Unlocking the Open Water Swim by Hilary Topper - ISBN: 9781782553014
Paperback
Conquer open water fear, unlock your swimming potential, and race confidently.
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Unlocking the Open Water Swim

The Beginner’s Guide to Success in Open Water Events

$59.20

  • Paperback

    336 pages

  • Release Date

    15 October 2026

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Summary

Explore new horizons with Unlocking the Open Water Swim, the ultimate guide for anyone eager to overcome their fear of open water and experience the excitement of competing in their first open water event.

Whether a beginner triathlete preparing for that first race or a swimmer dreaming of new challenges, this book motivates and empowers the reader to take the plunge. Packed with practical tips, mental strategies, and motivational insights, this step-by-step guide takes the r…

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781782553014
ISBN-10:1782553010
Author:Hilary Topper, Stacey Kiefer, Paul Eaglestone
Publisher:Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd
Imprint:Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:336
Release Date:15 October 2026
Dimensions:215mm x 140mm
What They're Saying

Critics Review

PRAISE FOR HILARY’S BOOKS

Unlocking the Triathlon:

“In aworld where endurance and determination intertwine, “Unlocking theTriathlon” serves as an essential roadmap for aspiring triathletes. Guidedby USA Triathlon coach Hilary Topper, this comprehensive manual providestailored training plans designed to meet the unique needs of beginners. Throughmeticulous step-by-step guidance, athletes learn not only the nuances ofswimming, cycling, and running but also the critical aspects of transitions-T1and T2-where races are often won or lost.
However,this journey transcends mere training. The pages resonate with inspiringtestimonials from real-life triathletes who have undergone profoundtransformations.
Thesenarratives illuminate the resilient mindset required to overcome challenges,reinforcing the belief that anyone can tri.
Coupledwith expert advice on gear selection and nutritional strategies, readers findthemselves equipped not just physically but mentally, ready to embrace theexhilarating challenge of their first race.
Thefinish line, once a distant dream, transforms into a symbol of achievement andpride. As beginners embark on this exciting journey, “Unlocking theTriathlon” not only prepares them for competition but also empowers themto unlock their true triathlon potential, making their transformation atestament to human perseverance.” -Julie Moss, Ironman Hall of FameTriathlete/ Speaker/Author Crawl of Fame

“I highlyrecommend Hilary’s book and found it to be a great source of triathloninformation. The decision to begin competing in triathlons can often be a bitdaunting. There are many decisions that must be made, and finding easy tounderstand tips and advice can be a challenge. Hilary has done a remarkable jobof presenting a lot of helpful information in an extremely friendly manner. Asa former triathlete who has competed in many events including the Ironman WorldChampionships, I wish I would have had her book 20 years ago. Her depth ofknowledge is only exceeded by her wonderful writing style. If you want topursue the dream of achieving great success in triathlons, you must read herbook.” -Kurt Hansen, Founder & CEO, Innovative Timing Systems

“Greatstuff!! Hilary has truly unlocked somekey insights for the sport of triathlon with this comprehensive guide for bothyouth and adults. Whether you’re preparing for your first triathlon or your10th, this book covers everything you need to know about swimming, biking, andrunning. The dedicated section on youth and high school triathlons is aninvaluable resource for young athletes looking to get started in the sport.Unlocking the Triathlon is a must-read for anyone ready to dive into the worldof triathlon competition.” -TimYount, USATriathlon

From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete:

“Here’s asimple fact: Anyone can be a triathlete. It’s one thing to state this fact,however, and another thing to make others believe it. In Couch Potato toEndurance Athlete, Hilary Topper proves that anyone can be a triathlete bysharing her own journey from the sofa to the start line and beyond. If youthink you’re too out of shape, too unathletic, too old, too heavy, or tooanything to become a triathlete, this inspiring book will change your mind.” -MattFitzgerald, author of Life Is a Marathon

“Hilary’smanages to convert a personal story into a must-read insight into the power ofembracing a journey in performance. Her inviting and accessible narrativehighlights her bravery, but also the fabric of what a performance journeyentails. Through challenge, fear and adversity, Hillary emerges to amplify herhealth, performance and life, becoming an inspiration to many. If you are one of those folk who believe youcould never, or shouldn’t, then read this book and then get going on your ownjourney of excellence.” -Matt Dixon, IRONMAN Master Coach, CEO and Founderof Purple Patch Fitness, Former Professional Triathlete

“HilaryTopper discovered the empowerment of endurance exercise through triathlontraining. She developed a blog by takingnotes about every race and found that the training process helped her deal withpersonal challenges. Her writing celebrates the achievements of those who werenot born with the talent to win races. In her new book FROM COUCH POTATO TOENDURANCE ATHLETE Hilary relates the many training and racing experiences thatenriched her life. She knows that thesport of Triathlon will be there to help her process the next one that comesalong.” -Jeff Galloway, Running coach and creator of the Run Walk Run method


About The Author

Hilary Topper

Hilary Topper is a USA Triathlon Coach, USMS Level 3 Swim Coach, Adult Learn-to-Swim Coach, RRCA Running Coach, WOWSA Open Water Swim Coach, and ESCI Endurance Coach. She is an accomplished triathlete and open-water swimmer, having just completed an 8.2-mile swim around Mackinac Island.

Hilary is a blogger with A Triathlete’s Diary and NY Lifestyle blog, HilaryTopper.com. She is also a podcaster with Hilary Topper on Air.

She lives in New York with her husband, where she trains and motivates others to unlock their potential. She has two children, a grandson, and a grand dog named Daisy.

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