What do I need for a triathlon race?

What does a beginner triathlete need?

If you're gearing up for your first triathlon, you can aim for just the essentials, such as goggles, a swim cap, a bike, a helmet, cycling shoes (or cages), and running shoes.

What do triathletes run in?

In a triathlon, you want to wear what is called a triathlon suit or a triathlon kit (a top/bottom combo) designed to be worn in the swim, the bike, and finally the run.

Do you eat during a triathlon?

During Olympic distance and sprint distance triathlon racing, athletes should aim to consume between 30-60g of carbohydrate each hour. This can be achieved through a combination of sports drinks, carbohydrate gels and through solid forms of carbohydrate e.g. Sports bars or muesli bars.

Do triathletes run without socks?

In races, triathletes have three options: no sock on the bike and the run (option used by all elite short-distance triathletes) no sock on the bike, but then socks on the run course (mainly podium contestants on long-distance courses) socks on the bike and run (majority of amateur triathletes)

The Essential Triathlon Checklist | What To Pack In Your Bag For Race Day

What should my first triathlon be?

Getting started in triathlon can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. As a triathlon beginner, we recommend starting with a sprint triathlon (generally a 500-meter swim, a 20K bike, and a 5K run), but if you're interested in longer distances you can learn more about what those entail here.

How does a triathlon change your body?

Triathletes are legendary for having some of the best physiques in the fitness world. That is because cross-training shapes the body in complementary ways: running develops long, lean muscles; cycling builds strength and tones your lower body; and swimming increases your flexibility and sculpts your upper body.

What do I wear under a tri suit?

You should not wear underwear (except a sports bra) under your trisuit in a race. Our female-specific triathlon chamois is made to be comfortable against your skin and to protect you from chafing and discomfort on the bike, and is thin and light enough to be comfortable on the run.

Do I need a wetsuit for a triathlon?

Triathletes normally wear a tri suit during a triathlon. A tri suit is made of a thin athletic material and can come in one or two-piece options. Sometimes because of colder water temperatures, a tri suit is not enough and triathletes will opt to add a wetsuit to wear during the swim.

Do you need a tri suit for a triathlon?

Triathlon suits: Not necessary, but nice-to-have. A good triathlon suit is designed specifically for triathlon, and offers benefits that may help you race faster and be as comfortable as possible.

Do you change clothes in a triathlon?

Clothing for a Triathlon

You can opt to change into clothes specific to each leg of the race—or not. Some triathletes choose to do the whole race in a swimsuit for quicker transitions. Other swimmers simply pull on a pair of shorts before jumping on their bike.

Do I need a road bike for triathlon?

One of the more common questions we get from beginner triathletes is if they can use their mountain bike, commuter bike, or hybrid bike in the triathlon. The answer is yes, absolutely – especially if you are doing a sprint or perhaps even an Olympic distance.

Do triathletes change shoes?

At any triathlon, the majority of racers wear the same shoes they wear while training. These shoes are usually made by brands that are instantly recognized by anyone.

Can you listen to music during triathlon?

No Tunes, No Selfies

Headphones, headsets and audio devices are not allowed at any time during any triathlon event. Most races allow you to carry your cell phone if you wish, but it must be stored out of sight in a bike bag or jersey pocket.

Can you be a ripped triathlete?

Conclusion. While a ripped muscular person can participate and finish triathlons, it is not the favored body type for a professional competitive level.

What should you eat during a triathlon?

Ensure your carbohydrate fuel tank is full by including carbohydrate rich foods such as bread, rice, pasta, noodles, crackers, fruit, milk, yoghurt in your main meals and snacks. Be mindful to avoid high amounts of fibre in the days leading into a race.

Are triathletes skinny?

Are Triathletes Skinny? People with bodies of all shapes and sizes can participate in triathlons at the amateur level. However, when it comes to professionals, they tend to be very lean and strong. Most of them have an ideal weight range that they shoot for by balancing their calorie intake with their training load.

Can you do a triathlon without training?

Racing a triathlon without training properly is a magnificent way to ensure you hate the day and the sport. Doing the bare minimum is better than not training at all, but this generally means you will just spend the day hanging on for dear life.

How long is a triathlon for beginners?

Novice Triathlon: 400m Swim, 10.6km Bike, 2.5km Run. SuperSprint Triathlon: 400m Swim, 21.2km Bike, 5km Run. Sprint Triathlon: 750m Swim, 21.2km Bike, 5km Run. Olympic Triathlon: 1500m Swim, 42.4km Bike, 10km Run.

Should you swim the day before a triathlon?

A successful strategy is to take off two days before the race to rest. Complete your final workout the day before the race. In that workout, if it is possible to swim on the race course, try to get into the water at the same time your swim wave will go off on race day.

How do you prevent triathlon blisters?

Train a little bit in your racing flats on the track, ideally without socks. Also avoid the main reason for blisters, wet feet, which means when running through an aid station keep the drinks over your head but not coming down to your feet.

Do transition times count triathlon?

Many triathletes are so focused on swim, bike and run splits that they forget the clock is still running in the transition area. Every second counts. Transition practice isn't as fun as running, but it is a good investment of your training time.

What socks do triathletes wear?

The best socks for triathlons are made of Merino wool and stretchy synthetic fibers like spandex, stretch nylon, and more. These materials will wick away sweat and moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable.