I signed up, I'm going to swim in a pool, get on my bike and then run now what the heck do I bring with me? Everyone is different but I am going to try and give you a pretty comprehensive list of everything you might need for a small mini-sprint tri (your list for a longer race will be different, we can get into that at another time).
YOU- getting to the start line of any race uninjured, healthy, and rested is extremely important. Properly fuel with a morning breakfast that you have used prior to training before
*Nothing new that you have not tested out in training in some way shape or form
Clothing
- Tri Kit- you will wear this the morning of, I recommend a two piece because it makes bathroom breaks far easier for but for a shorter distance you could get away with a one piece
- Tri bra- if your kit doesn't have a bra you will need a separate bra but you need a tri specific one or you will stay wet all day
- Light Bike Jacket- if the weather is cool you will want to wear a light jacket in the morning while getting ready and leave it with your bike in transition for the ride
- Throw away flip flops in case you don't get them back; don't wear your running shoes that morning
Swim
- Swim cap- normally given to you by the race in a certain color
- goggles- I recommend bringing two pairs just in case you have any issues race morning
Bike
- HELMET
- BIKE
- Bike shoes- if you are not doing clips you can just use your sneakers
- Water bottle in water bottle cage on bike
- Race numbers applied to the bike
- Flat repair kit
- Sunglasses
Run
- Socks- make sure you have used them before
- running shoes
- Race belt with the race number on it
- Hat
- Sunglasses
Odds and Ends
- Glide-apply to any area that can rub, chafe (for me that is anywhere that a seam can move on your limbs, bottom of shorts around thighs, arms where sports bra rubs) This should go back in your bag not stay in transition at this distance.
- Baby powder- put this in your bike shoes directly if you don't wear socks, put it in your socks for the run (it will help dry your feet) This should go back in your bag not stay in transition at this distance.
- Nutrition-bring something that you have worked with before depending on the total distance. Don't eat on the bike if you have not practiced it
- Tire Pump- you should check your tires before every single ride and add air as needed but this does not need to stay in your transition area
- Towel- Some people will bring a towel for when they come out of the pool and arrive at the transition area
- Sunscreen
Setting Up Transition
- Bring a small mat or towel to place your items
- place next to your front tire (this is what they do at longer races) or under your back wheel (I have seen this at shorter local races) You really just want to make sure to take up as small a place as possible, less is more here
- Helmet goes on handle bars or mat and should be unbuckled and MUST go on your head and be latched prior to unracking bike
- Pay attention to the rules of your transition area to make sure your bike faces the right way (try to get on the end for easy access
- Unbuckle your race belt and place it across your sneakers
- Roll your socks so they can roll on your foot easily (after you have placed powder) then put them in each shoe
DO NOT DO
- Bring a bucket- some people will advise this to wash off your feet, in reality it ends up knocked over and water everywhere. if you are concerned about your feet being dirty have an extra bottle of water at your spot
- Take up a ton of space- there are so many people trying to fit in a small space the more area you take the more likely your stuff gets tossed around, heck your stuff will probably get thrown around regardless
- Forget your race number!!
The most important things to bring are ENTHUSIASM, ENERGY, PRIDE and SMILES.
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