WHAT DO I NEED FOR MY FIRST TRIATHLON? | Gearist.com, Gear Bag

[@bradschwamberger1217]

I am 57 and thinking about trying one. This was a great calm talk of what to have, how to lay it out and what to have to start with. I loved how you went by event and talked it through.

[@heidisabo3780]

Best video on this subject that I have come across yet! Thank you very much!

[@Gearist]

Heidi Sabo Thank you so much!

[@apriswajaya]

aspiring triathlete here, never did a real triathlon before but been practicing on my own. This video thought me a lot of usefull tips that I will incorporate on my first triathlon.

[@craigcoleman8302]

As a newbie planning my first triathlon in September this year this has been a fantastically helpful video and full of useful as well as common sense tips. Thanks very much, greatly appreciated. 👍

[@nicklintner8383]

i've done triathlons before but i watch these videos on the offseason to pump me up. this is a really great video. keep tri-ing!!

[@fugitivephilo]

Just a head's up, pumping your tyres up to 120+ isn't necessarily going to result in more speed. Fatter tyres (25mm+) have a larger contact point and thus lower rolling resistance and on a fatter rim (23-25mm) will be significantly more aero (as well as offering more grip). This is why all the disc wheels are sporting wider rims. So word, wicked vid but check the new research, sometimes a 25mm at 90psi will perform the same or better as at 120psi, plus offering better comfort, grip, cornering and aerodynamics.

[@Gearist]

quadrantcross Yeah, we've been well aware of this for a number of years now, but the fact is that the debate over width vs pressure vs internal friction vs etc, etc, etc is still ongoing to some degree. Also, it's not simply the width of the tyre/tire but also the structure of the tyre itself with regard to thread count and pattern and thickness of sidewalls. Here's a great piece by Velonews from December of last year where they get into it quite a bit and in their conclusion the tyre they'd choose (among those tested) is a 700x24. velonews.competitor.com/2014/12/bikes-and-tech/resistance-futile-tire-pressure-width-affect-rolling-resistance_355085

[@royfr8136]

The best. Simple. Clear.

[@311julius]

Thanks for the great explanation! I am looking forward for my first sprint triathlon in May!

[@thebruces614]

Thanks for your input. Very motivating. Have my first Sprint in 4 months. Definitely going beginner style with 20 year old road bike with pedal cages and running shoes.

[@me73941]

Definitely a good video with some very helpful tips. I just finished my first tri, an iron70.3, and I would strongly suggest to plan for bike malfunctions and to try as hard as possible to train with the nutrition offered at the race, or with your own nutrition. Either way, you want to be very comfortable fueling during your triathlon. Also, if you're not a swimmer, GET IN THE WATER!

[@1023Endurance]

Brilliant advice to get in the water to prep for a tri !!

[@danaleighformon_]

Thanks so much for posting! I know this video is almost 3 years old, but it's still sooooo helpful! I have my first tri (an Oly) next month, and I'm super nervous, but this makes me feel so much better!!

[@Gearist]

Don't be nervous, you're going to have a blast!

[@heidiwood3142]

First tri in 2 weeks! Olympic distance! This is soooo helpful!

[@tomwtri]

Great to see other videos of triathletes helping out newbies :)

[@Gearist]

+Tom Wasserman (tomwtri) We certainly wish there was something like this out there when we were learning!

[@drahcir8623]

So many great points and helpful tips for the newbie triathlete like myself! Thanks so much for the detailed info!

[@Gearist]

Glad you enjoyed it. Have fun this race season!

[@NateFrias]

Awesome video... Might be doing my first sprint tri in two months... Ty for the help.

[@Gearist]

Have fun!

[@mamafeenix]

You are awesome! Thanks for all the great tips. I actually made a list. But most of all, thanks for the motivation. I've been pretty nervous about doing my first tri but your video actually made me feel happy about this decision (and the potential triumph of completion). Many thanks!

[@Gearist]

+Kristin H. Excellent! Please let us know how it goes for you and good luck!

[@haroldkemp4412]

About to do my first triathlon, and I both appreciated and enjoyed this video. Thanks!

[@Gearist]

Harold Kemp Excellent! Have a blast and do let us know how it goes!

[@triathlontimmy]

Special thanks for pointing out what a bike helmet is, and what a bike is. Who knew!?

[@SameerRane1]

Great video..What I liked the best was the practical hat was always kept on (triathlon shoes, road bike).. Most of the racing events otherwise end up as a equipment show-off exercise most of which do not pass the cost-benefit test! Enjoyed the tutorial and hope this serves me well over my first triathlon coming Sunday :)

[@Gearist]

Sameer Rane Thanks so much! We want to be helpful first in videos like these. We can show off the gear later!!!!

[@ThatGuy-xl1gs]

your video was great and seemed to be very informative. I am planning for my first tri and will use the advice you give most definitely!

[@Vmbra01]

Holy! I love you so much! thank you very very much! Im quite nervous about my first tri and you settled everything down! thanks!!

[@Gearist]

Glad to have helped! No need to be super nervous for your first triathlon. It's a blast and the tri community can be really helpful. We just all want to see you crush it across the finish line! Please let us know how it goes!!

[@Vmbra01]

It went great!! I finished it with energy to spare. And now i can't wait for the next one. You where really helpful. Thanks a lot again!!

[@Gearist]

Excellent and congratulations! Keep it up and you'll be going 140.6 in no time!

[@stevemarsh12]

Awesome cheers! Great tip about the water bottle rather than a bowl like some people have to clean your feet!

[@nikkivanhengst5551]

Brilliant tips! Doing my first Tri in a few months so glad to hear my hybrid bike will do the job!

[@Gearist]

Your hybrid should do just fine. However, your ego is going to want to go faster after your first race so get ready!

[@junewhite4007]

I'm glad I watched your video. My first sprint is this saturday.

[@bayanmissaghi7759]

Awesome! Doing my first try a tri tomorrow. Super helpful!

[@The_Gman9123]

Excellent video, thanks for uploading it, training right now for my first triathlon in Ireland. This video helped a lot.

[@daniellopezeverest]

the only video that explains everything well

[@Gearist]

+Daniel Lopez Thank you!

[@shyrericabunquin2106]

thanks for your tips! gonna try Triathlon very soon...!! I do hope mountain bike is just fine for a beginner like me 😊😊😊 I'm excited!

[@cppaezggvera]

I will be doing my first triathlon in September, thanks a lot for the tips!!

[@Gearist]

Kick some ass!

[@elsaferris9145]

Where are you doing it

[@walterallen8478]

Thank you..., especially the "Transition areas". I finished my first Chicago's Triathlon and lost a lot of time in the transition area!

[@miymahran8294]

OMG!!! I'm racing on Sunday! Best video...thanks so much!

[@shayneengeseth6131]

Enjoyed the video, looking at doing my first Tri next spring training for it now. I found the video very informative.

[@jamieleesvegank]

as a newbie, i appreciate this! lol! you come across really well with informative tips! I've watched a few of these kinds of videos and this is my favorite so far. thanks again!

[@Gearist]

+Jamie Lee's Vegan Kitchen Thanks so much!

[@chrisdutoit1221]

Awesome video, covered all my questions. Thanks!

[@joeyc229]

great video! looking to do my first half tri in april so this was very helpful

[@Gearist]

joseph Citta Excellent, glad to help. Do keep us posted on your training and racing and please let us know if you've got any questions!

[@Strigowulf]

Man what a great video and great info. I'm also doing my first Half ironman in april. Are you going to Galveston *****?

[@gersonislas]

Thanks for the tips i have my first Sprint Triathlon in September, training is going well, but I'm so nervous. Your tips are very helpful

[@Gearist]

+gersonislas Don't be nervous! It's a blast!

[@TheFeldhamster]

That saddle bag for the flat kit might be a problem, though. Many triathlons have the bike bib (is that the correct name?) go exactly where the saddle bag is and they won't let you start if you put the bib somewhere else on your bike. I actually bought a different bag for my flat kit that goes on the front of the upper tube (where you would stick your gels in a longer triathlon) for that reason.

[@Gearist]

I've (Brandon) done everything from sprints to Ironman and have never, ever had my saddlebag under my saddle interfere with the race number. Most people just wrap the number around the seat post or the frame.

[@gerardobeltranramon]

Great info, looking forward to my first triathlon, great day!

[@Gearist]

Thanks and good luck!

[@brianbergquist4742]

Thanks for the great tips. Is very helpful for a runner looking to get into Triathlons.

[@Gearist]

+Brian Bergquist So glad to help - let us know how you like triathlon!

[@juanadenip7638]

Great video!! thanks... im curious, when using a skin suit, is this something that stays with you for the bike and run, or its changed on T1? do you know how that works?

[@OffBelay_]

Thanks for the video... Have a lot of training to do myself but I simulated a micro TRI and finished it.

[@sarahsmith7724]

About to do my first triathlon this was super useful 👍

[@tomaszopacinski1561]

Thanks for good pack of informations for my FIRST TRIATHLON!!! I really liked good pose for the finish :-))))

[@jaspertewalvaart5820]

This got me thinking about my first triathlons. Started with swimshorts and a cycling yersey with running shoes and now we're here with an elite suit, sidi tri shoes and zoot shoes almost under the hour on a 1/8th tri! Also last year I finished 8th in the dutch championship triathlon for youth and 6th in the dutch championship duathlon for youth. I hope in some years I can participate in pro races.

[@Gearist]

jasper tewalvaart Congrats and keep up the awesome work!

[@craigsidol1452]

Great Video. I'm doing my first half Ironman this summer and the tips are helpful. Any suggestions on where to buy gear?

[@Gearist]

+Craig Sidol There are tons of great resources online but if you need specifics, let us know and we'll try to find you some good links.

[@karenstaub7450]

Great video...thanks for all the information!

[@usnhotcarl]

Great video! I plan on doing my first triathlon, the 70.3 in Racine this July. I'm probably going to do a few olympic or sprint distances before to get some experience and your video really helped ease some of my logistical worries. By the way, I like the Bulldog lotion in the background. They make good stuff!!!

[@Gearist]

AeroCarl Definitely do some shorter stuff first! That way it'll make the 70.3 that much more enjoyable because you'll have the jitters out of your system and be able to focus on the race!

[@muhammadlucious476]

Thanks great video and information, I'm doing my first sprint triathlon tomorrow lol and my first Ironman next year

[@Gearist]

Muhammad Lucious Nice!! please let us know how your race went and welcome to the club!

[@hailsphynx7007]

hello. have been running for quite some time, swimming on/off for years and just bought first road bike (cannondale synapse). I'm planning on during Ironman 70.3 in 9 months. With the over 50 mile bike and then a13.1 run after, do you recommend a road bike still? This will be first triathlon for me??

[@Gearist]

+HAil Sphynx What I REALLY recommend is getting into a sprint or Olympic distance triathlon FIRST (there are tons of them) just to see what you mess up (which you undoubtedly will!) so you don't make rookie mistakes on a 70.3. Second, don't stress about the bike. If you've got the cash, go for it and buy a TT bike but otherwise a roadie with a triathlon fit is absolutely fine!

[@TinyTinyTofu]

Just wondering, what SPECIALIZED model do you have in the video? Did you fix it up with your own components? Would you recommend it? If not, what nice road bike would you recommend for triathalons/longer bike rides? Thanks in advance! Sorry for all the questions! Great video!

[@Gearist]

It's a Specialized Tarmac Elite Compact, www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/tarmac/tarmac-sl4-elite-105#specs The component group on it is what came with it though the wheelset is the Fulcrum Racing 5 (www.fulcrumwheels.com/en/collection/road/alu/products/racing-5) and much of the time the rear wheel is swapped out for a Powertap G3 wheel (www.powertap.com/collections/powertap-wheelsets/products/powertap-alloy-wheelset). the saddle is has also been swapped out for an ISM Adamo Racing II (ismseat.com/saddle/adamo-racing-ii).It's really a very good bike that, with beefier tires, even does a nice job on dirt roads. Since it runs a compact gearing setup, it does a great job climbing. It would be great for triathlon, especially a first triathlon though the price point may be a bit high for many people. As for long rides, a good bike fit (not cheap but WELL worth it) and a good saddle (we recommend the ISM saddles highly) makes all the difference in the world.

[@TinyTinyTofu]

Thanks a bunch! Super informative! :)

[@Gearist]

No problem!

[@jhunt1911]

I'm just getting into tri and looking for all the info I can find... thanks for the tips

[@Gearist]

JwH_OCR No problem! Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@bradenjanderson]

Really great video, well presented.

[@edu88grueso]

thanks for answering all my questions...great vids!

[@nadiabron7719]

Great advice.. doing my first triathlon soon and this helped a lot 😅

[@guymorris1963]

Will swim goggles help keep contact lenses from getting washed out of your eyes during the swim leg ? What is a snake style course on a swim leg in a swimming pool ?

[@BillPerkins0628]

Cool. Thanks a lot. Very helpful and simple. Can't wait to do my first in 2 months !!!

[@Gearist]

+Bill Perkins Have fun and good luck!

[@wildhogget69]

Great video and top tips, thanks!

[@grolfe3210]

Thanks for vid, seems to make sense but what do I know!!Off to work on my pose I am usually the one who looks like I am in a shop window.

[@joaoperretti2730]

Really helpful. Thanks for making it available!

[@DufArshfart]

good video, everything I ever wanted to know about my first triathlon.

[@emilymiller6745]

I am signing up for my first triathlon. However, I am not doing a sprint tri, but the Olympic. I swim normally 2 miles, run up to 6 miles, but I don’t own a bike. I’ve been training on a spin bike for up to 45 mins( I decided I wanted to do this last week) I trialed an indoor 20 lap swim, 10 mile bike and 3 mile. After I did that, I decided I wanted to do an Actual. What do to recommend for a bike brand? Also, women attire ?

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

hey, great video. I've never done a triathlon, but I plan to do a 70.3 in the future. (hopefully the eagleman june 2017) I was wondering about cycling socks. Im just getting used to the bike now and I plan to purchase road bike shoes, should I plan to ride with my cycling socks on? If so, should I be training for my run with my cycling socks or should I switch at t2?

[@Gearist]

Interesting question and one we've never really heard before. Probably because there's no difference in cycling and running socks. Sure some are marketed toward one or the other and there may be different features but to change socks is a complete waste of time. Have fun and please let us know if we can help with anything else as you prep for your first race! (also, maybe do a couple of sprints and olympic distance races before going right into a 70.3)

[@Ilovethisaccount500]

thanks so much!

[@awayohayo]

Amazing video, thank you so much!

[@debpabon5175]

Do you have any women specific tips? like should i wear a sports bra under the onesie? should I change into a dry one before i get on the bike? thank you !

[@FinchFitness]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@allangraham3649]

Loved the video, thanks for help

[@kathleensullivan3926]

This was very helpful, thank you.

[@emilybonshor2851]

That was great, very very helpful! Thank YOU!

[@HoneyMooseyFace]

I feel so ready!! Can't wait for April 9th, 2017!!!

[@Gearist]

How was it?!?!

[@HoneyMooseyFace]

It went really well! I finished so much faster than I expected to, although the swim and T1 were kind of a fail. Amazingly I finished in the 50%tile of the entire field, and top 20% of first timer females (all ages). Now I am looking for my next race and getting more time in at the pool/lake. Thanks for your videos!! The Tri is most intimidating for a longtime runner like me, but thanks to you and other youtube channels I am able to go forth and conquer this new world! :-)

[@johnalexonloon4711]

Nice video! Thanks for the info

[@stevenhamer5826]

really good video !! like how you sneakily showed off your ironman visor ;-))

[@JimBlueFitness]

Excellent video, and fun. :-) Question for you though: I wear glasses - might not even be able to see the pool without them! I'm wondering what people do to deal with their glasses, particularly if you are alone and don't have someone there to hand them to you. Finding my way from pool to transition one could be a real challenge with my vision. Thoughts or ideas? Thanks again! Jim B.

[@Gearist]

Interesting question; I think that if you can have a friend or something that's obviously the easiest thing to do. Otherwise, it may just be a matter of finding a place to stash them before you start so you can pick them up once you're out of the water. I'd also add that the route to transition from the water should be quite well marked and other people will be heading that way as well so you could just follow along and likely be ok despite less than great vision.

[@JimBlueFitness]

Thanks for the reply. I think I've settled on wearing contacts for the swim, then just plucking them out at T1 and going with glasses from then on. Just FYI, they apparently make goggles that are semi-prescription - that is, they won't hit your prescription exactly, but they are strong enough to get you to transition. My issue there was that my eyes are apparently deep-set, and it took me about eight tries before I found non-leakers! But those are available, in case you're ever asked again. If I remember, I'll report back in with how the contacts worked. Thanks again!

[@TheFeldhamster]

I did 2 super sprints last year with semi-prescription goggles. They were about €50,- here and worked perfectly. The only "problem" is that the onlookers will not understand and will try to cheer you into ripping swim cap and goggles off on the way to transition, but yeah, just don't listen to them. I also used bike glasses with a prescription clip-on for biking and running. So if you don't want to deal with contacts first using semi-prescription goggles and then prescription bike glasses is totally an option.

[@markosborn6018]

Thanks for posting this video.

[@Gearist]

+Mark Osborn Our pleasure!

[@outdoorchick760]

Hi there! I'm doing my first Tri in a couple weeks and the water is gonna be pretty warm so I won't need a wetsuit. I can't really afford a Tri suit so for the swim I was wondering if a sports bra and spandex would suffice. Then in transition I'd just throw a tank on and deal with the wetness. I'm as beginner as they come and really just trying this out so I didn't want to dump a bunch of money into it right off the bat. Thanks for the vid!

[@Gearist]

+outdoorchick760 Sorry for the slightly delayed response to this! You should be fine with that for the swim. On the bike though your "buns" may be yelling at you a bit but if it's a sprint you'll likely be ok. Please let us know how it goes!

[@disdancer]

Is it usually safe to leave valuables like a cell phone with gear in a transition site.?

[@joelweihe4578]

Super helpful. thanks!

[@WayneWBishop]

Darn, that was solid! I'm all set!!

[@nena9402]

I am doing the Chicago super-sprint triathlon. The only bike I have is a fixed gear road/track bike. I hope I does the trick. Any advise?

[@Gearist]

+Nira Aguilar Well, be safe and don't crash! Doing a triathlon on that bike will be tricky if you're not used to it.

[@disdancer]

Also so when she was just did I bring a 5-gallon container with my gear that can be used as a seat for putting on shoes and socks. Is this legal?

[@Redman88174]

Great video. Thank you.

[@wayal123]

Awesome video buddy !

[@Gearist]

Satyajeet W Thanks!

[@axellaurent8230]

Seriously great video, well done :)

[@justinosinga]

Awesome video!

[@CoolInOlympia]

Great info! Thanks so much!!!

[@Gearist]

Thanks so much and we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@ryanhayes3318]

GEARIST.COM This video is good but most people when doing there first triathlon don't want to go our and buy a 40 dollar suit if they hate triathlon. But it was a really good video!

[@aysekexx]

Very helpfull, thank you!

[@timursultan1378]

hi friend. do you can give some methods by preparation to traithlon. example you personal trainning set? thanks

[@michaeloconnor7086]

Great for first time triathlete

[@Gearist]

+Michael O'Connor Glad you liked it!

[@sammintz1103]

very helpful...thanks!

[@jandecourtney4638]

Thank you and I especially liked the finishing pose. :o)

[@guymorris1963]

Is there any possible way to record a triathlon using Strava on a phone ?

[@barriequigley586]

Really good video.

[@FreyaHibberd]

Hi, I'm doing my first triathlon soon, and don't have a tri suit at all. What should I wear under the wetsuit? And what should I put on top in T1?

[@Gearist]

+Freya Hibberd First, let me tell you a cautionary tale... I (Brandon) was doing the swim leg as part of a relay in a half Iron distance race back in 2009. The transition are in that race, and pretty much all races that aren't full Iron-distance events, is a large, open area where everyone has just the space next to their bike for all their stuff. While in the transition area with my brother-in-law, who was the run leg, a woman came out of the swim toward the back of the pack. She got to her bike and began to take off her wetsuit. It quickly became apparent that while she had seen fit to wear a sports bra, that was the only stitch of clothing she had on AT ALL. So, there she was, having to get into her bike kit...in an open field...with nothing else on... As much as I got a chuckle, I did feel badly for her situation. Now, first, if you can get something to wear, do it while you still have time (you can get a top and bottom for cheap here: www.pricepoint.com/Apparel/Tri-Gear/ or even on Amazon). If for whatever reason you don't have time or simply don't want to spend the cash, just wear whatever you plan on wearing on the bike under your wetsuit. As for your second question, what do you plan on wearing on the bike? If you get a tri kit like I linked above then you just wear that the entire race. If you're not going that direction and don't have a cycling jersey, just wear a t-shirt that's made from a tech fabric which can be used on the bike as well as the run. FYI, tri shorts, unlike most bike shorts or bibs, have a thinner chamois (pad) which makes them easier to run in but it's perfectly acceptable to run in bike shorts if needs be.

[@Gearist]

+GEARIST I hope that helps!

[@averygeisbuhler263]

Very helpful!!!

[@lilm0odyangel]

how are gears secured during transitions? i'm afraid of the possibility of getting my bike stolen.

[@Gearist]

The transition area is cordoned off and only racers and marshals are allowed in. No need to lock anything.

[@lilm0odyangel]

+GEARIST Got it. THank you!

[@bartlyschlehuber6054]

Thanks for the great video.

[@Gearist]

+Bartly Schlehuber Our pleasure!

[@zsuzsannasiklodi9103]

+GEARIST like you you r AWESOME. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheRedtail86]

Gr8 Video, thanks a lot

[@nathanmcintosh6004]

Great video thank you

[@sunitasikaria196]

How much does the bike cost?

[@airjam261]

Any thoughts on camel backs? (Hydration carriers)?

[@Gearist]

+airjam261 what distance of race are you looking at for that?

[@KarenLopez-is2ng]

Thank you!!!