Swimming about half a mile, then hopping on a bike for 12.5 miles and then finishing up with a 3.1-mile run--the commonly used "sprint" distances for a triathlon--requires certain gear. This gear requires more than just a swimsuit, bike and running shoes, though. The amount of gear you'll need for your triathlon will depend on how serious you are and where you're competing.
Swim
For the first portion of the triathlon, you'll need a swimsuit, a swim cap, goggles, anti-fog solution and possibly a wetsuit.
A wetsuit is not necessary if the water temperature isn't very cold or you're not ready to invest in one. However, having the right type of wetsuit can help you finish the race faster, according to website Beginner Triathlete. Whichever type of swimwear you choose, select one that is tight against the body. Loose swimwear can cause dragging, which will slow you down.
Other important swim items include a swim cap and goggles. The best way to find out which brand and type of goggles and swim caps work for you is to purchase them and test them out in the water. If the goggles leak, it might be possible to return them to the store.
Bike
During the biking portion of a triathlon, the second segment, you'll need a bicycle, a helmet, biking clothing, cycling shoes and eye protection.
Which type of bicycle you purchase is very personal decision because there are so many different shapes, sizes and specifications. Enlist the help of a trained salesperson who can help you select a bike based on your preferences, size and on which type of road surface you train. Most triathlons are held on paved roads, according to triathlon website TriathaNewbie.com, so you'll need a road bike for those. However, there are off-road triathlons that would require a mountain bike.
When searching for bicycles, helmets and clothing, look for aerodynamic or wind-resistant gear, as it can shave seconds off your race time, according to Beginner Triathlete.
Run
The final segment of the triathlon, the run, requires running sneakers and running socks.
While there other products can be helpful to or specifically made for running, it's likely you'll continue the race in your biking clothing to avoid adding time on between the biking and running segments. Do change your shoes from the cycling sneakers to shoes for running to avoid injury and minimize pain.
TriathaNewbie.com recommend wearing moisture-wicking socks that fit tightly. Poorly fitting socks can cause blisters.
Other items
Other items you might want to consider bringing to a triathlon include sunscreen, a garbage bag for wet items, a hat, a sweat band, a towel, photo ID and a water bottle.
Member Comments