Getting started in triathlon is full of adventure. There are a few things that will help that journey be comfortable along the way.
The Basics
What you were is entirely up to you (apart from a few compulsory items) so pick and mix what works from the tips below. If you can, try all your gear in the ocean before race day so you can see how it all goes when it is wet!
Swim
- Wear your KWT swim cap (compulsory)
- Goggles are a good idea
- Wear a sports bra under your togs
- You may wear a wet suit during the swim. It does give a bit more buoyancy in the water and is a bit warmer too. Put some baby oil around the cuffs and ankles so it will slide off more easily after the swim. Wear your swimsuit or shorts and sports bra underneath.
- You can wear your togs for the entire event if you wish
- If you are going to wear cycle or tri shorts for the bike ride, wear them in the swim as they are hard to put on wet/damp skin
- If you are wearing running type shorts for the ride and run/walk, put these on after the swim
Cycle
- Wear a safety approved helmet (compulsory)
- No headphones
- A top and some shorts but bear in mind you will be wet when you put them on and you will want to wear these for the rest of your race
- See our note below about cycle/tri shorts
- If you don't wear cycle shoes you will out your running shoes on for this leg
Run/Walk
- Wear shoes for the run/walk (you may have put these on already for ride)
- Don't change out of your cycle gear and into running gear
- You might want a cap and some sunglasses ready for your run
- Don't forget to take your helmet off!
No Knickers!
If you’re new to cycling, you might not know yet: you’re not supposed to wear underwear with padded bike shorts.
Yes, we know that might seem weird, but trust us. Cycling shorts are designed to be worn without anything underneath and if you do wear underwear, you’re gonna end up with extra bulk, chafing, and even saddle sores.
What’s a Chamois?
A chamois is the pad inside your bike shorts. It provides cushioning and helps prevent chafing and sore bits.
We recommend choosing a women’s-specific short rather than a men’s short because the chamois will be better designed for a woman’s anatomy. A women’s chamois is wider at the rear (because our sit bones are wider) and provides more soft tissue support.
And on race day - look for cycle shorts with minimal or no chamois (after all you don't want to be running and riding with that wet nappy feeling). There are a great range of tri shorts out there...or wear your togs or some comfy run shorts/leggings.
Look after your girls!
So you don't need knickers but a great sports bra is a must! All that bounce and movement can damage your soft tissue - so choose a great sports bra (like the ones from our supporter Sports Support with their Enell range).
All good sports bras should fit well under your togs or tank top (don't worry - they are all good to swim in), and then just keep going on your ride and run. There's no need to change along the way.
