Triathlon Packing Checklist

packingAre you a new triathlete or someone that has been around the track a few times? Whether you are brand new or have been doing this for a while, you should have an appreciation for how nice it is to have all of your gear packed up and ready to go when you are. Forgetting an essential item is a fear that all of us end up having, and so packing ahead of time and having a packing list for all of your essentials is a really good idea that you should put some thought into. Here is a basic packing list for essentials for your triathlon preparation, put together by some of the best triathletes in the biz. This includes all of the most basic items, some that are rather optional in nature and some tips and tricks that you’ll want to know as you go along.

Preparation for Swimming, Pack These Things

In preparation for the swimming leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your tri suit, a wristwatch, a pair of goggles, a backup pair of goggles, a wet suit, your swim cap, a backup swim cap, a timing chip, and optional nose plugs and ear plugs.

Preparation for Bicycling, Pack These Things

In preparation for the bicycling leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your bicycle helmet and your bicycle with your number already attached, your bike shoes, a working bike pump, a spare tire kit, a camelback or a water bottle, sunglasses, socks and optional bike gloves.

Preparation for Running, Pack These Things

In preparation for the running leg of your triathlon competition, you are going to want to make sure that you have your running shoes and a race belt that already has your number attached.

The Transitional Area

Preparation for the transitional area is a little different, so make sure that you have a towel, gels or power bars, body glide, an extra water bottle, sunscreen and lip balm, a large bike pump, a black market so that you do not have to stand in the body marking line, toilet paper, a basin that you can wash your feet in, optional anti-fog for your goggles, optional Vaseline, a large trash bag to handle any wet gear that you have and some way of locating your stuff such as a balloon or a friend that can locate you.

Preparation for a triathlon really isn’t difficult. When you plan ahead, make a list and check it a dozen times before you leave home, you can make sure that you do not forget any of the essentials that you really need come race day.

Photo Credits: Mat Honan

Originally posted 2009-10-09 03:55:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Gear Up for your First Triathlon

tritimeWhen it comes to packing in preparation for your triathlon race, it is best for you to break all of your necessities down into four different categories. This way, you can focus on each of the categories one at a time. One example of breaking your categories down is to break everything down into personal items, swimming items, biking items and running items. This is not the only way to do it, but it is certainly a good way to break things down if you are just starting out and trying to get yourself organized.

The items in your personal category of triathlon race gear should include your photo ID and a USAT membership card if you possess one, a Tri kit, nutrition goods such as gels, bars, drinks and electrolytic solutions, sunscreen, body lubricant or Body Glide, chap stick and two towels. You should also have dry clothing packed that you can change into when the race is over, sunglasses for the race and a casual pair as well, braces or wraps if you need them, race information, maps and registration information and anything else that you may need for the race but not necessarily during the race.

When it comes to the next three categories, what you should generally do is to work the category over from head to toe in your mind before moving onto the specific equipment that needs to be used in that particular category of the race. For example:

The items in your swim category of triathlon race gear should include the race issued swimming gap, anti-fog goggles, swim skins or wetsuit, timing chin strap and anything else that you may need for the swimming portion of the race.

The items in your bicycling category of triathlon race gear should include a helmet with your helmet number on it, your bike with a bike number on it, your bike gloves if you choose to wear them, socks if you choose to wear them, proper bicycling shoes, a well stocked bike kit with tubes, tools and CO2, water bottles and anything else that you may need for the bicycling portion of the race.

The items in your running category of triathlon race gear should include a running hat or a running visor, a racing number with a racing belt, proper running shoes and anything else that you may need for the running portion of the race.

Keep in mind that if you have a transition bag for your triathlon race gear, you will eventually become much more accustomed to the idea of packing before the race and what items you need and where they need to go for the best results. Over time you will learn to identify if any items are missing and if any important gear needs to be added. In the meantime, having a list like this is going to make the entire process far less stressful.

Photo Credits: rodderz

Originally posted 2009-08-21 03:23:07. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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