General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Island Lake 8-21 What do I need? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-06-14 3:00 PM

New user
476
100100100100252525
Subject: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
I'm gearing up for my first tri.  I know of the basic stuff, clothes, bike, shoes, maybe tri shorts, gel, water bottle, etc..

What else do I need, and what else might I want?  Do I need at number belt?  Anything else besides the "usual" stuff I need when I do the three sports?

Thank you in advance.


2009-06-14 3:18 PM
in reply to: #2216522


13

Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Congrats and good luck!

As for advice:
The best thing you can do is to go with what will make you most comfortable.  Don't worry about all of the "stuff" (i.e. gear) until you do your first race and realize the addiction.

Swim: Goggles (make sure they don't leak) and swimsuit/tri shorts.  Tri shorts have a small pad (much smaller than bike shorts) and are more comfortable for the bike than a swimsuit.  Either way, wear something that is "spandex". 

Bike:  HELMET!  Other than that, nothing too much to advise - just go with whatever you already have.

Run: I LOVE having a number belt.  I wait and put in on in T2 before I run.  Not necessary, but a nice thing to have. 

The best time to take in a gel is before the race or on the bike.  Some people wait until T2, but that upsets my stomach and it doesn't kick in for me until I'm done with the run.

Hope that helps and good luck!  I'm planning on making that my first race, so I'll probably see you there.
2009-06-15 8:50 AM
in reply to: #2216522

User image

Expert
937
50010010010010025
Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Get the number belt unless you like to fidget with pinning a number on in T2. The other option is to have a loose fitting run shirt and pre-pin it to that and just go shirtless on the swim and bike. The number belt is still way faster than trying to put on a shirt.

Most important thing to have? FUN!
2009-06-15 9:16 AM
in reply to: #2217787

User image

Extreme Veteran
682
500100252525
Canton, MI. via Detroit
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Nelg - 2009-06-15 8:50 AM Get the number belt unless you like to fidget with pinning a number on in T2. The other option is to have a loose fitting run shirt and pre-pin it to that and just go shirtless on the swim and bike. The number belt is still way faster than trying to put on a shirt. Most important thing to have? FUN!


um... I don't mean to bud in here, but... I'm also new, I bought a belt and thought I was putting it on at T1? so that I have a number on when riding the bike.
2009-06-15 9:27 AM
in reply to: #2217908

User image

Extreme Veteran
730
50010010025
Milford, MI
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Detroit Dan - 2009-06-15 10:16 AM
Nelg - 2009-06-15 8:50 AM Get the number belt unless you like to fidget with pinning a number on in T2. The other option is to have a loose fitting run shirt and pre-pin it to that and just go shirtless on the swim and bike. The number belt is still way faster than trying to put on a shirt. Most important thing to have? FUN!


um... I don't mean to bud in here, but... I'm also new, I bought a belt and thought I was putting it on at T1? so that I have a number on when riding the bike.


Not that I'm a expert having only done 1 tri so far, but you generally won't need to wear your number on your shirt for the ride.  You'll have a number put on your bike and at least in Ann Arbor, they gave us one that stuck on the helmet.  But they said you can wear it if you want.  I didn't wear a shirt for the swim and had pre-pinned my number to my shirt so I ended up wearing my during the ride, but you don't need to. 
2009-06-15 9:44 AM
in reply to: #2216522

User image

Expert
937
50010010010010025
Traverse Cityish
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Correct, most promoters don't require a # on the bike leg, but do on the run.


2009-06-15 10:17 AM
in reply to: #2216522

User image

Veteran
194
100252525
Pinckney, MI
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
JC5066 - 2009-06-14 4:00 PM I'm gearing up for my first tri.  I know of the basic stuff, clothes, bike, shoes, maybe tri shorts, gel, water bottle, etc..

What else do I need, and what else might I want?  Do I need at number belt?  Anything else besides the "usual" stuff I need when I do the three sports?

Thank you in advance.


Some things to consider:
anti-chafe product
sunglasses for bike/run
hat/visor for run

I personally like having a number belt to just clip on for the run, but I have seen people clip them on for the bike ride, too.
2009-06-19 3:19 PM
in reply to: #2217787

User image

Master
2167
20001002525
Livonia, MI
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Nelg - 2009-06-15 8:50 AM

Get the number belt unless you like to fidget with pinning a number on in T2. The other option is to have a loose fitting run shirt and pre-pin it to that and just go shirtless on the swim and bike. The number belt is still way faster than trying to put on a shirt.

Most important thing to have? FUN!


I've never had luck putting on a shirt quickly and keeping the race number pinned on. One or more edges always rip...grrrr. A race belt is the best way to go.
2009-06-20 8:40 AM
in reply to: #2216522

New user
476
100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?
Thanks for all of the advice.  Will have to look into a belt.

I'd love to have a wetsuit, but am thinking it will be too hot.  Swimming is definitely my weakest event.
2009-06-20 9:58 AM
in reply to: #2230525

Master
1895
1000500100100100252525
Subject: RE: Island Lake 8-21 What do I need?

JC5066 - 2009-06-20 9:40 AM Thanks for all of the advice.  Will have to look into a belt.

I'd love to have a wetsuit, but am thinking it will be too hot.  Swimming is definitely my weakest event.

You can buy a race belt at any of the Running Fit stores....they're under $10.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Island Lake 8-21 What do I need? Rss Feed