Essential Training Gear

Now that you are committed to the race, your race, a race what do you need? You can stay cheap, practical and economical when it comes to triathlon or you can go out and spend any amount of money you choose. Where you decide is up to your budget and what you think will work best for you. The things

Swim:

• Proper Swim Attire. A one piece bathing suit for the ladies, and jammers for guys. Both may feel awkward at first, but are essential to proper pool swim training. A two-piece can more easily expose and why bring extra unwanted attention to yourself? For the men, you can wear board shorts, but they add a large amount of drag and hamper any speed work.
• Goggles. Proper fitting eye wear will save your eyes from chlorine, and allow you to see underwater.

Bike:

• Helmet. Not only are they required in races, but most states require that you wear them at all times. Going beyond that, why increase your risk of brain damage?
• Bicycle. Again this could be any sort of bike, borrowed, or owned. 

Run:

• Shoes. Please, get yourself a decent pair of running shoes.

Simple enough? Get out make sure you have the basic equipment so you can start getting your workouts in. The gear above is everything you need to be prepared to get across that finish line. Beyond this everything else is just extra. Later up I will present things that are great to haves, but need absolutely necesary to succes. 

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Can You Do It?

The simple answer is, Yes! Of course you can as long as you have the determination to set aside a few hours a week. My goal here is to provide all of the information that you need, including what workouts to do each week in preparation for racing your first triathlon.

I am writing this a a person who has raced triathlons for four years. I have raced everything from local sprint distance triathlons to the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Over the years I have helped others train for their first triathlon and achieve a healthier lifestyle. I am often asked general questions like “How do I get started,” “What type of bike should a person get,” “Do I really need a coach,” "How do I finish?"

I am not an expert, but I have tried just about every trick out there, bought most of the gear available and can easily distinguish between the message that we get from advertising, and what we really need complete a triathlon. If there is a topic that I may lack information, I will consult experts.

You can do it. Many people have little to no background in swimming, biking, and running. All you need is the desire to create a healthy lifestyle. I simply lifted weights before my first race, since then I have lost 25lbs, and gone from back of the finishing pack to a consistent top 10 finisher.

The commitment is probably less than you think as well. For the race coming up in August, you can train an average of 3 to 5 hours per week. All ages compete. There are races designed for children and people at 80 years old who are still finishing Ironman distance races.

Triathletes are a diversified group. You will find people of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Looks can be deceiving, but the largest asset you can posses is simple determination.

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Assumptions

For those of you following along, and hopefully training to race along side me. I will be making a few assumptions about you. I am going to assume the following:

• You have the ability to swim 1 length of the pool.
• You have access to bike
• You are in good health
• You want to do this and create a healthy lifestyle 
• That you will consistently follow along  

If you can not swim and have never swam, please contact the YMCA to learn about beginner swim programs. If you do not have access to a bike (Mountain Bikes and borrowed bike are fine), then you will not be able to compete. If you are not in good health, please see your Doctor.

Like in any athletic endeavor or training program please first consult your Doctor.




The Olympic Symbol of Triathlon.

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