Everything You Need to Gear Up for a Triathlon

This will depend on weather, but you may want to consider investing in a body suit to wear for all three events, according to USATF-certified coach Timothy Miller, M.D., sports medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. That way, you don't have to change clothes, and that's particularly valuable when transitioning into and out of the swimming portion. If you don't wear a bodysuit, the clothing you'll need includes:

· Hat (if preferred)

· Running top

· Running shorts or trousers

· Socks

· Running shoes

· Swimsuit

· Cycling jersey

· Cycling shorts

· Clip-in shoes if preferred

· Pre- and post-race clothes like a sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms

With shoes, Miller says some people save time by clipping their shoes into the pedals before the race, which allows you to slip your feet into them during the transition. Or you could wear your running shoes on your bike—another time saver.

Surprisingly, this item is often forgotten in the shuffle of getting ready, says USATF-certified coach Amie Dworecki of Running with Life. That's a huge problem since they're required for racing—which means if you don't have a local shop nearby, you could be disqualified before you even start.

Simply having a kit handy is important, but so is knowing how to use it with speed, says Dworecki. She suggests practising a tyre patch or change a few times before race day.

This includes race information, ID and emergency contacts.

Even if you don't wear these while running, you'll want them while cycling, Dworecki says. "Worn on the bike to keep out glare and debris, these can be kept inside your helmet, so you remember to access them at the right time", she suggests.

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These are optional, but the latter makes you more aerodynamic in the water, and the former is helpful when there are numerous swimmers.

"It can feel like you're swimming in a washing machine, depending on the race," says Miller. "You might be fine without goggles when you're swimming alone, but if there are people splashing all around you, especially if it's sunny outside, you'll want goggles."

You can air dry after the swim if the weather is warm enough, but if it's cooler, you may want to stash a towel at your next stage so you don't start that event feeling chilled.

This can help you avoid any friction hotspots. You may not use this during training so it's possible you think you won't need it during the race, says Dworecki—but it can be a boon for helping you avoid discomfort.

Even on an Ironman that has numerous water stations, many experienced racers tend to carry a hydration pack and some type of carbohydrate option like energy gels. For context, shorter triathlons tend to have aid stations with at least water and electrolytes. Longer races, like the Ironman, will offer snacks and energy gels throughout various points in the course. Don't forget a post-race snack as well, which you can usually stash with your personal belongings at bag check.

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This is what you'll actually be putting into bag check, so load it with your gear, including what you need after the race. That can include an additional pair of socks, sun cream, instant ice pack, dry shoes or sandals, and lip balm. It's also helpful to add some duplicate items that you use for the race, as backups just in case. That might be a swimming cap and goggles, another pair of sunglasses, even a second swimsuit.

Most of all? Practise with what you prep, suggests Miller. Race day will always bring surprises, he says, such as more swimmers around you than anticipated or a minor bike issue that costs you a few minutes to fix. The more you can throw yourself into practice scenarios—especially the transitions between events—the better prepped you'll be once you hit the start line.

Story written by Elizabeth Millard