Swim Bike Run

Most people who are facing the concept of their first triathlon are wondering what type of gear and equipment will best suit them. Depending on your skill level, your budget and what equipment you currently own, your needs for the right gear will certainly be difficult. Assuming that budget is a concern and you are dealing with a relatively short triathlon rather than an ironman competition, here are some considerations that you need to keep in mind:

Swimming –

You are definitely going to want to have a good pair of goggles, so do not be afraid to drop $20 or $30 dollars here. You do not want to go cheap when it comes to a nice pair of goggles, because these really go a long way. Visit a real sports store and buy a pair of rubber sealed goggles. As far as swimming attire goes, you can go the wetsuit route, or you can choose a triathlon in a climate that allows you to dress more casually. If you do decide to go the route of the wetsuit, then you are going to need to learn how to get in and out of the wetsuit quickly in order to perform well during the competition. If you own biking shorts that have a pad built in, then you may be able to swim in them, negating the need to purchase a separate swimsuit. Girls may aim to wear a one or two piece with a T-back, making sure to choose something that is light and comfortable.

Biking -

A bike can certainly blow a budget, so don’t worry about getting a good bike until after a few races. Right now, just worry about using whatever bike you can borrow, or already have stored in your garage. Road bikes, ten speed bikes and mountain bikes are all acceptable in these types of races. Make sure at the very least, however, that you have cage pedals. Biking helmets are also a complete must because you cannot participate without one. Padded bike shorts or a soft, gel pad seat are also vital so address these issues sooner rather than later.

Running -

Do not skimp when it comes to good shoes. Spend a little money here and it will certainly pay off in the end. Make sure that your shoes are being fitted properly. As far as running wear goes, make sure that you are choosing something comfortable, light and airy in order to best survive your run. Many people throw lightweight running clothes over the attire they wear for biking and swimming, and this makes the transition from one sport to the next much more fluid. You may want to consider this, but ultimately it is up to you what you choose.

There is also a lot of fun gear that you can buy to customize your experience during each triathlon race. Just don’t go too overboard at first until you know what you really need.

Photo Credits: envisionpublicidad

Originally posted 2009-06-14 12:26:30. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Madison - Named after Madison Square Garden, which was the home of the original six day races. Madisons are team races that can last from six hours long all the way to six days long, with a team consisting of two to three riders. Each team will only have one rider racing at any given time, riding as hard as they can for a lap or two before being replaced by another team member.

One of the things that set Madison races apart from others is that the team member entering the race is catapulted into the race by the rider coming off of their turn using a specially designed handle that is kept in the back pocket of their racing shorts. Victory is gained by being the team which has traveled the largest distance.

Match Sprint - This is an event generally run like a tournament. It involves a series of races between two riders with the winners going on to the next level of competition until an overall winner is determined. Many times there is a repechage, or second chance, for riders who lose in the first round of matches.

Miss-and-Out – This is a variety of race that uses the mass start rule, in each lap of a miss-and-out race the final rider to cross the finish line is eliminated from the race. Once the field of competition is narrowed to a certain number of riders, the riders will sprint to the finish to decide the winner.

Motor Pace – In a motor pace race, every competitor rides behind a moped or a small motorcycle which provides them with a slipstream.

Neutral Support – Neutral support refers to help that is provided to a rider by anyone other than a fellow team member. An example is a follow truck which contains spare parts, tires, and a mechanic to aid riders who are experiencing mechanical issues. This is not always allowed by the rules, for example in a race using mountain bikes a rider using neutral support will be disqualified.

Noodle – Noodling is described as being riding at a slow and yet casual pace.

Olympic Sprint – An Olympic sprint race is a type of pursuit race with participants competing in teams of three. At the end of a lap, the lead cyclist of each team leaves the race until the third and final lap when the last riders from each team race to the finish line.

Pace Line – This is a group, usually riding in an echelon, who swaps the lead position so that the rest of the group can ride on the lead rider’s draft.

Peloton – The field is also known as the peloton in certain circumstances.

Photo Credits: TimothyJ

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