ESSENTIAL GEAR: (There are definitely lots of nice products out there to help you for triathlons, but they can be pricey and what do you really need?)
bike: Really any bike will do. You definitely work harder and won't go as fast on a mountain bike as you might on a carbon tri bike, but the choice is yours. Make sure whatever bike you use is a good fit for your body and is in proper working condition.
tri shorts: Basic compression shorts that you can swim, bike and run in. Some people will use a regular swim suit. Some people use biking shorts. Just remember you have 3 different athletic events back to back to back, so find something that is versatile. Sold at most triathlon and swim shops. ($40-75)
tri top: Optional for the men (and technically for the women too, but not many as many takers) Practically essential if one is going to wear a wet suit, but a simple wick away "performance" shirt will do. Found at most sporting goods and department stores. ($40-60 for a true tri top; $20-30 for a wick away)
bike helmet: MANDATORY! No need to pay up for aerodynamics. Get it for safety; enough said! ($20-40)
swim cap: MANDATORY! Has to be worn at all times in the water, as removal of it signals a "swimmer in trouble" to the lifeguards. (free at most races)
swim goggles: No need to spend a lot of money here, but seems essential ($10-20)
shoes: If your bike requires "clip in shoes" you probably already have them. If they're traditional pedals, feel free to use your running shoes.
SUGGESTION ON WHAT TO SPEND MONEY ON? elastic shoe laces: For less than $10, you save so much time and anxiety trying to tie your laces on race day, not mention avoid getting them caught in your bike chain. Found at most running and tri shops.
HAVE A LITTLE MORE MONEY TO SPLURGE? Consider a race belt for your number bib. If you think tying shoe laces is tough when you're pumped up on adrenaline come race day, don't even mess with safety pins...OUCH! Found at most running and tri shops. ($10-20)
Energy gels are nice to have too. Your body needs something it can easily digest when you're exercising for 1-2+ hours. Just remember to try them out before race day to make sure it works well with your body. Lots of great flavors and found in many places ($1-2)
And...Don't forget your smile! Have fun!
Click here for a more compete list of things you might want to have come race day.
bike: Really any bike will do. You definitely work harder and won't go as fast on a mountain bike as you might on a carbon tri bike, but the choice is yours. Make sure whatever bike you use is a good fit for your body and is in proper working condition.
tri shorts: Basic compression shorts that you can swim, bike and run in. Some people will use a regular swim suit. Some people use biking shorts. Just remember you have 3 different athletic events back to back to back, so find something that is versatile. Sold at most triathlon and swim shops. ($40-75)
tri top: Optional for the men (and technically for the women too, but not many as many takers) Practically essential if one is going to wear a wet suit, but a simple wick away "performance" shirt will do. Found at most sporting goods and department stores. ($40-60 for a true tri top; $20-30 for a wick away)
bike helmet: MANDATORY! No need to pay up for aerodynamics. Get it for safety; enough said! ($20-40)
swim cap: MANDATORY! Has to be worn at all times in the water, as removal of it signals a "swimmer in trouble" to the lifeguards. (free at most races)
swim goggles: No need to spend a lot of money here, but seems essential ($10-20)
shoes: If your bike requires "clip in shoes" you probably already have them. If they're traditional pedals, feel free to use your running shoes.
SUGGESTION ON WHAT TO SPEND MONEY ON? elastic shoe laces: For less than $10, you save so much time and anxiety trying to tie your laces on race day, not mention avoid getting them caught in your bike chain. Found at most running and tri shops.
HAVE A LITTLE MORE MONEY TO SPLURGE? Consider a race belt for your number bib. If you think tying shoe laces is tough when you're pumped up on adrenaline come race day, don't even mess with safety pins...OUCH! Found at most running and tri shops. ($10-20)
Energy gels are nice to have too. Your body needs something it can easily digest when you're exercising for 1-2+ hours. Just remember to try them out before race day to make sure it works well with your body. Lots of great flavors and found in many places ($1-2)
And...Don't forget your smile! Have fun!
Click here for a more compete list of things you might want to have come race day.
