Tri Zones Training

Before you begin training for a triathlon, all you really need is the following:

• Swimsuit
• Goggles
• Bike
• Helmet (required!)
• Tire-changing tools
• Water bottle
• Running shoes
• Comfortable workout clothes (shorts & shirt)
• Comfortable sports bra (for women)
• Heart rate monitor
• Desire to have FUN and become more fit!!

Swimming

For swimming, your swimsuit should be one in which you can comfortably swim laps. Goggles are necessary to protect your eyes from chlorine and to help you see well under water. Different brands of goggles fit differently so try them out before you purchase them: press the goggles against your face, without putting the elastic band around your head. If the goggles fit well, they will stay on your face without the elastic. In Austin, Lane Four Swim Shop and Jack and Adam's both have a large selection and knowledgable friendly staff. Keep your receipt – most major retailers will exchange goggles if they leak or don’t fit right.

Cycling

[acidfree:240 align=right title="Road bike with aerobars" link="node/240"]

For cycling, it doesn’t matter whether you have a mountain bike, hybrid, or road bike. You can train on a $20 beater bike, or a $3,000 road bike (they all have two wheels!).  If you have a mountain bike or hybrid with knobby tires, you might be more comfortable training on the roads if you switch to slick tires.

It is extremely important that your bike fits you well – the height of your seat post, the position of your saddle, and the location of your handlebars, among other things. If your bike doesn’t fit you well, you will not get the power you need to ride effectively, and you risk injury once you start building up the miles. Jack and Adam's, Spin City Cycling, Bicycle Sport Shop, Mellow Johnny's, Buck's Bikes, or any other bike shop can take a look at your bike and help make sure it fits you properly. If you are planning on borrowing a bike for the training and the triathlon, make sure the bike is adjusted for you.

Does your bike need a tune-up? A tune-up includes checking/cleaning/lubricating all cables, gears, cranks, chain, etc. A tune up is important for safety as well as making your rides enjoyable. (There is nothing worse than finding out you have a broken brake cable at the first bike workout.) Bike stores get very busy this during the spring, so schedule your tune-up early!

Bike helmets are required at all of the Tri Zones Training bike workouts. Our absolute rule is: No helmet, no riding. A helmet is required and it is extremely important that it fit you properly. An ill-fitting helmet is almost as dangerous as no helmet at all. If you don’t know if you helmet fits correctly, take it with you to a good bike store. A good bike shop will happily assess the fit of your helmet or help select one that fits your head and your budget.

It's important to have tire-changing tools with you every time you go for a bike ride.  This includes tire levers, a spare tube, and a frame pump.  Talk to the folks at Jack and Adam's, Spin City Cycling, Mellow Johnny's or your favorite bike shop, and they'll get you all set up.

You should bring a water bottle with you to all of your workouts. It is important to stay hydrated during training. You should have a cage on your bike so you can keep your bottle with you during bike rides.

Most triathletes end up purchasing cycling specific shorts and shoes, but they are not required to get started.

Jack and Adam's offers excellent package deals -- the packages include a bike, helmet, water bottle, cycling or tri jersey and shorts, tire-changing kit, water bottle plus cage, race belt, elastic laces, and goggles.  

Running/Walking

Whether you are running or walking, it is important to have running shoes that give you the proper support. Shoes that are too old or shoes that don’t provide the right support for your needs will end up causing discomfort and injury. Everyone’s biomechanics are different, and you should purchase your running shoes from a running specialty store like RunTex. There, the experts will measure your feet, watch you walk and run, and select the right shoe for your running style. The experts at RunTex take the time to ensure you have the right pair of shoes for your needs. They have in-depth knowledge about all the models of shoes, the materials of which they’re made, which ones provide what kind of support, and how the sizes run. If you bring in an old pair of shoes to RunTex, you can receive 10% off your purchase.

For your training, women will need a sports bra that provides good support, doesn’t pinch or bind, wicks moisture, and is comfortable. Avoid sports bras that are made with a cotton blend – look for all moisture-wicking fabric. Try on several different styles, and then jump up and down, jog in place, and swing your arms forward, backward, and all around. REI has written a good article about how to choose a good sports bra.  Title Nine and Bettysport are local stores that specialize in women's atheltic wear with a large selection and helpful staff.

Heart Rate Monitor

Heart rate monitors can be valuable training tools.  They can help tell you if you're training too hard or not hard enough.  We offer several great articles about training with a heart rate monitor.  And click here for tips about how to select a heart rate monitor!