"What to Wear for a Triathlon" Series:
	What to Wear for the Triathlon Swim What to Wear for the Triathlon Run

Protect your Noggin: In order to participate in mini-triathlons, you must have an approved Helmet that fits properly. Affix the bib number to the side of the helmet on race day before the race starts.

Dress for the Weather: Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather. There are tank tops, short sleeved and long sleeved shirts as well as bike shorts and leggings. Wear clothing that wicks the moisture away from your skin. Cotton gets wet, heavy, cold/hot and really uncomfortable in long races. Clothing that wicks away the moisture will keep you more comfortable through your race. The tag will tell you whether it does or not. Wear a snug tank top, t-shirt or racing shirt to keep the air resistance down and pin your bib number to your chest before the race starts. Wear the same shirt during your run to keep your transition time down.

Protect your Backside: Choose bike shorts for padding on the backside. Not only will they keep the inside of your thighs from chaffing and your butt from aching, they also keep your backside moisture free.

For your Feet: There are all different types of shoes to wear on a triathlon bike. Some bikes require shoes that clip on. These shoes should not be worn for the run. Some peddles look like regular peddles, only they have straps over the tops or baskets that hold your feet in place. With these basket peddles, you can wear your running shoes and not have to worry about changing shoes for the run.

Suggestions for men:

• Tri Suits. Learn more about Tri Suits.
• 2XU Men's Endurance 3 Pocket Tri Top
• MEN's Pro Bike Shorts Cycling Bicycle Biking
• DeFeet AirEator 2.5in White Top Cycling/Running Socks - AIRWHT (these keep your feet dry and they don't move around inside your sneaker)
• ASICS Men's GT-2140 Running Shoe (you can wear these during the bike if you don't have a bike with clips)
• Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Alp Seek Cycling Shoe (shoes for bikes wirth clips)

Suggestions for women:

• Tri-Suits. Learn more about Tri Suits.
• TYR Women's Singlet
• Women's Padded Classic Bike Shorts Cycling Bicycle Biking (you'll wear the same shorts you have on from the bike portion)
• DeFeet AirEator 2.5in White Top Cycling/Running Socks - AIRWHT (these keep your feet dry and they don't move around inside your sneaker)
• ASICS Women's GT-2140 Running Shoe (you can wear these during the run if you have a bike with clips)
• Pearl Izumi 2009 Women's Quest Road Cycling Shoe - Black/Diablo Red - 5720-512 (shoes for bikes wirth clips)

For both:

• Profile Design T2 Plus Aero Bar Alloy Black (it is a contraption that fits on your handlebars; it keeps your arms tucked in and you lean over them, which keeps your body very aerodynamic )
• Clip-in pedals and bike shoes (These are shoes with a clip that snaps into the pedal. If you go this route, you will have the benefit of not only pushing down on the pedal, but of pulling up on the pedal. Your foot is "attached" to the pedal but you can, with practice, snap easily in and out of them. They are the preferred method for a serious cyclist.)
• Basket pedals and running sneakers (These are regular pedals with basket-shaped straps at the front of the pedal and you hook your sneakered-foot into them. If you go this route, you will have the benefit of not only pushing down on the pedal, but of pulling up on the pedal as well. They are not as secure as clips and sometimes your foot can slip out. You are NOT "attached" and can easily slide your foot in and out.)

So the layers look like this: Swimsuit on first; bike shorts on top

ID: You should always carry some type of ID and a small amount of money while training in case of an emergency.

For your Hands: Bike Gloves are a great way to help grip your bike and avoid nasty blisters on the palms of your hands.

Additional Learning:

• Triathlon Bike - Tips and tricks for bike training and event preparation.
• Triathlon Bike Resources - Questions and Answers from people like you.
• Race Day - What to expect on race day told in person person point of view, step-by-step.
• Beginner Triathlele Basics - Learn the basics, including recommendations for triathlon training guides.

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