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If walking is the simplest sport, the triathlon is the most complicated.
It’s a supreme challenge juggling workouts to ensure you’ve
adequately prepared for three radically different sports. Equally
formidable is rounding up the proper assortment of equipment and
accessorizing it to best effect. Here are the basic ingredients to
help you succeed. There are a lot more goodies available for sure.
But these six will go farthest toward improving your performance.
Helmet
All race directors require helmets. The best reason to always wear one
is that it may save your life in a crash. And even slow speed crashes
can be dangerous on a bicycle because you’re sitting so high off the
ground. Another reason to wear one is that riding with a helmet is actually
more comfortable than riding bareheaded. Modern helmets act like coolers,
keeping the heat out and sucking air through, dissipating heat generated
when riding. What’s more, they look cool. Visit a shop with a good variety
and try on a few looking for a snug (but not tight) fit. Adjust the straps
so that the helmet sits square on your head, low over your forehead (not
tipped back). Helmets run from $25 to $150.
Aero Bars
The bike leg is generally the longest of a triathlon, making it the ideal
place to shave seconds. And there’s a relatively painless way to do it—a
way to increase your average speed two to three mph—no extra miles or
additional intervals required. All it takes is improving the aerodynamics
of your body position when you’re riding, something possible simply by
installing aerodynamic handlebars. These wind-cheaters ($50 to $250) lower
your torso, flatten your back, and place your hands in front of your face
to poke a hole in the slipstream, drastically reducing wind resistance.
There are many styles from complete bars to clip-ons, which attach to
conventional racing handlebars. Just be sure to spend some time adjusting
them (or ask for help) to find your optimum position.
Hydration Devices
Recovery is a key part of any triathlon and one of the best times to take
in some fuel and fluid is during the bike leg where you have opportunities
to coast. Your goal, however, should be to do so without dropping your pace.
Reaching for a frame-mounted bottle disturbs your focus and the slipstream
so it’s not the best solution. Instead, consider a back-mounted or
hose-delivery system. Both make drinking water as easy as sucking on a
straw that’s inches from your face. Back-mounted systems have the
advantage of also cooling your body if ice is used in the bag. Prices
range from $20 to $80.
Wet Suit
If you plan to swim and race in cold water, or if you’re not a particularly
gifted swimmer (yet), consider purchasing a wet suit. These tight-fitting
rubber suits provide buoyancy and warmth so even a beginning swimmer can go
the distance with confidence. And even expert triathletes like them because
they cut drag in the water. Look for good freedom of movement, easy entry,
and exit, and a sweet fit. Full suits (with full sleeves and legs) are
fastest but can be too warm (though some models today actually breathe)
depending on where you swim. Prices range from $150 to $400.
Shoes
There are a myriad of running shoe models for all types of feet, athletes
and events with prices ranging from $20 to $150. A good pair will protect
you from road shock, reduce the chances of injury, and ensure that you run
optimally. Find a store with a good selection so you can compare fit (get
some room in the toe, a snug heel, and comfortable arch support), cushioning
(more for pavement and long distance and heavier runners) and sufficient
support (geared to your foot plant tendencies). A knowledgeable salesperson
can learn from a used pair of shoes and point you towards the right features.
Heart Rate Monitor
There may be no more important tool for the triathlete than a heart rate
monitor ($50 to $300). Using one can help you avoid overtraining—a
dangerous and all-too-easy zone to find yourself in. Equally critical, you
can ensure that workouts are as effective as possible (in fact, many athletes
find by monitoring workouts they can train less and get better results). Buy
a wireless monitor, which is comprised of a watch (display and controls)
and chest belt (reads heart rate and sends the signal to the watch). This
type is comfortable and easily used. Consider getting a memory function,
which makes retaining workout data simple (otherwise you must remember
or write it down). Some HRMs can download data to a PC. Also desirable are
alarms for setting target training zones.
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