How to Train for a Triathlon: Triathlon Supplies and Triathlon Equipment Necessary for Training for Your First Triathlon

How to Train for a Triathlon: Triathlon Supplies and Triathlon Equipment Necessary for Training for Your First Triathlon
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The Basics of How to Train for a Triathlon

The most important piece of triathlon equipment is your body and your mind. Ultimately, it is you, not a piece of triathlon equipment that determines success. That being said, certain triathlon supplies make competing and training for your first triathlon less daunting. Here’s a rundown of things you will need, with a triathlon checklist for race day.

How to Train for a Triathlon: Running and Biking Supplies

We’ll tackle the events in reverse order. The only thing you need for the run are a pair of running shoes. If you’re not an experienced runner, I strongly recommend you pay a little extra and talk to an expert at a shoe store that specializes in running shoes.

Biking equipment is a little more involved. Here’s what you need:

  • A Bike - You probably already knew this. What you may not know is the futility of riding a mountain bike in a road race. Don’t do it. You’ll be slow and frustrated. Mountain bikes are heavier than road bikes and geared lower. It’s OK to train on a mountain bike and rent a road bike for race day. There are also road bikes made specifically for triathlons.
  • A Helmet - All triathlons organizers require you to wear a helmet at all times or you’ll be disqualified. Common sense dictates you’ll wear one while training.
  • Padding - If you’re not accustomed to long bike rides, your bum is in for a rough go of it, not to mention male anatomical appendages. Because adding a little extra padding to the seat can make pedaling less efficient, I recommend padded shorts or tri shorts. At the very least, wear briefs, not boxers, and don’t wear the briefs that look like boxers; go with good, old school, snug fitting underwear and thank me later.
  • Water Bottles - Make sure your bike has water bottle holders. For a sprint triathlon, one is sufficient. For distances of twenty miles or more, or in hot weather, put on an extra one. Water bottle holders are most effective when they contain water bottles filled with water.
  • Odometer - This is optional. Having an odometer helps track progress.

How to Train for a Trialthlon: Swimming Triathlon Supplies

Swimmer

The most daunting aspect of training for your first triathlon is swimming. Having the proper triathlon equipment will make your training easier.

  1. Tri-Shorts, Compression Shorts, Light Swimming Trunks, or (gasp) a Speedo - Tri shorts are combination swim/bike shorts. They dry fast and have a little extra padding. Compression shorts are similar to spandex and cut down on water resistance. We all know what Speedos are. I prefer snug underwear and a pair of light swim trunks. That way I don’t have to change between the swim and the bike. (Be sure to wear bikini style briefs; otherwise, your tally-whacker will chaff. Trust me on this. It is very uncomfortable, so uncomfortable that I finished a long training session naked once (it was dark out)).
  2. Swim Cap and Goggles - Most triathlons supply and require a swim cap. Goggles aren’t mandatory. Do yourself a favor, however, and get some. Cap and goggles allow you to work on technique, not swim in circles; they’ll also help you avoid Gunther Brickswim from kicking you in the chest.
  3. Wet Suit - Wet suits are permitted on race day for water temperatures below 78 degrees. I prefer to tough it out, but in March, the water temperature in Southern Nevada is below 60 degrees. I’ll be wearing a wetsuit.

Race Day Triathlon Checklist

Transition Area

Use this triathlon checklist to make sure you’re ready on race day.

  1. Check the race website. They’ll have information specific to your race. Pick your race packet up well in advance.

  2. Pin your race number to the shirt you’ll be wearing during the bike and run.

  3. Get your bike to the transition area and get body marked. The sooner the better.

  4. Bring a towel to lay out your triathlon supplies. Triathlon equipment includes the following:

    • A towel or a bucket of water to clear the sand off your feet after the swim

    • Running shoes and a pair of socks

    • A shirt

    • A pair of dry underwear (just in case)

    • Snacks for the bike ride - banana, power bar, nuts

  5. Bikes can be hard to find when transitioning. Place something bright to make your bike easy to find. Make sure your bike has the following:

    • Filled water bottles
    • A small snack for the ride
    • Your helmet, ready to put on your head