How to Train for Your First Triathlon
What Gear You'll Need -post upgrade
The three events you'll see in a triathlon are swim, bike, and run, typically in that order. Each leg will require different equipment to ensure your success.
Swimming Gear
You'll need a triathlon suit or kit that you can wear during every event to avoid needing to change during the race. A triathlon suit is a one-piece, and a kit is a top and bottom combo. This apparel is fast drying, reducing chafing and allowing for a more comfortable bike ride following the swim. You won't take these clothes off at all during the event. However, you could decide to wear a wetsuit as a top layer for enhanced speed in the water and take it off before hopping on your bike. You may also want a pair of shorts to put on over your triathlon suit or kit for a more comfortable cycle. For the rest of your swim gear, you'll need goggles, and you may decide on a swim cap or ear or nose plugs. Your goggles will enable you to keep your eyes open underwater and can help protect against harsh sun rays and increase your peripheral vision. You could buy your swim cap to ensure it's comfortable and get experience training with it, but most races will provide these for you. Ear or nose plugs will keep water out and make for a more enjoyable experience.
Biking Equipment
For success in the cycle event, you'll need a durable bike. This will be the most expensive item you need to prepare, but how much you should spend will depend on how often you intend to compete. If you want to participate every summer, finding a triathlon bike would probably be best. However, if competing is a goal you only feel the desire to complete once, you could choose to purchase a road bike which will save you some expenses. You can also rent a bike for training and race day if you don't plan to use it outside of competing. You should always wear a helmet when cycling, especially in events where you're pushing yourself. To ensure a clean, safe line of vision, find a good pair of sunglasses that will help reduce eye strain and keep bugs or debris from entering your eyes. If you're looking for other minor upgrades, you could invest in a saddle, which will make your bike seat more comfortable, or cycling shoes with pedals, which will further connect you to the bike and make upward pedaling much easier.
