Triathlon is still classed as a relatively 'new' sport and there aren't a great deal of books out there on it. Yes there is the usual 'read this and win the race' manuals but to be honest, they're a pretty dry read. Sometimes you just want to read about someones open and honest journey about how they couldn't even run for a bus at the start but after years of training (spoiler alert, you do have to actually train to complete a long distance triathlon) they are rocking up to the infamous 140.6 mile race and killing it - or, at least - finishing.
I love a good book. I rarely go anywhere without one. But, take it from someone who can't pass a bookshop without going in and scouring the sport section, there's not much to choose from on that bottom shelf. But there are a few definitely worth a read. So here are some recommendations from my own collection. I do have some still on my shelf that I haven't mentioned below but please do feel free to recommend any others to me in the comments below.
Accidental Ironman: Martyn Brunt. The author of a monthly column in 220 Triathlon magazine, he writes with quite a comedic flair. He is honest, brutally honest. Yes triathletes pee in their wet suits (and if they are extremely skilled/obsessed they pee on their bikes). He's no back of the packer but he faces the same ups and down as we all do. If you like his columns you'll like this.
Run, Ride, Sink or Swim: Lucy Fry. Lucy openly admits how hard she finds the training. She is also a journalist and interviews different people who make her reassess how she looks at things. She takes on a coach and goes after her goals. Another good read, especially from a woman's perspective.
Can't Swim, Can't Ride, Can't Run: Andy Holgate. My first ever book on triathlon and one I highly recommend. Andy documents his journey from the start where he throws himself into his first triathlon with just 3 weeks to train. Yes he can run 3 miles when he signs up but that's about it. This book should be on everyone's list.
Iron War: Matt Fitzgerald. If you've heard of Ironman and Kona you've heard of the Iron War. Hard to be a fan of the long distance sport and not know about this infamous story. Stripped back it's basically a story about 2 very different yet similar guys who never give up. It belongs on your reading shelf.
Louise Minchin: Dare To Tri. Louise used to be a competitive swimmer until about the age of 15. Then, nearly 30 years later, she entered the triathlon world. Once a swimmer, always a swimmer however it wasn't exactly easy and I think what I enjoyed most about this book was that I completely forgot she was someone who is on the tv. And the fact she is a women in her forties was (obviously) very relatable for me anyway.
Dead Man to Iron Man: Paul Smith. Diagnosed with cancer - and not just any cancer, but a rare one-in-a-million bowel cancer - Paul decides he is still going to complete his goal of being an Iron Man. What I liked about this book was that it wasn't written as a 'woe is me but look how amazing I am'. It was just purely factual. With over 300 pages it's got a solid read to it. One I personally have read more than once.
This Girl Ran: Helen Croydon. Yes this starts as a running book but she does go into triathlon and honestly, what I really liked about this book, is how she did it herself! She did the bike and run commutes, she took her gear on trains, she just didn't let anything stop her. She didn't cry at obstacles, she looked for the solution. It's a great, very real, book. One I feel I have to include on this list.
There you have it. 7 books for the 7 days in-between Christmas and New Year! No I'm kidding! But do have a little look at them and maybe you'll be tempted. You never know what little snippet of information you could glean from one.
Comments