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Why Not Try a Tri? Basic Gear to Get Started

May 2, 2014 By Heather Blackmon

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I know many of you are runners (if you run, you are a runner) and I will always love running! It’s an easy sport to pick up, fairly inexpensive to participate in, and you can explore new places with it when you travel. But have you thought about trying something new this season? If you’re already a runner, maybe it’s time to tri a triathlon!

TriathlonBasicGear

Cross-training is a great way to help prevent injuries and can even strengthen your body for your primary sport. In fact:

  • Biking is GREAT cross-training for running. It using your leg muscles in a different way, which increasing your overall leg strength for running.
  • Swimming is a great way to add variety without any impact. It’s also great for your core and gives your legs a break.

Add these two activities to the running you’re already doing and you might as well add a triathlon (or duathlon) to your calendar. Interested? If you’re ready to give it a try, you’re going to need a few things to train and race in your first triathlon. With the six items below (and two optional items)  you’ll have everything you need to get started.

Swimming Basic Gear

  1. Swimsuit – you could swim in a bikini, but it’s not going to be quite as comfy. Although it might turn a few heads when you swim laps.  A basic one-piece swimsuit at Target or an online swimming store will work nicely. I have had good luck with “uglies” at swimoutlet.com.
  2. Goggles – Another item you can pick up at Target or an online store. I use Aqua Sphere Kaiman, but you may want to try a few to find a pair that fits comfortably on your face.

SAMSUNG

Biking Basic Gear

  1. Bike – any bike will do. If you’re just thinking about your first triathlon, there’s no reason to go out and buy a fancy bike. Have one collecting dust in the garage? Pull it out and put it to use. Have a friend with a bike collecting dust? Borrow theirs. If absolutely no one owns a bike you can use, look for a used bike on Craig’s List or eBay or a local garage sale.
  2. Helmet – Please DO NOT ride your bike without a helmet. You can get one at Walmart, Target, or a bike store. It can save your life and it’s irresponsible to ride without one. Get a helmet!
  3. Shoes – If you’re on an old or borrowed bike, you probably can just use running shoes to ride your bike. If the bike has clips on them, you can swap them out or you’ll need a pair of cycling shoes (if you have a pair from spin class, those should work!).In that case you will need to get cleats that screw into the bottom of your shoes. Bring your bike to a cycling store and they can help you find cleats that work with your pedals.
  4. Padded Bike Shorts – You can technically go without this one, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It will make you more comfortable to get a pair of padded bike shorts and your butt will thank you for it.
  5. Bike Pump – Unless you live near someone’s you can borrow, you should probably get a bike pump. I pump my tires every 2-3 rides, depending on the frequency and the distance.  

bike

Running Basic Gear

  1. Running Shoes – A good pair of running shoes that are fit correctly for your feet. Spend some time at a running specialty store to get this crucial piece of running equipment. Read more about why running shoes really matter.

And that’s all you need! There are plenty of other things that you can get and may help as you get further into the sport, but I encourage you to go the basic route to start out.

[Tweet “Learn the basic gear you need for your first #triathlon! #FitFluential”]

For my first two triathlons, I rode an older mountain bike (knobby tires and all) with regular pedals and my running shoes. After that first year, I decided I really liked the sport and upgraded to a road bike. Bikes aren’t cheap, so save that investment until you know you’re going to have it (and use it) for a while!

Don’t miss the other posts in the Why Not Try a Tri series:

  • Training Basics
  • Transitions

Editors Note: This post was originally published in April 2012 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and the latest information.

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Questions for you:

  • Have you done a triathlon? What was your favorite (or least favorite) thing about your first race?
  • Have you thought about doing a triathlon? What’s held you back?

Filed Under: Endurance, Triathlon Tagged With: Fitness

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Welcome

Hi! I’m Heather, a yoga & wellness teacher based in Colorado... Read More…

"Every ending is a beginning. We just don't know i "Every ending is a beginning. We just don't know it at the time." -Mitch Albom

Last Friday, we ventured to a trail near Carbondale for the most beautiful ride with huge wildflowers everywhere. It was a great trail with good climbing, plenty of flow in the middle, and A LOT of switchbacks on the descent. Our first 2 hour ride of the season and it was a blast!

I didn't know it at the time, but it was also the last ride on my Liv mountain bike - because I got a new bike on Sunday! ✨

If you're in Colorado & in the market for a new bike, I highly recommend Over The Edge in Fruita. I test rode 6 bikes & then took the Pivot Mach 5.5 out on the trail to be sure it was the right one. Great experience!!
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#adventurespirit #alltrails #mountainvibes #mountainaddict #mountainadventures #mountainbiking #mtbiking #mtbdaily #mtblife #seemyadventures  #womenofthewilderness #womenwhoexplorecolorado
In the past week, have you... 🔆 Stopped to watc In the past week, have you...
🔆 Stopped to watch the sunset
🙏 Told a friend how much they mean to you
💪 Taken time to move your body
 💤 Gone to bed early or taken a nap
📚 Turned off the TV and read a book

Share your number (1-5) in the comments. ⬇️

And if your total is less than 5, I invite you to give one you've missed a try this weekend!! 
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#vaillive #practiceyoga #vail #vaillife #vailcolorado #goodvibes #happymindhappylife #thisisyoga #vailvalley #yogaliving #beachvibes #lovethelifeyoulive #adventureraised #outdoorsygals #wanderfolk #ipreview via @preview.app
Which quote is more how you feel about yoga today? Which quote is more how you feel about yoga today? ⬇️

A - “Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are.” —Jason Crandell

B - “Sometimes in yoga I feel like a graceful swan. Other times I feel like a baby giraffe trying to use its legs.” Anonymous

I've definately felt both of these at different times. 😜

No matter what your answer, if you're in the Vail Valley - come practice with me!

I'm back to my normal schedule this week with 2 chances to flow every Thursday:
✨ 12pm Gravity Haus (Vail)
✨ 5:30pm Vitality Collective (Eagle)
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#vail #vaillife #vailcolorado #vaillive #coloradoyoga #yogateacher #feeltheyogahigh #myyogalife #letyourlightshine #letyourpranaflow #practiceyoga #yogamakesmehappy #yogapractice #yogatime #ipreview via @preview.app
2 weeks, 2 beautiful places in Paradise. 🌴 It' 2 weeks, 2 beautiful places in Paradise. 🌴

It's been such a great vacation filled with scuba, yoga, Mexican food, margaritas, and memories.

I added a highlight for each week, so you can see more about the yoga retreat at Yandara with Anahata and our week of diving in Cozumel.

Time to plan the next trip!!
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#alwayschooseadventure #sheadventures #liveadventurously
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