Shop Triathlon Gear
Your heart pounds in your ears.your breathing is rapid and deep.your muscles are screaming.your feet are blistered.you're soaked to the bone, fully clad in spandex, and gulping down energy gels to avoid the dreaded `bonk'.
You must be a triathlete.
From water to wheels to wind sprints, triathlon is a multi-sport discipline designed for weekend warriors and professional athletes alike. Once just an informal training session for a group of athletes from the three separate disciplines, triathlon quickly evolved into a single sport itself, with far-reaching domestic and international appeal.
Today, in addition to scores of elite athletes participating in recognizable races like the Wildflower Triathlons Festival and the iconic Ironman Hawaii local amateur races are popping up by the dozens. With triathlon's growing popularity, you can bet that your own hometown hosts a race, encouraging locals to join in the community of the sport.
Sierra Trading Post has created this guide to help you understand the essentials of triathlon. From the short course to the long course, we have the gear you need to help you cross that finish line with confidence.
Triathlon 101: The Three Disciplines
In most triathlons, the swim leg is the first, and the shortest, of the race. But don't be fooled by its short length; swimming will test your endurance and patience. Whether in a pool or in open water, we detail the list of gear you'll need and give you some helpful training tips to get you in and out of the water as quickly as you can.
Because you will cover the most miles on the bike-both during your training sessions and while racing-you'll want to be comfortable in the saddle. Here, you can find information on how to find a bike that fits your body and how to outfit yourself for a variety of riding conditions.
Ranging from a 5k to a marathon, the run leg is the last obstacle to tackle before you cross that finish line. But just because the run distance is far shorter than the bike doesn't mean that you're home free. You'll need to dig down deep after the grueling swim and bike legs to find your stride. The great thing about running? Everyone can do it, and without a lot of technical gear. Find the essentials-and some very cool extras-in this last segment of our triathlon guide.
Miscellaneous Gear
Sunglasses
The sun's rays are harmful, so protect those peepers when you're training outdoors with a pair of performance sunglasses.
To meet the various demands of both recreational and competitive athletes, sunglass manufacturers are producing lightweight and flexible sunglasses made of durable materials featuring grip components and high-tech performance lenses.
Check out our Sunglasses Guide to help you find a pair you can wear for all three triathlon disciplines.
Bike Gloves
While you won't need to wear gloves during short-course races, you will want to wear them during your longer training rides and races. Gloves provide warmth during cool-weather rides, comfort for your hands during prolonged pressure on the handlebars, and protection in case of a fall.
Water Bottles
Whether you're training or racing, you will definitely need hydration on the go.
On the Bike: Get a water bottle that fits snugly into the holder on your bike or invest in a hydration pack. Hydration backpacks will carry more water as well as provide you with room to store any extra amenities. (You also don't have to reach down to retrieve your bottle, risking life and limb in the process.)
On the Run: You have a few options for carrying water on the run. Many manufacturers are making running-specific water bottles that are easy to hold while you're moving. These often feature molded hand grips or come in "holsters" that attach to your wrist.
For hands-free hydration, invest in a hydration belt. Hydration belts feature multiple bottles that you can fill with water, sports drinks, or energy gels so you never bonk on a run. You can also use a hydration backpack, letting it serve double-duty on the bike and the run.
Spare Bike Tube/Patch Kit
On your longer training rides, make sure to pack a spare tube and a patch kit in case you get a flat.
Bike Computer
To keep track of your time, distance-traveled, and speed, invest in a bike computer. These mini-calculators attach directly to the handlebars.
Sun Hat
This can be a visor or baseball style cap. Just make sure it's breathable!
Race Belt
During USAT-sponsored events, you are required to wear your race number on the bike and the run. (Some events may dictate that you wear your number on your back for the bike portion, and on your front for the run). To make this transition easy, invest in a race belt. You simply attach your number to belt and clip it on after the swim, turning it so your number faces backward for the bike and move it to the front for the run.
Towel
To wipe your feet or face between each event, invest in a super-absorbent, quick-drying sports towel.
Duffle Bag
You need something to carry all your stuff to the transition area, don't you?
Sports Watch
Besides keeping track of time, many sport watches track your mileage on the run.
Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor will help you stay in your target heart rate zone for optimal training.
Tips for Smokin' Fast Transition Times
Newbie triathletes sometimes see the transition area as a place to rest and celebrate the completion of one leg of the event while preparing for the next. The sense of "racing" can disappear in the transition area, especially in larger races where food, drinks, sunscreen, and the presence of friendly volunteers can create goal-breaking distractions.
Just think how many hours of practice it requires to take two minutes off your run time-probably hundreds, maybe even thousands. Shaving minutes from your transition time should take a lot less time than that, but you will need a little practice. Remember, transitions are not about recuperating from your last leg. They're about changing your race perspective, both physically and psychologically, in the most energy-efficient way possible.
Here are some tips for a lightning-quick transition.
Have a Plan and Practice
Plan exactly what you are going to do and practice it until you make no mistakes. (This can be as simple as practicing putting on your bike helmet as you pull of your wetsuit.) Physically practice your transition until you feel completely comfortable and then rehearse it mentally several times on race day. You should be able to transition on autopilot.
Tip: Never try something new on race day.
Minimize
Cut down on the things that you must get done in your transition area. For example, skip putting on socks before you bike and you'll shave off precious seconds.
Run with the Bike
Sometimes there is a long distance between the bike rack and the mount line. By running with your bike you can easily cover more ground in less time.
- Once you've taken your bike off the rack, start running in your usual form on the left side of your bike while holding the seat with your right hand and letting your left arm swing by your side.
- The seat will be your "steering wheel".
- Hold the bike perfectly upright to make it go straight and lean it to either side to turn.
- Practice this first in an empty parking lot.
Attach All Accessories to the Bike
All the things that you need on the bike course should be attached to your bike.
- Tape or pin energy gels to the bike frame.
- Invest in a water bottle holder and put your water bottle there before the race starts.
- Your sunglasses can be looped to a brake cable so you can easily put them on once you're riding.
- For long-distance triathlons, pack a spare tube, CO2 cartridge, and tire-changing tools in an under-the-seat pack.
Keep Your Cycling Shoes Attached to the Bike
Putting your feet in your shoes while simultaneously cruising down the bike course at 20 mph will definitely get you a faster transition time than those less astute athletes sitting on the ground pulling their shoes on before they even mount.
- Set your bike up in the transition area with your shoes attached to the pedals and rubber bands looped between the heels of your shoe and the bike frame holding them horizontal.
- When you leave the first transition area, pedal with your feet on top of your shoes.
- Once you've gained some speed, start coasting, slip your feet into your shoes, and fasten the straps. (Keep your eyes ahead on the road, not down on your feet.)
- Make sure to snap the rubber bands if they don't break automatically.
- On your return to the transition area, reach down and unfasten your shoes and slip your feet out before you reach the second transition.
- Enter the transition area with bare feet.
Tip: Learn this skill first on an indoor trainer before taking it out on the open road. And when you do practice on the road, wear a helmet.or full-body armor.
Invest in a Tri-Suit
If you have an open water swim, wear your tri-suit under your wetsuit. (If not, wear your tri-suit in the pool.) Once out of your wetsuit, you can immediately transition to the bike and the run. Clothing changes add time.
Navigation Nightmares
Transition areas are chaotic. You may have a hard time distinguishing your bike from the hundreds or thousands of others. On race morning, rack your bike and practice coming from the swim exit and the bike entrance. From your rack, study the bike and run exits and the quickest way to get to them.
Tip: In a sea of black Kestrels, it's hard to determine which one is your trusty steed. Tie a balloon to the bike rack where your bike is mounted so you'll be able to find your bike quickly.
Baby Powder.not just for babies
To help your feet slide smoothly into your cycling and running shoes, sprinkle them with talcum or baby powder before the race begins. Powder absorbs moisture so your feet slide in without sticking.
Tip: Invest in some speed laces for a fast bike-to-run transition. Speed laces completely eliminate the need to tie your shoes and instead allow you to just pull them on and go.
Keep Moving
You will always have a faster transition time if you complete a task while moving down the course instead of standing in front of your rack. Just grab the things you need and put them on as you go.