Getting into the sport of triathlon can seem overwhelming with all the equipment and deciphering which items are needed and which are nice to have. When an athlete approaches me with a goal of completing an Ironman I discuss the following items with them. These items are necessary to have a successful training and racing experience.
A Plan!
Long Course Triathlon such as Ironman is a serious undertaking and you should not go after it alone. Playtri has Group Workouts, Individual Coaching, 1-on-1 Sessions, and a training app to help you get to the finish line safely. Consider recruiting one or all of these to get you to your finish line.
Swim:
Swimsuit
Swim goggles
Clear for overcast days and tinted or polarized for bright sunny days, such as these
Should fit without leaking and provide wide range of view
Multiple lens options for varying outdoor conditions.
Smart goggle for consistent feedback (Read detailed review here)
Anti-fog for goggles
Kickboard
Snorkel
Pull Buoy
Hand Paddles
Wetsuit
Sleeves are faster if the suit fits properly and doesn’t overly restrict shoulder mobility
Sleeveless for warmer or more general comfort with mobility
Bike:
Bike with professional fit
Aero position is only good for as long as you can hold it and run off it.
Common injuries and poor run performances come from poor fit.
Road bike
Entry point - Good enough to get started but going to leave a lot on the table because of aerodynamic penalty of upright and wider position. Closed hip angle will make running more difficult after the bike.
700c x 23-30c wheels
Can add clip-on aero bars
Aero bars
Triathlon bike
Opens up hip angle to run better
Moves rider forward to engage quads and save hamstrings for run
Sets you up to run better off the bike
Position of ride will be lower and more narrow which improves aerodynamics
Clipless Pedals
Better power delivery
Maintains fit exactly
Enables you to pull through bottom of pedal stroke
Helmet
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker
Replace after 3-5 years or any impact (integrity of the helmet will fail after impact)
Aero road helmet could be worth getting at the beginning (versatile and aero in multiple head positions)
Hydration & Nutrition
Bottles can be stored on down tube and seat tube on most bikes. Additional bottles can be added to increase the fluids you can carry to fuel your race so you can make less aid station stops which will increase overall performance on race day.
Between the Arms (BTA) - These can include bottles with straws so you can drink without the penalty of sitting up to reach for bottles.
Top Tube bags can store food and be accessed while still in the aero position so you can fuel your performance and maintain speed on the bike.
Cycling Shorts
Proper pad (known as a chamois)
Bib shorts ensure a secure fit
Non-bib shorts may be more comfortable for you
Cycling shorts are specifically for cycling and help fit you on the bike in a way saddle manufacturers intend you to sit on the saddle.
Cycling jersey
Pockets for nutrition, phone, flat kit, etc.
Flat repair kit
Cycling water bottles
Bike pump
Bike computer
Run:
Running shoes
Find the right shoe for you
Replace every 300-500 miles or 6 months
Socks
Avoid cotton – collects moisture, causes blisters
Merino wool – regulates temperature, moves moisture, and resists odor
Mix of synthetic – nylon, polyester, spandex – good value/durability, prevents friction
Running shorts
Comfortable specifically for running (material: polyester, elastane, spandex, nylon)
Running shirt
Synthetic fabrics: polyester, nylon
Triathlon Specific + Nutrition:
Watch & Heart Rate Monitor
Smartwatch to include GPS function and pair with Heart Rate Strap
GPS and Heart Rate will be used to track your workouts to measure progress and pace races successfully. You can’t improve something you don’t measure.
Trisuit
Reserved for racing and key workouts
Partially hydrophobic for fast swimming
Wicks sweat
Material reduces chafing
Small pad to help with cycling comfort (may impede running for some athletes)
Race belt
Holds race number
Nutrition
Carbs focus
Electrolytes
Sodium unique to individual
Chamois Butter
Body Glide
Coach Ryan Siebert is a Level 2 Playtri Coach and a USAT Level I Coach with Long Course Area of Focus. He coaches juniors and adult athletes of all levels and is a bike fitter and performance tester at Playtri Dallas. He is also 70.3 Champion and WC Qualifier.
You can reach him with any questions at ryan.siebert@playtri.com