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Tackling your first triathlon may appear to be complicated, but in fact it's far easier and cheaper to get started than you may think. There's many people to help you along the way including British Triathlon (phone 01509 226161 or visit britishtriathlon.org), triathlon retailers like triandrun (triandrun.com) and triathlon clubs. Clubs are excellent ways to get more involved in triathlon and cater for all levels of ability and experience and either have their own coach or access to one - check out the British Triathlon (BTF) site for a list of clubs.
All of our events are open-water swims. Open water swimming is very different to swimming in a clear warm swimming pool, but with the right preparation and practise you don't need to worry! You'll need the following kit to get going.
Swimming cap
A swim cap serves several functions: it helps us keep track of you, it helps keep your head warm and it lowers water resistance and saves you vital seconds in the water. You will need to buy one to train in although you will be provided with one at our events to race in.
Goggles
Are an absolute must to enable to see where you're going and will make a notable difference to your swim. Zoggs' award winning Predator goggles are great for open water swimming. Many triathletes race in contact lenses, but it is vital that your goggles don't leak!
Wetsuit
You will need a wetsuit for an open water swim. Whilst any type of wetsuit (long, short, sleeveless, etc) is ok we would recommend swimming in a triathlon wetsuit. They are designed not only to keep you warm, but also for swimming in whereas general purpose suits (like those for surfing) can actually make it harder!
There are some great wetsuits on sale and hot deals on offer this season. If you're looking to buy one then check out BlueSeventy's new range. Wetsuits provide more buoyancy than swimming without, resulting in faster swim times. Hire suits are available for as little as £40. For hire or sales call triandrun on 020 8500 4841 or email deals@triandrun.com
Open water swim practice
We would recommend that you practice swimming in you wetsuit before you race. There are a number of open water swim sessions available.
The bike is an essential piece of equipment for triathlon, but as long as it's roadworthy you don't have to have a racing bike to start with. We do recommend it fits you properly though.
Helmet
You will have to wear a helmet from the moment you remove your bike in its position in transition until you return it. Remember, no helmet -- no race!
A bike has to count as an essential piece of triathlon equipment, but until you get to a more advanced level, you don't have to worry about the quality of your bike. Any bike is ok to race on - it doesn't have to be a racing bike - but it does need to be roadworthy, so we would recommend a full service before you train / race on it. Handlebars must not have bare metal ends - ensure that you purchase stoppers to plug them before the race.
With the hours that you'll spend in the saddle training, and to prevent injury, we would recommend getting your bike set up correctly. triandrun offer a bike fitting service on all their new bikes to ensure it is correctly sized for you - both male and female - but they also offer this service if you already own a bike. For details on their full range visit triandrun.com. Specialized offer male and female specific design bikes. For a full range and stockists visit specialized.com.
•Running shoes are the most important item after the bike. You need to ensure you wear shoes that fit you correctly and that are designed for the style of runner you are.
•By having the support and comfort you require will not only aid performance but will also help to prevent injury.
•You should go to a specialist running shop such as triandrun who will look at the way you run and advise you on the type of shoes you require.
•Elastic laces and toggles speed up the bike to run transition as they avoid the need to tie your laces and will speed you your transition.
The culmination of years of testing and research, the helix is simply blueseventy's finest suit ever. For 2008 we introduce TST, torsional stretch technology, further isolating the shoulder panels from the body of the suit, to improve flexibility. Combined with the existing quick exit legs, reverse zipper and multi-stretch cuffs, the helix improvements result in uncompromising comfort and performance. In 2007 this was the suit of choice for athletes in the pro ranks, and based on their feedback, has led to enhancements that will not change that perception.
We're passionate about goggles here At Zoggs. Our 'Goggle Doctors' have a real passion for swimming and for goggles! We pride ourselves on being leaders in goggle fiting and provide great looking goggles for swimmers of all ages and levels of ability.
With the hours that you'll spend in the saddle training, and to prevent injury, we would recommend getting your bike set up correctly. Specialized offer male and female specific design bikes.
Good nutrition is important for racing at any level. As well as eating the right things at the right time, there are many supplements and aids that you can get to help you during training and racing. We recommend Science in Sport and Lucozade Sport for energy, fluid and protein supplements.
