Merrick-based author Hilary Topper has released her fourth book, “Unlocking the Triathlon: The Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon”, offering a hands-on guide for aspiring endurance athletes. Unlike her earlier works, which focused on social media marketing or chronicled her personal fitness journey, this book provides practical instruction for anyone interested in the swim-bike-run sport.
Topper, 63, first discovered triathlons later in life. She recalled that at age 48 she decided to change her lifestyle after years of working as CEO of her own public relations firm.
“I was working my butt off and knew I needed to make a change,” Topper said.
By 2015, Topper and a friend had signed up for their first triathlon in Florida, launching a decade-long commitment to endurance sports. Since then, she has competed in dozens of sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons and half-Ironman events, and in 2024 she swam 8.2 miles around Mackinac Island in Michigan.
Topper said her latest book differs from her 2022 memoir, “From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete”, which detailed her transformation from sedentary professional to endurance competitor.
“That book is more of a story,” she said. “This book is really a how-to guide — what you need, the tools, the training, the mental preparation. I wanted to show beginners that you don’t need expensive gear or prior athletic experience to get started.”
“Unlocking the Triathlon” addresses common beginner challenges, including the misconception that the sport is only for the fittest and the belief that it’s prohibitively expensive. Topper provides tips on cross-training, nutrition, technology for tracking progress, and race-day strategy. She also includes anecdotes from professional triathletes, age-group competitors, and members of online triathlon communities, highlighting both successes and humorous mishaps.
Topper will celebrate the book’s release with several free community events, including a kickoff at The Next Chapter in Huntington on Jan. 27 and a talk and signing at her local library, the North Bellmore Library, on Feb. 4. Additional appearances are scheduled at local Barnes & Noble locations and with running groups across the country.
“I hope attendees will see that if I could do this, they can too,” Topper said. “Anything is possible with training and consistency.”
A USA Triathlon-certified coach, Topper also teaches digital communications at Hofstra University and operates two blogs and a podcast focused on triathlons and lifestyle topics. Her book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at local bookstores.
