Released in May 2025, Free Speed is a new book that sets out coach Paul Eaglestone’s training method, which combines efficient swimming technique with a pace-setting formula to achieve faster triathlons.
The author developed his coaching methodology during his work with athletes, most notably with Alex Yee, who went on to win triathlon gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The idea behind Eaglestone’s training system is loosely based on ultra short-race pace training, but with fewer sets, and maintaining effort levels rather than working at constant maximum effort.
By measuring efficiency through stroke count against time-specific goals and with a focus on swimming technique – including better muscle performance – triathletes can preserve energy for the cycling and running legs without sacrificing pace in the water.
In the book, Paul Eaglestone explains how to train and practice using swim technique, and how to improve pace over short distances using his ‘17/20 method’. Triathletes can then progress to race distances, as well as every other aspect of triathlon swimming – from basic equipment, to race planning, open water swimming, starts and turns, and more.
Eaglestone’s method brings a ‘cycling mentality to swimming’ through hydrodynamics, attention to detail, and marginal gains through mental training. Readers are also given the tools to design their own training sessions based on their own specific goals and targets, with an eye on getting the most out of each session.
Paul Eaglestone has coached swimming and triathlon for 30 years. He was Alex Yee’s swim coach throughout Yee’s teens. Athletes use Eaglestone’s methods in coached sessions as well as in their own self-directed training.
Free Speed is published by Meyer & Meyer Sport a leading European sports publishing house that focuses on content and professional expertise in the field of sports and health & fitness.
