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Triathlon for the Every Woman: You Can Be a Triathlete. Yes. You.

Meredith Atwood (Goodreads Author)

4.29 · Rating details · 450 ratings · 54 reviews

You Are a Badass for aspiring triathletes: a practical and inspiring guide to getting off the couch and on the trail to race your first--or fiftieth--triathlon

When Meredith Atwood first shared her journey from tired, overworked wife and mom to successful triathlete, her story resonated with women everywhere, online at SwimBikeMom.com and in the first edition of Triathlon f ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 12th 2019 by Da Capo Lifelong Books (first published November 18th 2012)

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Jan 15, 2014 Jo * Smut-Dickted * rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-on-kindle, non-fiction-general, non-fiction-running, non-fiction-triathlon, content-swimming

This might be one of my favorite books when it comes to fitness and middle age. Atwood narrates a tale here that will be familiar to so many of us - whether it is that you are an Athena (fancy way of saying more than 150lbs or so) or you are someone who did not think you could do it. She really is for the every woman. Now granted her background is athletic (more than couch potato) but it's not as if she was only a year or two out of that situation. She's got a real job and a real family and real ...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Heather rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I loved this book! I laughed at some parts and cried at others and finished it feeling super motivated! It's a great mix of Atwood's personal journey with expert advice on everything from motivation to nutrition. I'm in awe of how much she accomplished in a year- going from near couch potato to finishing a half ironman in a year while working full time and raising two little kids. She is honest (and funny!) about how hard it was and how much she had to sacrifice and why it was totally worth it. ...more

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Jan 25, 2014 Janelle rated it liked it · review of another edition

This book is a training and race memoir with a bit of cheerleading thrown in. The balance between the two works for the first two-thirds of the book, and then I wanted much less of Atwood's play by plays of her races. For example, I'm not sure I cared too much about the four races she ran in the run up to her first half Ironman competition.

I don't follow Atwood's Swim Bike Mom blog, so this was my first introduction to her writing style. While I appreciate her efforts to keep it real, after 200 ...more

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Mar 15, 2019 Rachel Brune rated it it was amazing

As training books go, there are two things that really recommend this book — the author’s sense of reality and her sense of humor. I’ve read a number of books on working out, and they tend to be VERY SERIOUS INDEED, but Meredith Atwood tells it like it is and lags everything out. I found myself really enjoying this book.
There are probably some more technical books out there, but I guarantee you this is the first to address some of the more specifically female issues — nutrition on your period, t ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Erin Buhr rated it really liked it

So much practical information from training through the big day. There were sections that felt less relevant to my life, but overall I loved her conversational tone and actual advice that I can start applying right away. A great book for anyone thinking about doing their first triathlon.

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Dec 13, 2016 Jennifer rated it liked it · review of another edition

I have mixed feelings about this book. Atwood's basic premise is that if she, a fat lawyer and mom, can find the time and willpower to do triathlons, anyone can . . . and should. Part of this speaks to me. As a mother of two young children, exercise is a huge key to maintaining my sanity and happiness. However, I have a hard time fully buying into the overweight, non-athlete description of herself that Atwood pitches. Atwood reveals at times that is a former competitive weightlifter. I think she I have mixed feelings about this book. Atwood's basic premise is that if she, a fat lawyer and mom, can find the time and willpower to do triathlons, anyone can . . . and should. Part of this speaks to me. As a mother of two young children, exercise is a huge key to maintaining my sanity and happiness. However, I have a hard time fully buying into the overweight, non-athlete description of herself that Atwood pitches. Atwood reveals at times that is a former competitive weightlifter. I think she mentions having done swim team as a kid, and in the midst of describing how she doesn't know how to ride a bike, she reveals she's using clipless pedals. While I am sure there are far more athletic people out there, and being overweight definitely does not help with running, Atwood sounds pretty athletic to me. I think she is exaggerating the challenge she experienced to try and appeal to the reader, but to me it felt disingenuous.

Atwood includes a section each on how to swim, how to ride a bike, and how to run. These sections are lengthy. Halfway through the bike section, I started feeling really stressed about whether I could really do a tri - it seemed so complicated. Then I read the run section. Now, I have been running for 25 years, and there's really not much to it. Running shoes a very nice to have, but not necessary. Beyond that, all you have to do is walk out the door and start moving. Meanwhile, Atwood recommends ice baths. Really? While many professional and serious amateur runners use ice baths (and I have taken a couple myself), I would not advise any new runner to take an ice bath. Atwood also suggests that it is critical to go to a running shoe store to get yourself observed on a treadmill before buying shoes. Nice to have? Yes. Necessary? Definitely not. I suspect the sections on swimming and biking were similarly over the top.

In general, Atwood is over the top. However, she is also over the top in her enthusiasm and belief that the reader will find happiness in the triathlon. Her enthusiasm is mostly encouraging and inspiring. I'm not sure I'd recommend this book to a friend, especially a a male or childless friend, but I enjoyed reading it. ...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Elise rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I just love this book so much. It has always been a dream of mine to do a triathlon and I'm getting closer to it. But this book isn't about doing a triathlon, even though it totally is, it's about turning your life around in the most important way: getting your body and mind in shape in the midst of and in honor of all of the challenges of parenting, being a wife, a friend and a career woman. It's about teamwork within your family, showing your family the importance and the determination require ...more

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Sep 23, 2019 Amanda rated it liked it

Shelves: health, 2019

I would have rated it higher, but the constant "I'm so slow, I run under 40 minute 5Ks" was super annoying. That's not slow. ...more

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Dec 27, 2017 Jill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I laughed out loud at the craziness of this endeavor we put ourselves through, otherwise called "triathlon." As a lawyer, mother, and new triathlete (have I really earned that title yet?), I related to virtually all of Ms. Atwood's anecdotes and frustrations. My only reservation is that the book had to end and yet my training pain continues without a current antidote! ...more

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Mar 15, 2019 Sara Arblaster rated it it was amazing

This book is great for any woman thinking about wanting to start into the sport of triathlon or just the motivation to get back into it! Meredith brings an honest humor to the sport and is a great motivator! It's like she is in my head, warring with my excuses and negative thoughts that set me back! Highly recommend! ...more

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Apr 03, 2019 Peanut rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great for a newbie like me

I was going to give it a 4.5 ONLY because the kindle version is a little annoying but couldn't get the half so went with 5 because I really did enjoy the book. Made me laugh, encouraged me & honestly at times felt like I was reading about myself. I feel more confident going into my first tri. ...more

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Jan 02, 2020 Michelle Williams rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book. I found it relatable and motivating as a casual, woman triathlete looking to get to the next level. One of the stories did make me cry.

Unfortunately I did not appreciate Atwood's negative talk about her body and shame about referring to her body parts by their actual names. In order to count as an "every woman" do I have to hate my body too? ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Alla Tara rated it really liked it

This was a perfect book for me as someone very far from athletism currently and yet having made an audacious decision to do a sprint triathlon next year. The book offers a friendly, humorous nudge from a former relatable "everywoman" (who now does Iron Man events, ha!), as well as a wealth of information. I feel properly inspired and ready to build a plan. ...more

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Mar 01, 2018 Libby Chmielewski rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was so helpful & inspiring. I was in awe of Meredith’s determination throughout her entire journey. She never quit. I feel like I know her free reading the book. There was so much good insight & advice.

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Aug 31, 2019 Noelle rated it it was amazing

"Repeat after me: forward is a pace"

This covers literally all the things I have been wondering/worrying about, in a fun, helpful, and inspiring way. Definitely recommend.

I have a paper copy, that I will share AFTER I'm done with my upcoming event... ...more

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Jan 19, 2020 Andrea Sancho Silgado rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I wish I had read it earlier!

This book is really good, supportive and informative. I wish I had read it before doing my first triathlon. Anyways, I have found it inspirational and funny! Loved it!
Thank you for sharing Meredith.

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Mar 31, 2018 Sara Caruso rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Perfect book for anyone considering getting trying a triathlon. A fun read and very inspiring.

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Apr 23, 2019 Laurie rated it it was amazing

very accessible and encouraging for anybody/any woman considering triathlon. Practical advice given with knowledge, love, warmth, and humor.

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May 07, 2019 Brittany rated it liked it

The information was great for someone who didn’t know anything about the sport. For everyone else, it was way too basic.

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Jun 24, 2019 Alexa rated it liked it

Shelves: own

Great info and motivation with a realistic point of view. Felt like she was my friend talking to me.

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Aug 03, 2019 Marilee rated it it was amazing

This book is a clear WINNER!! Excellent information and incredibly funny accounts of getting through training glitches. This is the very favorite book I read all year! Thank you Meredith.

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Feb 27, 2020 Tash rated it really liked it

A good motivational quick read if you’ve just started your training. (Although I did skip some technical bits).

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Apr 22, 2018 Marissa rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: memoir, athletics, self-help

Well, this book has helped me figure out that I never want to do a triathlon, so . . . there's that! Thanks, Swim Bike Mom!

On the one hand, I appreciated that this book gave me a real feel for the nitty-gritty of completing a triathlon (of a couple different lengths). I especially appreciated a feel for a beginner's training schedule, which is $@#*ing nuts. (I mean, seriously. I also have two small kids, and while I understood Atwood's argument that having a fit, happy parent who is sometimes ou Well, this book has helped me figure out that I never want to do a triathlon, so . . . there's that! Thanks, Swim Bike Mom!

On the one hand, I appreciated that this book gave me a real feel for the nitty-gritty of completing a triathlon (of a couple different lengths). I especially appreciated a feel for a beginner's training schedule, which is $@#*ing nuts. (I mean, seriously. I also have two small kids, and while I understood Atwood's argument that having a fit, happy parent who is sometimes out training is better for kids than an out-of-shape, unhappy parent who is always around, there are limits to that dichotomy. This woman and her husband have like a solid month where they're racing every weekend?? Who the hell is watching their kids, and don't they miss them?? Not to get all "I didn't have kids to let other people raise them," because that's insulting to working parents, but like . . . at some point enough is enough when it's just some hobby, right?? I don't miss huge chunks of my children's lives to do a podcast or play chess.)

On the other hand, holy hell, this lady hates fatness. I should give her credit for never allowing her printed words to betray hatred of other fat people, but she sure hates her own fatness. Even when she's training hard and being more athletic than 90% of Americans, she still evinces this hatred of her body that I think would be better addressed in a therapy session than in an 11-mile run.

Another positive/negative: Atwood is very encouraging in terms of "anyone can be a triathlete," particularly focusing on people with disabilities, which is nice. On the other hand, no matter how she tries to spin it, good god, tri-ing is an expensive sport!! The clothing, the bike, the babysitters, the (multiple!) gym memberships, the glucose gels, the race registrations . . . she really tries to make it out like "oh, just skip your morning Starbucks and it's no big deal," but this is a rich person's sport. At the time of her writing, she was a lawyer and her husband was a Ph.D chemist, and they live in a pretty low cost-of-living area, so I get it, they can afford it without much trouble. But a little awareness that they have to be in the top 3% of Americans in terms of income would've been a nice thing to admit.

Anyway. It's a weird book that definitely feels like "blogger got a book deal." The worst part of this is the shoddy editing job; I think I counted half a dozen edits I would've made just on the first two pages. The best part of this is that it feels conversational and intimate, just like most blogs do.

If you're a woman seriously considering triathlon and you've never been much of an athlete, I actually think this might help you make a decision as to whether it's a worthwhile pursuit. It certainly threw cold water on my nebulous notions that it might be a fun thing to do once. ...more

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Apr 23, 2015 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 52-in-2016

For woman from an everywoman, this read on the triathelte's journey into the sport doesn't come from the fitness magazine cover woman who most women can't relate. Meredith Atwood is a spirited, supportive working professional and parent who entered the multisport lifestyle in her our of shape years. She blogged for a few years about the experience before penning this comprehensive overview.

The book includes excellent discussions of each of the sports, how they work, what gear is essential, what For woman from an everywoman, this read on the triathelte's journey into the sport doesn't come from the fitness magazine cover woman who most women can't relate. Meredith Atwood is a spirited, supportive working professional and parent who entered the multisport lifestyle in her our of shape years. She blogged for a few years about the experience before penning this comprehensive overview.

The book includes excellent discussions of each of the sports, how they work, what gear is essential, what type of people to seek out and where you can make the most impact. Because triathlon is an endurance sport, Atwood talks a lot of psychology. All humans talk themselves out of their potiental. Atwood gently but firmly reinforces that we are capable of more. We can do more with our bodies than we know and how that feels from the other side. She talks about body image and self shaming and repeats over and over again to cut it out and just do.

Meredith Atwood was over 250 lbs at one point. She talks about the weight loss journey. She also speaks well to clothing and equipment brands for the starter athlete that no running or other multisport book I've ever read has done. Knowing what to Google when you're ready to splurge on expensive triathlon gear is important. The industry both men's and women's still focus on the already superfit body type.

The book concludes in her personal experiences as race reports when she's completed half and full Ironman races. The reports are well written and provide a very realistic journey of the races and what goes on in your head and with nutrition. She recounts the fear of openwater swimming and overcoming with inspiration.

I've read a bunch of triathlon and running books. Atwood's is by far the most honest, most realistic, and most accurate of the sport. I see more beginners than experts. I see more weekend warriors and recovering mom-bods. I see more struggling to overcome their fear inside and getting solid support from the women they race with than in any other aspect of women's communities and support.

Meredith Atwood is flawed and passionate and normal and weird and open and honest. Her book on triathlon is a must read for all female triathletes especially those in the beginning of their tri-journey. Her book would also be educational for the men in the sport and those who support their women in the sport who want to understand more of what goes on in women's heads.

I read the book as audio. I liked the content. The narrator sounded like she had a head cold during much of the narration. And mispronouncing Calliou will have any parent stop dead in their tracks the same with Gu gels. Even so, it's worth the time to listen on some long walks and runs if you have the itch that multisport might be something you want to explore. ...more

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Aug 11, 2014 Justine Olawsky rated it liked it · review of another edition

I cannot say truthfully that I read every word, but I thumbed through it pretty thoroughly. I am doing my first triathlon in (gulp) less than 2 weeks. I thought that this book would give me a good overview of the whole ~~agonizing ordeal~~ exciting challenge. It does do that. Unfortunately, I do not think I am going to take much of the advice, just because I am not willing to invest any money and excessive training in an event I think I will only do, maybe, once a year. I am also already in pretty g ...more

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Jan 05, 2015 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I am familiar with Meredith Atwood. I've enjoyed reading her blog the past few years. I really fell in love with her after listening to a podcast of Another Mother Runner, June of 2013. Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea interviewed Meredith Atwood. Her story of beginning triathlon is inspiriting. I love her humor and honesty. I appreciate how this book is broken down into not only a "How to" guide but also Meredith's journey into the world of triathlon. I listened to the audio version of this ...more

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Feb 19, 2014 Miranda Moberg Diaz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: running, women, health, goals, favorites

I don't often really strongly recommend books, but I absolutely loved this book. LOVED IT. Meredith's snarky and comical musings on her journey as a 'fat triathlete' are so endearing. The real joy in this is Meredith's keen ability to let herself get completely vulnerable in sharing the ups and downs of her journey as a triathlete. She is beyond human and lovable and completely inspiring. Not to mention she's an amazing writer.

If you've ever even said the word triathlon to yourself, pick up thi ...more

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Feb 17, 2014 Pen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

As a baby triathlete (or pre-triathlete) I found this book funny and inspiring. Whilst not a technical "how-to" it does give you a clear idea of what to expect in triathlon and how to start preparing. It made me want to go out and do a tri right now!

One note- whilst I appreciated and recognised the battle with "the fat stranger" I found Atwood's continued referral to herself as fat throughout the book annoying/frustrating. Particularly when the pics she included show a fit not fat woman. But tha ...more

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Dec 27, 2013 Katie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: z-single-book, nonfiction-stories, nonfiction-fitness

While I don't do triathlons, this book was still interesting and inspiring. I do run, so the section on running was applicable to me, as was the mental skills and nutrition information.

It reads in a conversational tone and does a good job carrying a storyline through the entire book. Really enjoyable! ...more

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May 14, 2014 Marie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Absolutely loved this book. I feel Meredith would be one of my friends if we knew each other! This book was funny, touching and inspiring. I found it at the perfect time of my life, right after signing up for my first tri. It has been a great guide in my training but I have a feeling it will be a book that I remember and continues to inspired me throughout my life. Read it.. its awesome!!!

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About Meredith Atwood

Meredith Atwood

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Meredith Atwood is a recovering attorney, wife, mother of two, four-time IRONMAN triathlete who had never run a mile in her life until she tackled the sport of triathlon. In 2010 she started writing and created her Swim Bike Mom blog.

Over 2.5 million words later, she has built a cult following of women (and men) who desired a change in their lives–but not at the expense of their health, family or ...more