So You Want to Do a Triathlon: Part 3: Equipment and Where to Get It

Equipment You Will Need

You will need to be equipped for all three sports and more. At a minimum, you will need for training:

• A good pair of running.
• Running clothes.
• If you are a woman, you will need a sport bra.
• Swimsuit.
• Swim goggles.
• For outdoor (lake) swimming, you will also need a swim cap (men too; this is important for visibility)
• For outdoor swimming, you'll probably want to get a wetsuit as well unless you will be swimming in a warm climate.
• A comfortable bicycle that fits you. For the competitive triathlete, the bike can be a tri bike or road bike. For the less competitive, a mountain or commuter bike will do.
• A bike helmet.

For the race, the following additional items are recommended:

• One or two piece high-tech triathlon suit. The idea is to wear one outfit for the whole race to reduce transition times. If you are wearing a wetsuit, you would wear this under your wetsuit.
• A race number belt. This makes it easy to attach your running number when you get off the bike.
• Sunscreen.
• Running hat.
• Water bottle(s) and energy gels.
• A watch.
• Clipless pedals and bike shoes to match.
• Special laces for your running shoes so that you can just slip on your shoes without tying them.

Important: Running is an impact sport that can be hard on your joints. Thus it's essential to get a good pair of running shoes. Running shoes come in various designs that are made for the way you run. Run in the wrong pair of shoes and you likely will injure yourself. Thus I strongly recommend buying your running shoes from a quality running store with knowledgeable salespeople. I do not recommend you purchase your running shoes from discount stores or chain stores that lack the knowledgeable salespeople who can fit you correctly.

Where to buy equipment?

First of all, you can get running gear in most running. Bikes and gear can, of course, be obtained from most bike shops and you can get swim suits in most sporting good stores. In addition, there are a few triathlon stores that cater to the triathlete. These are great places to find triathlon-specific gear, supplies, wetsuits (for purchase or rental), and advice.

For those living in the Seattle area, here are a list of some places I like:

• Speedy Reedy. Located in the Fremont area of Seattle. Great, helpful staff. Lots of gear, free advice, and wetsuits for purchase or rent. http://www.speedyreedy.com
• Triumph Sports. Located in Leschi neighborhood of Seattle. Similar to Speedy Reedy in what they offer. http://www.triumph-multisport.com
• Most REI locations. You won't get the personal touch and as knowledgeable staff as Speedy Reedy and Triumph but most REI locations carry most tri gear, including wetsuits. http://www.rei.com

Cost of Equipment

So what will it cost to train and compete in a triathlon?

• $80-$130 for a pair of shoes
• $20-$50 for a swim suit
• $30-$200 for a tri outfit.
• $30-$40 to rent a wetsuit. $180 - $300 to buy one.
• $500-$3000 for a decent road or tri bike.
• Another $100-$300 for bike gear (lights, helmet, shoes, etc.)

So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 2: How and Where to Train

So You Want to Do a Triathlon, Part 1: Getting Started