What equipment do I need for an IRONMAN?
Preparing for an IRONMAN can be a daunting task that requires careful planning and thorough preparation. An IRONMAN is an extreme competition that tests one’s physical and mental limits, combining a 3.86 km swim, 180.25 km bike ride and a 42.2 km run. To ensure success and completion of this great race, it is essential to have the right tools and equipment at your disposal.
At Transition Zone, we have gathered everything you need for training and racing in one place. Here you will find, among other things, a "Beginner Pack", a "Nutrition Pack" and an "Aerodynamic Gains Pack", depending on whether you are a complete novice or an experienced athlete.
We have also created a checklist for you if you are facing your first or next race and want to make sure you have your equipment in order.
Checklist for your upcoming Triathlon Race
The weeks and days leading up to your upcoming triathlon race can be stressful, and there are a lot of things to keep track of. Have I remembered to buy everything I need?
We have prepared a small checklist that you can use to double-check that you have everything.
Race morning to be brought to the transition zone:
- Energy and fluids for race morning and before the start – a small snack to satisfy hunger, fluids with electrolytes or energy to consume during the morning, and a gel for shortly before the race.
- Warm clothes for before and after the race, as it is typically early in the morning and can therefore be cool. It can also be cool after the race.
- Telephone and credit card, so you can get in touch with friends and family after the race if necessary, as well as money to buy something if you need it.
- Trisuit to wear under your wetsuit
- Calf Sleeves if you use them (should be on from the start, as they are difficult to put on after swimming where you are wet. Note that if you use calves sleeves or compression sleeves/socks, they must be without feet, as the feet must not be covered during swimming. And if wetsuits are not allowed due to too warm water temperature, then calves sleeves are typically not allowed during swimming either)
- Bike computer and any electronic gears - remember to charge them the day before, and make sure they are working before you go to bed.
- Heart rate monitor (worn under the trisuit from the start, so you don't have to bother with it in T1)
- Watch for tracking (some people prefer to only use it for running, in which case it should be in the running bag)
- Wetsuit / Swimskin
- Swim cap
- Goggles/swimming goggles
(Please bring an extra pair in case they break before the race). - Timing chip (which you typically receive at bike check in)
- Vaseline/baby oil/body glide to apply under the arms and around the neck area when putting on a wetsuit to avoid unpleasant chafing
- Cycling shoes (if they have not been checked into the bike bag the day before)
- Elastic bands for your cycling shoes, if you want to keep your cycling shoes on the bike from the start
- Bottles of liquid and energy to put on the bike
- Energy for the entire cycling part, if it has not already been checked in the day before in the bike and running bag.
- Extra tube , CO2 cartridge, CO2 pump , tire lever and multitool to fix a possible puncture (should be on the bike).
- Possibly a foot pump to pump up your bike before the race.
- If you ride with disc wheels, you should also remember a pipe to pump your disc wheel and remember that your spare tubes have the right length of valve that suits your setup. Alternatively, make sure to have valve extensions . Also, bring a couple of extra tubes in the morning, in case you get a flat tire during the night.
The T1 bag - From swimming to cycling - check in the day before for a major race:
- Bike helmet
- Sunglasses
- Energy for the bike , if it is not already on the bike from the start.
- Salt sticks (it may be an advantage to have them on the bike already along with energy and cans, if possible)
- Cycling shoes if they are not already on the bike
- Socks, if you want to cycle with socks
- Number belt with race number (If it is a requirement on the bike. If it is not a requirement, store it in the running bag, as it is unnecessary to carry it on the bike).
The T2 Bag - From cycling to running:
- Running shoes
- Socks (unless you already wear them while cycling – it might be nice to have some fresh ones in that case)
- Energy for the run
- Number belt with race number (unless already worn while cycling)
- Salt sticks
- Sunglasses
- Cap or other headgear if necessary
If you go through this list and have everything, then you should be ready for your upcoming triathlon race.
Enjoy!
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