Get in Gear: The Equipment You’ll Need for a Triathlon

Trialthon Kit

When you’re training for a triathlon, you’re worrying mostly about your body. This is a good thing – you need to make sure that your exercise is consistent, that your nutrition fuels you for the program, and that you’re going to be physically ready when it’s time to go. But you’ll also need to make sure that you use the proper equipment, and are mentally prepared to use that equipment once it’s time to run the triathlon.

Since the triathlon uses three different types of exercise, you’re going to need an awareness of three different types of equipment: equipment for swimming, equipment for running, and equipment for cycling. Some triathlons will require certain types of equipment be used and will ban other types of equipment, so make sure that you know what the rules are well ahead of time.

First, let’s concentrate on the swim.

When you train for swimming and all of the other events in the triathlon, it’s a good idea to train using the same equipment you’ll wear during the event. This will help you mentally prepare for exactly what you have to accomplish: you don’t want any surprises coming up.

On the swim, you’ll generally wear a cap, a nose clip, swimming goggles and either a bathing suit or wetsuit, depending on the individual event. You might have to wear a cap provided by the event, as they tend to supply brightly-colored caps that help to spot the swimmers running the event.

Second, let’s look at the cycle.

During the cycle event, specially-made triathlon bikes will probably be used; these types of bikes aren’t the same used in strictly cycling events. Instead, they have a higher amount of emphasis on aerodynamics. Cycling clothing, a helmet, and cycling shoes will also be required for this portion of the event. Again, check with your particular event to make sure you’ll have the right equipment, or will at least be able to train on similar equipment that they will provide you with.

Third, the running portion.

During the running portion of the triathlon, the main equipment emphasis will be on the quality of shoes, socks, and underwear you wear. Running is a pretty straight-forward exercise, so you’ll concentrate on the areas that get the most pounding and friction: your feet and your netherregions. Make sure you can run comfortably for extended lengths of time before heading into the triathlon.

Individual events will have differences in how they expect you to be prepared for their triathlon, so checking out which equipment will be needed and provided is a must. Once you are armed with information, you’re ready to incorporate the correct equipment for your training program!

Photo Credits: Mat Honan

Originally posted 2009-04-21 05:23:20.

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