Running, Cycling, Swimming, Triathlons, Register Races, Group Workouts, Practices, Tampa

To be able to compete in a triathlon, other than the obvious equipment that you will need (e.g. running shoes, bike, swim goggles, etc.), here are some triathlon specific gear you will want to consider. Some are required but some are just time savers to help you cut down a few seconds here and there. Some triathletes like to purchase all the latest gadgets out there to help maximize their performances. But if you are just starting out in the sport, try observing and talking to other triathletes about the various equipment they use and judge for yourself if that is a necessity for you. Nevertheless, you will have just as much fun whether you use these optional equipment or not.

Wet suit

The national organization that governs triathlons in the United States is USA Triathlon. The use of wet suit is permitted when water temperature is 78F or lower (a wet suit legal race). When water temperature is above 78F but less than 84F, triathletes can wear a wet suit but will not be eligible for awards or prizes. Wet suit is not allowed when water temperature is at or above 84F. Wet suit policy for elite triathletes is determined by the USAT Athlete Advisory Council.

A wet suit not only provides the warmth your body needs when swimming in colder water, it also provides additional buoyancy to make swimming easier. A wet suit is worn tight on your body to allow a thin layer of water trapped between your skin and the wet suit. This thin layer of water is warmed by your body and stays there to keep you warm. Wet suit is made from neoprene, a stretchy synthetic rubber material that provides buoyancy Try putting a wet suit on and just lay on your back in the water. You will discover that it is impossible to sink in a wet suit. A wet suit designed specific for triathlon allows the greatest flexibility for movement and yet provides warmth and buoyancy to the triathlete. The stitching on the inside of the suit is done in a way to minimize chaffing. With all that a wet suit can do, it is not surprising that it may be one of the most expensive piece of clothing you will have ever bought. If your need for a wetsuit is primarily for competing in a triathlon and the occasional open water swim practice, consider something in the range of $180 - $300. More advanced wet suits sell for upward of $500 or more. So just what should you consider when buying a wet suit?

Buying a Wet Suit

Since you will be spending quite a bit on a wetsuit, it is important that you find one that fits you comfortably. Before you try on a wet suit, inspect it to make sure that there is no tear or holes on the wet suit. Also look inside the wet suit to inspect the stitchings. There are many ways a wet suit can be stitched together such as blind stitching, glued, flatlocked, etc. Put your fingers on them and they should not feel rough. Stitchings should be flat to minimize chaffing on your skin.

Wet suits also come in long sleeves (full suit) and sleeveless (a john). A full suit obviously provides more buoyancy and keeps you warmer. The choice depends entirely on how your body adapts to cold water and how much winter swimming you do. If you feel cold easily or want to do a lot of winter open water swimming, go with a full suit but keep in mind the added weight of the sleeves. If you need a wet suit for the one or two winter triathlons you plan on participating and the occasional open water swim practice, a sleeveless suit will probably suffice. The key is to keep the core of your body warm.

Putting on and Taking off a Wet Suit

If this is your first time trying on a wet suit, be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes putting it on. Don't be embarrassed about it, the staff at the store will understand and you probably are not the first person trying on a wet suit at their store. Put some body glide on your ankles (and your wrists if you are trying on a full suit) to help slide the wet suit up easily. Also, make sure that you and your swimsuit is dry. It's much easier to put a wet suit on when you are dry. Step into the wet suit with the zipper on your back. Slide the wet suit up about 1 to 2 inches from your ankles. Then slowly raise the wet suit up to your waist. Work your way up slowly to make sure that there is no air pocket between the suit and your skin. Pay additional attention to the crotch area to make sure that there is no space between the wet suit and your skin. This space will rob the heat your wet suit can provide and hinder the movement of your legs when you swim. If you are trying on a sleeveless suit, your have just finished the most difficult part of putting a wet suit on. All you have left to do is to fit your arms into the wet suit, zip up at the back and close the velcro strap on top of the collar on the back. Adjust the wet suit above your waist to make sure that it fits tight on you. If you did a good job putting on the legs, you should not have to further adjust your suit at this point and there should be no space in the crotch area. If you are having trouble pulling your wet suit up to your shoulders, you might need to pull the legs up further to eliminate the space in the crotch area. If you are trying on a full suit, fit your arms into the wet suit and slide the sleeves about 1 to 2 inches from the wrists. Raise your arms one at a time and work each sleeve up to the shoulder and remember there should not be any air pocket under the armpits. Now zip up your back and close the velcro strap and you are ready to go. Here is a great video that shows how to correctly put a wet suit on.

Before you jump into the water, feel that the wet suit is uncomfortably tight on you. When you get in the water, the suit will expand a little so it can trap a thin layer of water between you and the suit. Some triathletes feel that there is more pressure on their chests when wearing a full suit and that their breathing is restricted. They also feel that it was a little difficult to raise their arms when they swim or their arms feel more tired when in a full suit. You should try on both a full and a john when buying a wet suit to get a feel for how your body reacts to both. Sometimes a sleeveless suit may be a better choice for you.

If you are lucky enough to be able to dive into the water before buying your wet suit, take advantage of it. This will allow you to get a real feel for what it's like to swim in that specific wet suit. Try on different kinds, brands and models and find one that suits you. Go to a store with knowledgeable and patient staff that can give you expert advice. Although it is not advertised to the public, Bill Jackson's Sports in Pinellas Park carries a wide variety of wet suits. They have a diving tank and may allow you to jump in when you are testing out their wet suits. Just remember to bring your goggles.

Taking off your wet suit will only take seconds. Open the velcro strap, unzip, slide your arms out of the suit one at a time and your sleeves should be inside out. Pull your suit down to your ankles and then slide both feet out one at a time and the bottom of the wet suit should be inside out. Now you know why the manufacturers print the brand names on the inside of a wet suit as well.

Do's and Don't's on Wet Suits

Clean your wet suit as soon as you can after a swim. Rinse your wet suit out in cold or warm water, never hot water. Neoprene looses some of its flexibility in hot water. Make sure you rinse thoroughly both inside and outside of the wet suit.
Hang dry or flat dry a wet suit. Never twist the water out of it.
Store your wet suit in a cool, dry and flat surface and never in the sun. So make sure to take it out of your car when you get home.
Other big No-No's: washing machine, bleach and iron the wet suit.
Nails (long or trimmed) and sharp objects are not good for the wet suit. A couple days before handling your wet suit, trim your nails. Even then, be careful not to dig your nails into the wet suit when putting it on.

Speed Laces

Use these instead of the regular shoe laces on your running shoes so you don't have to tie them when you are in T2. They will never come untied. There are a few different types of speed laces in the market but they all are designed based on the same principles. Speed laces run anyway between $6 to $10 a pair. They are elastic shoe laces and you need to adjust how tight or loose you want them. You should get used to running in them prior to a race. This will give you an opportunity to adjust the tightness to your liking.

Race Belt

Most triathlon outfits are made of materials that are easily tear if punctured. Instead of pinning the race number onto your triathlon top, use a race belt. Attach your race number onto your race belt before your race and just grab and run before you exit T2. Even if you decide to wear a coolmax shirt on your run, don't try pinning your number while T2 and lose precious time. Put your number on the belt in advance to save you time. Race belt usually runs about $6 to $8. Some have 2 buttons on the front for you to button down the race number onto the belt. Some have short strings that fit into the holes punched on top of the race number. Either one will work fine and it's just personal preference.