I hope you’ve been enjoying this series on getting starting in triathlons (or duathlon), because I’m enjoying sharing it with you! Triathlon season is in full swing in most locations, so you may be getting ready for your first race. If so, today’s topic of a race day checklist will help make sure you make it to the race with everything you need.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a big list person. I am such a list dork, that we have packing lists saved based on different trip locations – from snowboarding to scuba diving. I’ve had a triathlon packing list saved and refined over the years that I’ve been racing and I still like to print it out just to be sure nothing is forgotten.
I think this checklist is a great one to start with. If you pack just this stuff – you shouldn’t be missing anything on race day. BUT, feel free to tweak and customize for your own need. Hint: If you’re a guy, you don’t need the sports bra. =)
I’ve had some interesting things on this list over the years, that I’m almost embarrassed to admit now. The one I had here for the longest time is a plastic shoe box. I used to fill it with water so I could rinse my feet off in transition before putting on my bike shoes. Hey – my feet were CLEAN on the bike! :)
Now you’re ready to pack your bag and head out for your first race! Have you signed up yet?
********************
Previous posts in the Why Not Try a Tri series:
- Why Not Try a Tri: How to go from runner to triathlete
- Training Basics: The basics to start training for a triathlon (or duathlon!)
- Transition Tips: Pictures and tips on transitioning from swim to bike, and bike to run.
********************
Questions for you:
-
Experienced multisport athletes: Any other items you would add to this list?
-
Aspiring multisport athletes: Have you signed up for your first race yet?
-
If so – which race & when?
-
If not, what’s holding you back?
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I see you got a efficient list there. I’m thinking to copy your list. Oh sorry except the one that you have mentioned :)
Nolan recently posted..Ex Girlfriend Quotes
Glad to help!
I think the show box sounds smart! :)
Side story- I had dinner with a friend the other night who said she almost drowned doing her last tri… so she’s decided to learn to swim before she does another. LOL!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Italian Baked Broccoli Slaw
It’s not terrible if you don’t care about your time yet, but it was pretty silly for as long as I did it.
I do recommend learning to swim before doing a race that requires swimming. :)
Great post as usual! That list will definitely be helpful for my first tri in almost 2 weeks! I have a duathlon this weekend, first one ever, but I won’t need as much stuff for that.
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..The Great (Wetsuit) Debate
Thanks Jamie!! I’m so glad I was able to post this before your first tri – you’re going to do awesome this weekend & in two weeks. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
ok, forget my whole planning a relay… let’s plan to get a team together for a relay triathlon or train together for a triathlon then all do it!!
lindsay recently posted..Title Talk Wednesday
Okay – that sounds awesome too!! I’m open to either. :)
I haven’t signed up for a Tri- or Duathlon because I’m still trying to conquer the “running” aspect of it. If I could get down to a 3:45 range in the full, then maybe I would consider it. I don’t know. It seems like SO MUCH goes into it where as I’m comfortable with just me and running.
Although I am SUPER envious of all the athletes that can multi-sport. You continue to inspire and impress.
PavementRunner recently posted..Playlist Thursday: We Get Sexy n Stuff
So you’re thinking about diving straight into the Ironman? You might find that racing short-distance tris (or dus) will actually make you a faster runner – I know it helped me! :)
I’m bookmarking this for someday when I feel adventurous enough to try a tri!
lynne @lgsmash recently posted..Fun: My Love Affair with NPR and This American Life Live
Yay – I’ll be sure to try to convince you to try it when I move out there. :)
I still use a pan with water too:) It was the best suggestion to me by an experienced racer at my first tri. I dont wear socks for the bike/run so clean feet is a must! especially with a beach swim
Haha – I did it for the longest time and when I finally stopped I realized it really wasn’t needed and saved me a lot of time in transition.