Your First Triathlon by Joe Friel
I still vividly remember my first triathlon “way back” in the year 2000 and how scary it all was. Will I be able to finish the swim? Will I find my bike in the transition area? Will I get busted for “drafting” Will I have any legs left for the run? These were just some of the questions racing through my head in the weeks leading up to race day.
Back in 2000 there was plenty of information online for “newbies” like myself, but good books were few and far between. Not so now of course, and “Your First Triathlon” by Joe Friel will be a great starting point if you’re looking to do your first Sprint distance triathlon anytime soon.
Book description: “Every year thousands of people decide to take on a sprint triathlon for the first time. Now USA Triathlon and USA Cycling certified coach Joe Friel provides a complete guide to finishing that first triathlon. The same principles and training methodology that the pros and committed triathletes rely on are presented here in language that a beginner can easily understand. Friel maps a course to prepare for a sprint-distance triathlon in 12 weeks, with five hours of training each week, plenty of rest, and the beginnings of a lifestyle marked by a commitment to health and fitness and personal growth. Your First Triathlon provides the training plans, workouts, checklists, and instruction that first-timers need. Joe Friel is known for his thorough approach and with his help, what may have begun as a challenge to complete a sprint triathlon will grow into a love for this demanding yet rewarding sport.”
Don’t be put off by the professional-looking athletes, the expensive high-tech equipment and the almost geeky terminology. If a total non-swimmer like myself can go from Sprint Distance Triathlete to Ironman Competitor in just under 4 years, then I’m sure you’ll be able to finish and enjoy your first triathlon following the advice of Joe Friel. Good luck!
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February 21st, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Joe is the man! I have seen his videos, read his books. The thing I personally like about his books, videos, blog,.. is that he gets into the science - the “why.” I always want to know the why because someday I will have to know how to do it myself.