Triathlons for Women

by Sally Edwards, Karen Smyers (Foreword)

Aimed at everyone from beginner to expert, Triathlons for Women includes specific training plans, offers a history of women in triathlons, and answers common questions. The book also explores overtraining, mental preparation, and time management. This revised edition includes a new chapter on transition training and equipment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Reference, Fitness, Health

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Christy Keeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an odd assortment of suggestions for the novice and expert. I had trouble determining who Edwards intended to be her audience. Additionally, much of the information (particularly related to nutrition) is outdated.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It contained some useful information I hadn’t found anywhere else, and after finishing it, I felt empowered to be a triathlete and write my own training plan. (The running experience helps with that, ngl.) Also, Sally Edwards seems like a delight!

[Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half years ago, my sister was training for her first half marathon. I had just quit smoking, and I think I said something like, "Maybe I should start running." That Christmas she gave me a book for beginning runners and Triathlons for Women. In January, I read the running book cover to cover, and just stuck the triathlon one on my bookshelf. I started running, and I kept running.

And then this year I thought to myself, "I have just enough time between my spring half marathon training and summer/fall marathon training to train for a sprint triathlon." I picked up Sally's book, and started reading.

First of all, there is a lot of good information in this book. And, when I got to the end, I almost wanted to cry I was so inspired. I definitely recommend newbie triathlete wannabes like myself read this book. However, I found a lot of the training wheels and heart rate information to be rather confusing. Also, I really like when training plans are laid out for me super simple like: On this day, do this... exactly. This book really doesn't do that. She gives you all the tools, but you kind of have to put it together yourself. I like hand holding.

Anyway, like I said, still worth the read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me through my first Triathlon. Sally does a great job of making you believe you can do it (although if you plan to read the book, you probably already had a hunch- a hunch that needs Sally's encouraging). Also, she really breaks down and answers more questions than I could possibly think of about your first Tri ranging from what do I wear and how to buy a bike and other gear to what do I do if I have to pee during the race, and Sally covers all that info in a book that is a short quick read and also includes a training plan and chapter on what to eat and weight loss. I was able to read and digest all the info about gear and race day a week before the Tri, which was extremely helpful. I recommend this book to any woman considering the sport, and remember that when I selected it as my primary resource many others had too.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, Erin, I am totally planning on doing an triathlon later this spring. After a knee injury late last year, my doctor recommended cross training through competing in a triathlon instead of so many running events to give my injury a rest. It has totally worked in that I have become stronger and suffered less knee pain, yet this book wasn't quite what I was looking for. As a first-timer, I needed more basic information, and while this was billed as a good book for a beginning triathlete, the recommended training schedules focus a great deal on heart rate calculations. I can understand getting into heart rate monitoring for increasing endurance and improving times, but when the goal is to just get to that first finish line, it seems a bit overwhelming to train this way.

[Cheree Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my goals for 2011 is to compete in a Sprint Triathlon. As motivation to meet this goal, I purchased the book Triathlons For Women by Sally Edwards. I found it to be very informative and full of great advice for women looking to participate in their first triathlon. From what type of gear you need, to training programs and suggestions on what to eat, this book covers just about everything there is to know about triathlons.

Read entire review here.

[Susan B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you've always wanted to know about triathlons and more. Part training guide, part motivational speech, part equipment list, this book is especially useful for first timers like myself -- I'm thinking of doing the Danskin tri next July. Despite it's attractive cover, the book is somewhat low tech in terms of its internal graphics and so forth. But of the various books I've read on this topic so far, this one is the best.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend The Complete Book of Triathlons for a first timer over this book, but Sally Edwards lends her decades of experience to this unique book for women about triathlon. This is a great resource for training, nutrition, and balance. I also love the "anyone can tri" attitude.

[Lmcwil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unless you're a true believer in the HRM (heart-rate monitor), you'll get nothing out of this book. I ended up selling it back before I'd even read the whole thing.

[Cooweescoowee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on training. Helpful info in concise presentation.

A bit heavy on her own business interests.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good information. A lot of the training advice is based on heart rate and I won't be using a heart rate monitor, so it may not work so well for me.

[Angtburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

p. 58 "In Japan, 'to fight' means to fight against that inner part of yourself that prevents you from doing your best."

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I would have read this book before I did my first triathlon. It was still very helpful even though I've done 4 triathlons.

[Holly Winegar-Lunceford · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informitive. I've really enjoyed this book.

[Lindsay Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am planning on doing my first triathalon in July. Hope this book teaches me something!

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good advice. Very helpful!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Motivational but the training plans based on heart rate are overwhelming for a newbie.

[Savanna]

Skimmed and picked out some useful tidbits! Good advice for all levels (including no experience).