Triathlon Essentials
Swimming, biking, running…OH MY!
Why would anyone do this crazy amount of endurance in their spare time?
Triathlons of all lengths are quite a challenge, but even more fun. Throw in fundraising for a good cause and you have the ultimate feeling of a job well done. The mental and physical development that occurs through training and the feeling of accomplishment after you cross the finished line is unmatched. But to get there, you are going to need some equipment to help.
I have completed one Olympic Tri (The Malibu Olympic Triathlon), am in training for my second, and already committed to a third. This doesn’t exactly make me a newbie or a vet, but either way I am a psycho when it comes to research and have at least been around the block. Below is a list of my TOP triathlon essentials for female triathletes.
PS. Each bulleted section + every photos is linked for your convenience.
THIS WETSUIT had amazing reviews, so I decided to buy it (also doesn’t hurt that it was named ‘Maverick’ like my dog’s name hehe). It did not disappoint. Very good quality and wayyyy more comfortable than other ones I have had. Triathlon/swimming wetsuits are more buoyant in the legs, so you can float more and make it easier to swim. Be sure to get a wetsuit that is meant for swimming, not surfing.
You will need a quick drying Tri Suit to wear through out the race. You wear this starting under your wetsuit and throughout the whole race, so you want it to be a comfortable fit. It took me a few tries to find the right brand/size. Here are two of my favorite finds. Black and White Tri Suit and this USA Tri Suit.
You can go for a one piece tri suit or a shorts shirt combo. I have these shorts and they are great. They dry really quick and don’t feel like you are wearing a diaper while running but have enough padding that you aren’t bruised from the bike.
Adidas Slides - These are the BEST shoes for swimmers. Perfect to slide on when you are walking to the pool and use as shower shoes after. I also love wearing them to run quick errands. They have a ton of different colors and are reasonably priced. My bf and I both have them…so a great gift idea too!
Running Shoes
Nike Running Shoes - I am usually not a fan of Nike shoes for running, but these ones are an elite exception. They are super light weight, but have could cushion to protect your feet. I also really like the more form fitting feel on my foot. Feels like it is really locked in there.
Asics Shoes - Asics have ALWAYS been my favorite shoes for running. Only problem is they used to have pretty horrendous color combos — thank goodness they have improved their aesthetic lol
Bike Shoes - Some people just use basket pedals and sneakers during the triathlon, but I highly recommend getting proper bike clip in shoes. It’s a little weird to get used to at first, but makes a big difference in speed and keep your legs in alignment.
GlideStick - Tri-suit, wetsuit, and three different exercises means chaffing is a real issue. this is a MUST HAVE in the tri world.
Goggles - Speedo is my favorite for caps and goggles. I recommend the Vanquisher 2.0 and the Speed Socket. I also prefer my goggles to be mirrored just in case any sun glares become an issue.
For swimsuits my favorite are Speedo and Athleta. Athleta I would recommend for the lighter side of training and Speedo when you are trying to train more at race pace. This Athleta swimsuit is next on my list to purchase. They have so many cute styles that are great for workouts and still cute enough to hit the beach.
We hope this list helps you get ready for your next big event! If you are looking for more content related to triathlons be sure to check out our other sources below.
On a personal Note:
A few years ago I trained with TNT and completed the Malibu Olympic Triathlon (I even got 5th place in my division). It was a life changing experience. During that time I was really struggling with my mental health. Battling depression and anxiety on a daily basis I decided to sign up for TNT because I wanted a reason bigger than myself to get up in the morning.
The impact TNT and LLS have on people's lives is incredible; financially supporting families, helping someone's parent live a few years longer, or aiding in research in the fight against cancer. Every story I heard from people positively impacted from our fundraising gave me more and more reason to keep fighting my own mental battle. Feeling like I was doing something for a greater good encouraged me to not only keep moving but keep living.
After crossing that finish line I felt like I could do anything. The positivity, encouragement, and overall sense of hope this community and commitment teaches you is unmatched. Although our fundraising is to help save someone else's life, I truly think it helped saved mine.
