Training for an endurance event takes a dedicated training and nutrition plan to improve success. Adding sport-specific clothing and health supplements can complement the positive results from a training and nutrition plan. However, choosing the appropriate workout clothing and health supplements to match your goals and training style can be challenging.
Clothing Function
For bicycling, swimming and triathlons, workout clothing is made from specific materials and designs to maximize performance. The materials are designed to wick moisture away from the body and dry quickly. For example, a triathlon suit -- commonly referred to as a tri suit -- is worn for the entire event and can have a wetsuit worn over it during the swim. Other workout clothing for swimming includes goggles and wet suits. Bicycling clothing includes a tri bike with clip pedals, aerobars and water bottle holders. The final stage of a triathlon requires a pair of running shoes.
Features
Clothing has various features to match your personal preference and the length of the race. Bicycling and triathlon clothing is generally offered in shorts, tops or a one-piece suit. Shorts vary in inseam lengths and will feature a band that fits snugly around the thigh. Tops are usually sleeveless and feature a zip front for ventilation along with side and back pockets to store supplements.
Supplements
Pip Taylor, professional triathlete and sports nutritionist, recommends using supplements in conjunction with a balanced diet and always seeking professional advice before using supplements. Basic supplements that are recommended include fish oil, protein and creatine. Fish oil and flax contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy recovery periods between workouts. Protein contains essential amino acids, which support protein metabolism that promotes lean muscle strength, and creatine can improve strength and power.
Time Frame
Long endurance events lasting longer than one hour require a specific approach to clothing and supplements. Triathlons have built-in transition zones between each stage that can be used to change clothes or shoes along with consuming a quick supplement. Belts or pouches can be used to store supplements and other nutrition that can be consumed while on the bike.
Considerations
The number one consideration for workout clothing and health supplements to stick with what works. Avoid trying out anything new on race day. Use the training schedule leading up to the competition to test new clothing and supplements. Consume different supplements on the bike to see how your body and stomach reacts. Wear different clothes to find a comfortable fit that doesn't cause skin irritation or "hot spots."
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