When it comes to running, I'm a gear junkie. I have a zillion little gadgets and am always looking for something new to try, from garmins to headbands to foam rollers. Since I already love getting new gear, who would have thought I'd find the amount of gear needed for a triathlon intimidating! But intimidating it was. I scoured triathlon books and blogs for race day packing lists, finding some that were pages long! YIKES! With some trial and error during my training, I was able to figure out what I actually would need for my race, and now having finished one tri, I have a better idea what I will need again next time and what I should leave at home. I'm no expert, but since the packing list was one of the most nerve wracking parts of training for me, I thought I'd share what I brought to my tri with you!Pre-Race
- track jacket, t-shirt, yoga pants to wear over tri clothes
- water bottle
- pre-race Gu (or your breakfast of choice!)
- sunscreen
- hair ties
- permanent marker to fix body marking post-sunscreen
- flip flops
- bike pump
Swim
- tri clothes (for me, this was tri shorts and a tri sports bra, although I'd like to try a tri shirt next time...)
- race-issued swim cap
- goggles
- extra swim cap and goggles just in case
- digital watch
- road id
T-1/Bike
- towel spread out under bike to lay gear on (I brought an extra one to dry off with, but it was so hot that I didn't really need to take the time to dry off, so it wasn't really necessary. Maybe I would bring an extra hand towel to quickly dry off next time...)
- shoes (just plain running shoes for me)
- socks
- shirt with race number pinned on (many people had a race number belt that they just put on if they wore a top in the water)
- bike gloves
- helmet
- sun glasses
- water bottle(s) on bike
- Gu
- kleenex! (I was so glad I had this one, my nose is always running like crazy post-swim and on my bike! I had a couple pieces out with my gear in transition and one in my bike bag)
T-2/Run
- hat
- IT band straps
- Gu
Post-Race
- Change of clothes
- Flip flops
- Plastic bag for wet/sweaty clothes
Phew! That's it! For Tri #2, I plan to experiment with a tri top and number belt instead of a tri sports bra and running top to pull over it. My hope is to shave off 30 seconds of transition time without having an outfit change! :) I'll keep you posted...
What is your "must have" gear for a triathlon or any race??
Thanks. I have bookmarked this one!
ReplyDeleteI found a tri top on sale by searching. I think I just googled tri tops till I found one I wanted that wasn't too much. Some day I'll be able to use it!
Well, since I haven't done a triathlon and never plan on doing one :) I would say that my must have gear for a 5k is, um, my running shoes? :)
ReplyDeleteHaving said that-I do want a garmin. I'm tired of carrying my phone with the app that keeps up with my distance. :)
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
Aerobars are a great addition if your terrain is flat as they help increase speed but may not be as good on a mountainous circuit, as they need to negotiate curves. Beginners might want to try clipless pedals if they want to better their time.
ReplyDeleteMale Cycling Knicks