Storyline: In this post I cover basic triathlon gear and accessories you’ll need from the time you begin your training until race day. Written by Jason, Chandler, AZ, at justwetsuits.com
Preparing for a triathlon can be unnerving, especially if you are a first timer. If you’re a veteran, you might be a little less stressed, but it still isn’t a walk in the park.
Your training schedule, diet, and triathlon gear are three major areas to focus on. In this post we’ll cover basic triathlon gear and accessories you need from the time you begin your training until race day.
Swimming Gear
Wetsuit: Studies have shown that using a wetsuit has a definite positive influence on the swimming speed of both men and women. For a better understanding of this, check out this site on swimming performance in long distance openwater events–with and without wetsuits.
Justwetsuits.com
Performance is also influenced by other factors, like the race distance. A triathlon wetsuit, like the Orca Sonar full sleeve wetsuit, is a must-have for all triathletes who compete in cold waters. If you’re competing in warmer waters, a sleeveless wetsuit like the Zone3 Vision Sleevless wetsuit or a simple swimskin (to reduce drag) will do.
Just remember that some competitions, like the Ironman, are not wetsuit-legal swims. The function of a tri-wetsuit is to add buoyancy and increase speed by reducing drag. During training it’s not a bad idea to use your swimming gear regularly if you’re swimming in a pool. Keep that wetsuit for swims in open water; a pool’s chlorine tends to eat away at the silicone coating many of these wetsuits have on their surface. Tri-wetsuits are usually made out of neoprene rubber, which loosens over time. So make sure you get a good fit and always consult the sizing chart for each brand.
Swim Cap: Swim caps are a race day tool. Most competitions offer swim caps as part of the categorization when you are put into your group (that is, the color of the cap defines the group). So if you don’t have a swimming cap already, you don’t have to worry about it. However, if you’re swimming in colder water races, those categorization caps are a simple silicone and provide little-to-no warmth. Consider a neoprene swim cap, or even a thermal one (neoprene cap lined with fleece), to keep you toasty in those chillier water temps.
Goggles: Swimming goggles are essential. Your swimming goggles should offer good visibility under water and in sunlight, like the Blue Seventy Hydra Vision for instance. This is important because you’ll need to dip in and out of the water for course correction in open waters.
Biking Gear
Bicycle: Some of the best triathletes start out on a regular bicycle. When purchasing or selecting triathlon bikes, the most important things to consider are tires and the weight of the bike. The best triathlon bikes have light frames and thin tires. You’re good to go even with a regular bicycle that fits the bill. Make sure to get your bike serviced well before race day arrives.
Courtesy: Triathlon LAB
Biking Shorts: If you’ve got a two-piece swim skin or racer back, then your shorts should take you through to the end of the race. It also saves you precious time that’s not lost while changing clothes. A good pair of shorts should fit well and absorb sweat. It’s always preferable to get a specialized pair of triathlon shorts with comfort pads that prevent chafing. They will make your bike rides comfortable and more enjoyable.
Sunglasses: The swim goggles in your triathlon clothing kit are good only for the swim. You’ll need a pair of sunglasses for the bike race and run segment. They may not seem like a necessity, but a small speck of dust in your eye can change that opinion quickly.
Biking Helmet: The Journal of Human Sport and Exercise reports that in triathlons “most serious acute injuries are due to falls during cycling in competition or training”. This makes sense in light of fatigue that can set in and the dangers involved when many participants race together. A bike helmet is vital to preventing serious head injuries. When picking a biking helmet, remember to select one that is light, comfortable, and has many vents to enhance air flow to keep your head cool.
Biking Shoes: The selection of biking shoes depends on the type of bicycle you plan to use. Even if you’re using a regular bicycle, it’s a good idea to get a specialized biking shoe. Apart from fit and comfort, check for breathability and a flat, stiff sole. A stiff sole ensures minimum pedaling energy loss. Professional triathletes have clip-on or clipless pedals, and those require different kind of shoes. While these are not required for newer triathletes, they certainly help reserve energy, allowing a push-pull with each pedal stroke.
Running Gear
Courtesy: Ironman
Running Shoes: Running shoes are the final piece of triathlon gear that you’ll need. A good fit and make are necessary to maintain posture and prevent injury. You might want to get a gait analysis done at the local sports or running accessories store and then find the best fit. When you consider the cost of all your gear, don’t go cheap on either your runing shoes or your tri wetsuit.
Cap: On warm days running caps are necessary to prevent dehydration. Pick a cap that fits you well and is made of material that doesn’t absorb sweat. To enable natural evaporative cooling you’ll want to get a full-mesh cap that allows the air to pass through.
Other Accessories
You might want to consider one or more of the following accessories:
Digital sports competition watch that tracks time, distance, and mapping,
Wet suit lubricant, and
Race belt that holds water bottles or energy drinks.
We invite you to look at the triathlon gear and accessories Just Wetsuits offers. Pick up the right mix of equipment to give that triathlon your best shot!
