5 of Our Favorite Books for Triathletes This Summer
Take these reads to the beach, or use them to pass the time on the trainer.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Born To Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, And The Greatest Race The World Has Never Seen
Written by: Christopher McDougall
Amazon.com
This classic chronicles author Christopher McDougall’s quest to discover the secrets behind the Tarahumara Indians’ legendary running prowess. What he discovered spawned a movement that inspired runners and non-athletes alike to embrace running. Born to Run is an adventure, a history lesson, and a tribute to running wrapped into one.
Best For: Extra motivation to hit the roads after an injury or break
Women Who Tri: A Reluctant Athlete’s Journey Into The Heart of America’s Newest Obsession
Written by: Alicia Difabio, PSY.D.
Amazon.com
This memoir of minivan mom Alicia DiFabio’s transformation into triathlon enthusiast after moving to a tri-obsessed small town is both entertaining and inspirational. The lesson that she learned along the way—that something awesome awaits on the other side of fear—will inspire even the non-athletes among us.
Best For: Inspiring a reluctant friend to sign up for her first sprint tri
Fear No Distance: A Journey To Life Without Limits
Written by: Danielle Grabol
Amazon.com
Fear No Distance chronicles author Dani Grabol’s journey from non-athlete to being the first female to complete Epic 5—a race that features five iron-distance triathlons in five days across the five islands of Hawaii. More than detailing physical, emotional, and logistical rigors of such a feat, Grabol’s can-do attitude will inspire readers to pursue their own big goals.
Best for: Reminding yourself you’re capable of more
Operation Ironman: One Man’s Four Month Journey From Hospital Bed to Ironman Triathlon
Written by: George Mahood
Amazon.com
After back surgery, George Mahood motivated himself with an impossible challenge: hospital bed to Ironman in four months, just to see if he could. This book is a heartfelt and humorous account of the ups and downs of his prep.
Best For: Putting Things in perspective when training isn’t going well
Iron War: Dave Scott, Mark Allen, And The Greatest Race Ever Run
Written by: Matt Fitzgerald
Velopress.com
Iron War is a riveting tale of the rivalry between Dave Scott and Mark Allen that came to a head at the 1989 Ironman World Championship. More than a sports story, author Matt Fitzgerald’s account of the greatest duel in sport and the two competitors’ desire to be the best will inspire even those only marginally interested in triathlon.
Best For: Convincing a skeptic triathlon is a cool sport