Packing list of all the needed gear...
Contents at a Glance
Transitions
GU Energy Gel - 24 Pack
Energy gels are the standard way to get some carbs while on the bike. Figure out what you like and need before race day...
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) 
Clif Shot Bloks Organic Energy Chews, Black Cherry, 2.1-Ounce Packets (Pack of 12)
Another energy option for longer events are Shot Bloks, which come in several flavors.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
RMS SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen 1oz - - No Color
If you're doing a race longer than an olympic, you'll need to reapply your sunscreen in transitions. It may not be necessary for a shorter distance, but you'll need to decide based on your likelihood to get a sunburn...
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Triathletes online...
- Teri Hatcher Turns 45 – and Trains for Triathlon | ..::celebHeroes::..
- Turning 45 and desperate to mark the milestone, Teri Hatcher put her pedal to the metal and reached her goal ? completing the grueling Malibu Triathlon in a respectable 2 hours, 11 minutes.
- Goa Blog - Goa India » International triathlon meet in Goa
- Goa India beaches are amongst world's best tourism destinations to enjoy your holidays. Goa Blog brings to you updates on Goa News, Photos, Parties, Hotels and Resorts, Goa's Art and Culture and Politics.
- Teri Hatcher Completes Triathlon; Here's Her Fitness Secrets ...
- Teri Hatcher, who has been wowing fans with her svelte shape, just completed her first Triathlon only weeks before turning 45. Here's her fitness secrets.
Swim
Speedo Silicone Stretch Fit Swim Cap
You won't need a swim cap race morning, because you'll be issued one. But you will need a good cap for your practice sessions. Light or bright colors are good for visibility in open water, for your friends to spot you (never swim alone)!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Reebok Zimmer Swim Goggle (Smoke Mirror)
Goggles or a mask are key - shaded will help for bright sunny days, clear are best for an overcast or indoor session. Once you find goggles you like, get a few pairs - always good to have spares.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Sprint Triathlon Sleeved Wetsuit
Wetsuits not only keep you comfortable, they make you faster! Even in a short race they can save you a few minutes. USAT races allow suits up to 78 degree water temperatures. Wetsuits run the gamut from full sleeve and legs to shorty style. Most likely, you'll want to try some on, even though no matter what you do you'll feel stuffed in it, on land. For your first races, you can rent from a national company, to see what you prefer.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
TYR Solid Female Triathlon Suit
Underneath the wetsuit, you need a race suit. If you get a triathlon specific suit, there are both one and two piece styles, and they generally are sleeveless, have one or two small pockets, and have a thinner chamois than typical bike shorts. You can also race in a standard bike jersey and shorts, though they can be more bulky when swimming and running.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Bike
K2 Red Zone Triathalon Bike (700c Wheels)
Bike - yep, you're gonna need the bike. So don't forget it!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Louis Garneau 2008/09 Tri Air 2 Triathlon Cycling Shoes - White - 1487037-001
Tri cycling shoes offer soft interiors, fast drying mesh, and big loops or straps for a fast transition. They also have stiff soles to ensure you a good energy transfer to the pedals.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
X Loop Sunglasses Wrap X1 Style UV400 Lens Unisex Frame for Cycling, Golf, Kayaking and All Active Sports
A quality pair of sunglasses is key; they should first be shatterproof, ideally have interchanging lenses, and not strain the eye from full sun to shade as you ride race route. You'll want these on the run also.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Giro Atmos Racing Bike Helmet
USAT will not let you race without a helmet. Get a lightweight, well vented helmet like this one from Giro.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Garmin Forerunner 305 Multisport
For the techies, a GPS that goes from sport to sport is always a great idea. This one has a heart rate monitor too.
Amazon Price: $250.00 (as of 12/23/2009)
Run
Mens ASICS GT-2120 Running Shoe
You'll definitely need a good pair of running shoes. These will be specific to the runner, so it is a good idea to find a running store to fit you first. Once you find shoes you are comfortable with (I suggest running in them for a while before doing this), buy a few more pairs. Running shoes should be replaced frequently so you do not damage your joints, but it can be hard to find the same model if you don't think ahead!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Race Belt (De Soto)
A race belt makes it easy to get the race number on while heading out of transition. You must display your race number on your front while running. It also makes it easy for a great finish line photo!
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/23/2009)
Tri photos to get you inspired!
09 29am 2009 Anthem...
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Miscellaneous items for race day...
-USAT membership card (if you have one)
-Drivers license or photo ID
-Keys
-Some dry clothes for after the race
-Spare contacts or other personal items
-Some like to bring a small foot basin to rinse feet off after the swim
ASICS Kayano Low Cut Socks
Some triathletes are able to go sockless, but most of us find socks necessary, at least for longer distance runs. Having a blister while running is not pleasant at all! These are some great running specific socks, nice and thin.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
BodyGlide Anti-Chafing Stick
BodyGlide is to keep you from chafing. Apply liberally on chafe prone areas, where your front jersey zipper may hit, and around wetsuit sticky areas - neck, elbows, knees, and ankles.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
JOHNSON & JOHNSON BABY POWDER 9 OZ
Baby powder in the socks may make it easier to put them on with wet feet.
Amazon Price: $3.29 (as of 12/23/2009)
Louis Garneau 2008/09 Women's XR-Gel Cycling Gloves - Black - 1481052-020
Like socks, the longer the ride, the more likely you are to want gloves for cycling.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)
Considering a tri?
If you've done a triathlon or are thinking about it, let me know!
by PatriotAlpacas
Hi, I'm Tasha. I live in northern Massachusetts, and I enjoy distance cycling, triathlons, kayaking, and snowshoeing as time permits. (more)
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