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 Got me through my first triathlon!, November 24, 2007
By Katie (Washington, DC)
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I did my first triathlon (sprint distance) in September after three months training, and I was lucky enough to have found this book towards the beginning of my training. Needless to say I am hooked and can't wait to do another one!!! The book did an amazing job of preparing me by arming me with the information I needed to train properly, learn new sports (I had never biked or swam seriously before), eat right, and avoid injury, and yet avoided getting too "hard core" (when you do your first triathlon you keep wondering whether or not you're crazy). Joe keeps it manageable. There is a scary overwhelmed feeling you can get when you start reading about some of the crazy training schedules and techniques out there -- and he really clears through all that and gets to the essentials you need to know to make it through your training and cross the finish line. For example, his race day prep chapter really helped me visualize what to expect on the big day. Also, I really liked his approach to gear -- you can really get sucked into buying a bunch of stuff -- and he emphasizes ways to work with stuff you already have (ex: your old mountain bike) until you're more experienced and can better select the right gear to invest in. Overall, I really liked his fun-first emphasis, while providing what is clearly well-researched and high quality information. Two thumbs up!
40 of 40 people found the above review helpful.
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 Good for motivation....that's all, July 7, 2006
By Bryan (Atlanta, GA USA)
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This book is great to help you get motivated and mostly teaches you that attitude is key to success. It will not teach swim, run or bike techniques, so don't waste the money if, like me, you are looking for actual instructions. Basically, the swim section tells you that you shouldn't learn alone, to go find an instructor. Thanks...I sure wouldn't have thought of the obvious without paying $20 for Joe to tell me! Hopefully his other books are better, but I sure won't pay to find out.
22 of 30 people found the above review helpful.
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 Not Friel's Best, September 19, 2006
By Aspiring Triathlete (Salt Lake City, UT USA)
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I followed Joe Friel's cycle training bible to successfully prepare for a 200+ mile one-day competitive cycling event. I appreciated Friel's straightforward writing and forewarning about what it takes, both physically and mentally, to compete as an endurance athlete (by the way, be prepared to give up the spouse and kids for a few months).
When I decided to train for my first triathlon (I'd became reacquainted with the wife and kids and decided I need another break), I went straight for Joe Friel's book, `Your First Triathlon.' Either my expectations were too high or Friel was targeting a much different reader - someone who had gotten bored with baking cookies and knitting and wanted to finish a triathlon.
I felt like I'd been moved from the varsity team to the remedial phys ed class. Triathletes typically come from a running, swimming, or cycling background. Therefore, they usually understand the fundamentals of training and proper diet; they also tend to be highly competitive. My guess is most readers even know the different types of bicycles (Friel uses 4 or 5 pages to describe the different types of bicycles and the advantages/disadvantages of each).
Yes, I'm a newbie who wants to accomplish my "first triathlon" but, at the same time, I'm not totally naïve. I want to learn what it takes to successfully compete against the big boys, not just finish the race with my mountain bike and sister's tennis shoes. I guess I just expected higher brow material from a coach who trains some of the world's top athletes.
Even though this book was not for me, I haven't given up on Friel; I plan to purchase his triathlon training bible.
14 of 24 people found the above review helpful.
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 Good but not great, March 2, 2007
By wordcandy70 (Fargo, ND)
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More than any other peice of equipment, this book definitely gave me what I needed to get to the starting line. It gave me the confidence that I would need to finish my first tri. The book was definitely for me, the person who really doesn't know much about how to even start my training. The drills were helpful and the training calendar worked well to get me to my goal.
But, it is not without it's flaws. As already mentioned in other reviews, swimming is not covered enough to really help you out. My only real struggle was in the swim and his lack emphasis may have led to some over confidence from the attitude her presents. Also, the simplistic way it covered the training regimine was not helpful; I never understood why the drills I was doing were going to help.
11 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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All you need to begin., July 2, 2006
By MaOri (Rome, Rome Italy)
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This is not the "athlete's bible" and this is not the resource for Ironman. Therefore the author accomplished his mission : to provide the newbies with the most information available to begin a new life as triathlete. Pay attention i said a new life, that's it. It's not a list of training plans or a generic line to follow, it's the first step to change your life with fun. Really recommended.
11 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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Your First Triathlon, May 9, 2010
By Jay (Oceanside, Ca)
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I guess if you had no access to the internet or a library this book would be good for you. You won't learn any eye-opening tips or tricks from it, and the training plan is geared toward someone who is basically a couch potato attempting a sprint tri. If that's you, go for it, otherwise, save your money and just google 'beginner triathlete' for plenty of websites and forums that offer the same information.
10 of 10 people found the above review helpful.
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Good for someone training for their 1st time, May 4, 2008
By Jessica Brock (Philadelphia, PA)
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I was a little hesitant to buy this book after reading some of the reviews saying it was "too basic." I found it very helpful, esp the nutritional info. The training plan seems a little unrealistic -- its a 12 week plan that starts out with only 15 minute workouts. All in all, the book included a lot of valuable information that has helped me progress in my training for my first tri, but I wouldn't follow it word for word.
8 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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Good book for a first time triathlete, June 28, 2006
By C. Poole
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Friel does a good job of speaking to the first time triathlete without watering it down too much. This book is an excellent starting point in your training journey, but you will most likely need to follow up with some more in-depth reading on biking and swimming. Overall, I think it was worth my money.
6 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Great book for beginner triathlete, August 18, 2008
By Library Diva (GA)
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I read several books while preparing for my first sprint triathlon. This book and "Slow Fat Triathlete" were my two favorites. Neither is too technical, but full of helpful "newbie" info.
5 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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Practical, November 20, 2006
By Ludo (Roma, Italy)
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I found this book a valuable help for who is new to Triathlon and also for starting from scratch both running and cycling (NOT for swimming).
Maybe too much enphasis on nutrition, but averall it's a very practical and usful book. Good value for your money.
5 of 5 people found the above review helpful.
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I know it's for beginners, but really., May 16, 2007
By Jacob Bunner
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The info was way too basic. Hardly anything on swim stroke. Find something else unless you don't even know what a tri is.
4 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Good intro to triathlons, January 30, 2008
By LSpencer (Tallahassee, FL)
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This book offers a good inital overview for those just starting in triathlons. Might be a bit basic for those who are already accomplished in the swimming, biking, and running. Liked the chapter that outlined what to expect in your first race - good pointers.
3 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Best of the "first-time" triathlon how-to books, August 25, 2009
By J. Webster (Ohio)
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I bought two books that were aimed at first-time Triathlon entrants, and while this book might have fewer diagrams or photos, it is by far the better of the two books. I would categorize this as more of a "how-to" book than a diary, and while you might want to read some other biographical accounts of first-timers, make sure you read this so you know what you should be doing to get ready! The author writes in very clear and precise language, and you feel that you are very well prepared to train using his advice. I particularly enjoyed the nutrition information which was much clearer than in the "other" book.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Outdated, May 20, 2011
By blythe pyrate
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In the six years since this book came out (copyright 2005) significant progress has been made in both triathlon technology and physiological research on athletes. Worthwhile if you just need the basics, but compared to my other beginner tri books, this one just doesn't provide the same level of detail. Also disappointing, the author's website referenced often in the book appears to no longer be online.
In the early chapters, Friel recommends that your first triathlon goal be "to make it across the finish line with a smile on you face". Later chapters discuss optional workouts that you can skip but warns 'you will finish the race but you might not meet your triathlon goal'. So, I'll finish the race without the extra workouts but I just won't be smiling at the time? Admittedly, I skipped around but this seems to conflict with what the author originally recommends.
Good book, but needs a new version.
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Great starter book, June 11, 2011
By Jerome Smith
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I am 44 years old and decided to challenge myself with a triathlon. Ordered this book to prepare for my first triathlon. The book was an easy read and written in a straight forward and easy to read format. It was well worth purchasing. I had exactly 12 weeks to train for my event and the beginner's plan was fantastic at getting me prepared. The explanations and descrptions for each of the workouts were thorough and easy to follow. One minor concern was the information on the swimming portion of the training. I had to purchase another book and video to help with the swimming training. I would highly recommend this book.
I just finished that triathlon and felt extremely comfortable with my training and conditioning. I plan on ordering the triathlon Bible to get even more focused for my next event. Prior to training I had a reasonable level of conditioning but this book put me over the top and allowed me to focus on the 3 disciplines.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Ready to TRI after reading this book (oh and lots of training, too)!, April 19, 2011
By T. DeBrock (Atlanta, Ga United States)
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I have been hemming and hawing about whether or not I could finish a triathlon for several years now. I've completed many half marathons, a marathon, and various other running events, but for some reason a TRIATHLON sounded like something scary and completely unattainable. My own fears of failure/inadequacy kept me from even thinking about participating in a tri. I bought this book several years ago and have finally dusted it off from the bookshelf and signed up for a sprint tri! In addition to reading this book, I joined a triathlon training group and feel like having both tools at my disposal has boosted my confidence about my ability to PROPERLY train, prepare for, and complete a sprint triathlon. As I started my first few swim, bike, and run training sessions- I began reading Your First Triathlon. This book is terrific for beginners! There are so many tips that you get prior to your first race that you might not have figured out until it was too late on race day. Some examples- how to lay out all of your gear at the transition stations and what to wear/or not to wear for the different sports. This book has a 360 degree view of what you'll need leading up to race day including nutritional advice, training logs, tips for each individual sport, and lots of motivation! I'm totally confident that after reading this book and getting my training in, I will be completely prepared for my first sprint triathlon this summer!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Good book - recommended for the just starting Triathlete, March 28, 2010
By Edmund W. Cheung (Playa Del Rey, CA USA)
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One of the 3 beginning triathlete books I have read for training for my first 2 sprint Triathlons.
Very good basic book. Nice thoughts and philosophy about why do a triathlon.
Would also recommend Beginning Triathlons for Dummies which may be slightly better in it's depth and organization.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Life changer, March 12, 2009
By Craig A. Richards (Reading, PA)
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This book was absolutely invaluable in getting myself ready for my first triathlon. The book went into every detail to expect in getting ready for and running in your first tri. I would definately recommend this book to anyone interested in challenging themselves to a great sport.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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A Beginner's Triathlon Trainer, April 10, 2007
By Truth About Caffeine.com (SCR Books)
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Get yourself to the starting line with these helpful training tips and calendar. Helpful drills to get you in shape for your first triathlon are also included.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Great Book!, August 3, 2011
By jodyb
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This book was a great book to read as a beginner. I'm doing my first triathalon in September, and reading this book relieved a lot of anxiety I had, has helped me prepare, and was easy to read! It is very straight forward, and has a great 3 month work out plan set up toward the end.
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Perfect for your first sprint distance triathlon, April 20, 2011
By Clifton Nolunvoid (Charlotte, NC USA)
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This book is a great resource for the sprint-tri newby. Using this book as a reference, I went from couch to sprint-tri in 12 weeks, and met my finish-time goal. Unlike some other books I've looked at, the training information is straightforward and easy to understand.
Most of the material in the book would also apply to an Olympic distance triathlon, with the notable exception of the training plans; the training plans in the book are for a sprint distance triathlon, not an Olympic distance triathlon.
I highly recommend the book for the person interested in competing in a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon.
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ang, April 4, 2011
By ang
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bought as a gift but my sister likes it and says it is helpful for her training! fast delivery and paked well.
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Great Book For First Time and long time reference, November 21, 2010
By Eric G Ensminger (Milwaukee, WI United States)
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I originally read this book in spring of 2008 when I was preparing for my first triathlon. I found his style, and his approach very readable and understandable to someone that was new to multi-sport. I have since raced 20+ triathlons, duathlons, and running races.
He is through talking through what you really need and do not need for your first tri. The first question is do I need to buy a bike, and the answer is no. Beg borrow, steal or rent anything or everything. If you love it spend the money if not, you have had a great experience to tell your friends.
I have loaned it to several people being clear that I want it back. I still keep it in my tri race bag now for the appendix that has the checklist of what to bring.
Great book and great reference.
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Lots of Helpful tips for a beginner, November 18, 2010
By future millionaire (Holt, MI USA)
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I found this book very helpful. I would recommend to everyone who is just starting out their tri career.
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Very informative, November 2, 2010
By Pacen's Mom
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This was a great book to read for my first triathlon. It had some very useful tips and really gave me a good idea of what I had to look forward to and how to be prepared.
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Great Book, July 10, 2009
By William Barret
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I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering training for a Triathlon. It has everything you need to know from the first step up to race day. Nutritition, training, equipment, check list for race day, etc.... You name it, this book has it.
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Well rounded and thought out well., April 9, 2009
By Dennis E. Overholts Jr.
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This is a perfect beginners guide to Triathlon and I am looking forward to seeing how the training tips and schedules are going to work for me as I begin training.
I recommend this as a great beginners resource that can carry over to intermediate level as well.
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first triathlon book, September 14, 2009
By triguy (pittsburgh, pa.)
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this is an outstanding book that i would recommened to anybody just started out in triathlons. lots of good info for newbies
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent reading, September 11, 2008
By W. Calhoun
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I found this book to be very helpful as I go through my next mid-life crisis. It was informative and laced with humor. Not much more I could ask for.Your First Triathlon
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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basics, July 4, 2007
By Phillip A. Lamb
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If you want to do a triathlon and were not sure, this book will give you the information you will need.
0 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Great info, January 31, 2012
By ~Just Me~ (Seatac, WA)
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I got this for my husband who was training to do a triathalon all on his own. He is not a reader at all but read through this book in no time at all. He got some really great ideas and has put several of them in action. He did say that there were some that he wouldn't do or would do differently. But overall he said it was a very great informative book.
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MUST HAVE!, January 26, 2012
By rain run (Fairview Hts, Il United States)
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If you have never done a TRI or if you only done a few this is awesome! I still review it after several years of doing TRI's.
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Your First Triathlon, December 27, 2011
By G. Klenicki
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If you are thinking in running your first triathlon and know almost nothing about this topic, this is the book for you. Very detailed and encouraging! Go for it!
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Yeah!, September 11, 2010
By S. Quattrini (NH, USA)
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Plenty of great suggestions, little updated on materials but you can find out yourself. Great on nutrition! First triathlon was great, I recommend this book.
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Great first tri book, May 15, 2010
By Saun D. Ellescas (Santa Monica, CA USA)
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I used this book to train for my first triathlon. It was a great "cover to cover" resource with info. on each sport and I higly recommend it!
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deeply informative and well written, March 22, 2010
By T. Alam (Boston, MA)
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I'm glad this is the book I decided to purchase ahead of my upcoming duathlon. The author is an experience trainer of triathletes, speaks directly to the reader in simple terms, and seems dedicated to bringing new people into sport. He seems to understand what new people coming into this sport will face, starting from a training schedule, to equipment advice, eating and dieting advice. I especially appreciate his respect for your bottom line; he spends several pages talking about what bike you could get, but keeps encouraging you not to spend too much money, or shows you where you can save and where you should spend a few extra dollars. I've been in training for a while, so a lot of what was in this book was obvious, but there were a few things that i would never have thought about that has improved my running and biking.
The only shortcoming about the book is that he does not talk about the transition between stages at all. Being a newbie, I have basic questions like - should I run and bike in the same shorts? Should I keep my shoes on my bike clips or not? How do I keep my heart rate up while I'm getting on and off my bike for the next stage? I'm sure I'll figure this out during my own time trials, but it would have been useful to have this. Otherwise, no complaints, I highly recommended it.
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