Triathlon, considered a multisport event, combines the disciplines of swimming, biking and running. Competitors race in all three sports against the clock, unlike other running races where competitors compete against each other. Typically, a triathlon begins with the swimming portion, or leg, followed by the bike leg and finish with the run. While race distances for triathlons vary, many are standard including sprint, Olympic and Ironman. Regardless of race distance, triathlons are considered endurance events and require specific gear that allows a competitor to finish the race.
Swimming Gear
The first leg of a triathlon generally ranges in distance from an easy ½ mile swim to two miles. Starts are staggered and based on age and sex categories, such as male 25-30 and female 35-30. Competitors supply their own goggles but are provided color-coded swim caps that correlate to race categories. While triathletes are not required to wear wetsuits, wetsuits are recommended because they promote good body position in the water, add buoyancy, allow you to swim faster and maintain warmth. Triathlon-specific wetsuits, available from a variety of manufacturers, typically feature full coverage for legs with sleeve and sleeveless options.
Biking Gear
Standard bike distances range from 12 miles to over 100 miles. While racers are able to use any type of bike, a road or triathlon-specific bike are most common. Both road and triathlon bikes are lighter than other bicycle types and offer multiple gears, a drop-style handlebar and narrow tires. Triathlon bikes differ from road because they position a rider forward on the bike and include aerobars, a form of handlebars, which allow you to support the weight of your torso by resting on your elbows. Additionally, bikers use cycling shoes with special soles that allow riders to clip onto bike peddles. This promotes better connection with the bike for more efficient peddling.
Running Gear
The last leg of a triathlon requires triathletes to run a distance that ranges between three miles to a marathon. This leg requires the least amount of gear: a running-specific shoe. Running shoes should fit well and offer adequate cushioning and stability.
Nutrition
Because triathlons are endurance events, gear lists should include energy bars or gels, hydration drinks and water. Incorporating nutrition and hydration into race strategy during each leg of the triathlon ensures triathletes have the energy and stamina to finish a race.
Considerations
Triathlon races provide transition areas for racers to change between sports as well as safely store gear during race legs. Because time spent in the transition area is not deducted from your overall time for completing the triathlon, these areas tend to be hectic. To minimize your time, arrive early and organize your gear. Arrange gear by event and include energy gels and hydration aids. Many racers clip cycling shoes into bike peddles which allows racers to ride bikes while securing shoes to their feet. Choose clothing that works for all three disciplines, such as a swim suit with tight-fitting padded cycling shorts. Many sport apparel companies manufacture triathlon-specific clothing.
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