed with my training and again Friel has provided step by step instruction from base to race periods going into detail for each phase as to what workouts should be performed and for how long. Appropriate testing techniques are included to ensure you are always working to your peak potential.
Another section that I found rewarding was that of supplementation and nutrition. Vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, protein supplements etc are all discussed in detail explaining why you need them and what they do, not just `You need them!'. The periodisation of a triathletes diet is also discussed detailing fat, carbohydrate and protein intake throughout the season.

Of course there is no equivalent to one on one coaching from a qualified professional. However this book ensures that you understand your sport and why a coach preaches what he/she does. Understanding how to train and prepare yourself to race is essential if you wish to succeed in multisport. The Training Bible will ensure you reach your race at optimum performance. A book I will never throw away!

23rd July 2002

The Triathletes Training Bible
This book is excellent for the novice triathlete willing to learn a bit more technical information. The book is well segmented into easily digestible sections. The writer is an experienced coach and world triathlete so gives confidence in his work.