Tools of the Trade

Swimming

Essentials
Goggles, chlorine resistant bathers (they last longer!), swim cap

Desirables
Flippers, kickboard, pull buoy, paddles,, wetsuit, race suit

Cycling

Essentials
A bike (preferably a road bike) helmet, spare tube (in case of the dreaded flat tyre!), mini pump, levers, water bottle holder and bottle, mobile phone

Desirables
Carbon fibre bike, comfy bike pants with padding, cycle jersey with pockets, clip in pedals, cycling shoes

Running

Essentials
Good quality pair of running shoes that suit your foot stride (flat, over-pronating etc), comfortable running clothing

Desirables
Heart rate monitor and watch

Race Tips

Swim starts: Most triathlons involve a mass start, therefore you should be aware that it can feel like a washing machine if you get caught up in the middle! If you are a weak swimmer, position yourself towards the back of the pack. If you are a strong and confident swimmer position yourself toward the front!

Wetsuits: If the water temperature is less than 24 degrees, you are allowed to wear a wetsuit. This can often bring a weaker swimmer much peace of mind as it increases buoyancy. It can also aid performance by significant amounts due to buoyancy and in cold water it makes thing much more comfortable!

Drafting: Sitting directly behind another cyclist is considered cheating in triathlon. The rule states that each cyclist must be 7 metres apart unless overtaking, in which you have 15 seconds to get in front of the competitor you are passing. As soon as you have been passed, you must immediately drop behind 7 metres or risk being penalised for drafting. Penalties are time penalties

No jelly legs: Running straight after cycling is a strange sensation often likened to ‘jelly legs’. To ensure your legs can cope with this feeling, try a short 5-10 minute run after one of your cycles. It’s better to conquer the pain in training, than to shock the system on race day!

Transitions: A lot of time can be wasted in transition, so make sure you practise a speedy one! Only conduct the bare essentials in the transition zone. Do you really need socks in a 5km or less run? Try elastic laces in your sneakers which are much quicker to put on than tying up regular laces. Don’t forget you need to put your helmet on BEFORE unracking your bike and then keep it on until you have hung your bike on the racks at the completion of your cycle.

Enjoy yourself! Completing a triathlon is a fabulous achievement, so celebrate it. Pump your fists over the finish line, high five your wife/husband/best friend in the finishing chute and make sure you smile for the finisher’s photo!