Getting Ready for the Triathlon Season

Triathletes across the UK are training hard ready for this seasons events, which realistically are not far away.  For many triathletes, beginners and those with experience, preparations should be well under way to get you in shape for when the season starts.  So we’ve come up with a shopping list to help you put everything in place ahead of your next event, enabling you to concentrate on your training.

You should start by taking an inventory of all your triathlon gear, making note of equipment that still has plenty of life and what needs replacing due to wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to stock up on bars and gels to fuel a few months of training and for the event itself.  If you’re new to triathlons, then start by making a list of what you will need (there are loads of resources available online or you can ask the team at The Sharks Shop to help).

During the race you will normally need to wear a race number so a number belt can be really useful as you will need to change the position of the race number during each stage; usually on your back for the bike stage and on the front for the run stage.

It can also be useful to have a plastic box in the transition area to store cycling and running gear after each stage, but this is not essential.  In addition, a transition bag or dry bag is pretty handy to carry all your kit in, to and from the event.

A further consideration is protect yourself against blistering, chafing and the sun.  We offer a range of lube products ranging from wetsuit chafing, anti saddle sore and blister balms to sun screen balm. It is important to use non petroleum-based lubes as these will perish the neoprene on your wetsuit. Petroleum-based lubes are like Vaseline and Baby Oil.  Always use Silicone-based lubes as these are wetsuit safe.

Swim Stage

This stage can be in a swimming pool or in open water. In both cases you will need a pair of swimming goggles and a swim cap. You should also have a towel to dry yourself off a little ahead of the bike stage.

For pool swims you will usually need a pair of swim jammers for men or a swimming costume for women. Alternatively, you can wear a tri suit or tri top and shorts to save time changing in transition. 

For open water swims, the use of a triathlon wetsuit is usually mandatory. Under the wetsuit you would wear the tri suit or tri top and shorts. You may also need a neoprene skull cap, a pair of swim gloves and pair of booties in really cold conditions.

For ultimate performance, The Sharks Shop is stockist of all the best wetsuits from entry level to top of the range.

Bike stage        

Each event can specify a certain kind of bike but in most cases a road worthy mountain or road bike will be enough. You will need a bike helmet, it's part of the rules in most races, wearing no helmet in transition before you touch your bike usually results in disqualification.

If you have clip on pedals, then you will need clip on bike shoes. You can wear cycle gloves and sun glasses if you really wish. You should already be wearing a trisuit or tritop and shorts at this point.

Our recommendation for glasses include the Oakely Radar EV or Jawbreaker shades.

Run stage

In addition to your running gear, you will need a pair of running shoes suitable for the run stage. Some events can be out on the road or off-road trail runs. You may also need a sun visor or hat on brighter days.

Get Training

Once you have the necessary gear in place you should start training.  When cycling or running, ensure you keep safe and warm during the colder winters months (though encouragingly Spring is coming!).  As open water swimming training usually starts in March or April, it’s a good idea to keep up your training in a pool until you can hit the open waters to maintain your stamina and performance.

Sharks

Sharks  stocks everything you could possibly need to take part in either a Triathlon or an Ironman competition.  We’d love to help you to get ready for your big race, so why not pop into our shop in Swansea to see our range at first hand.

Alternatively, you can order your triathlon clothes or accessories from our online shop at www.TheSharks.uk