Triathlon Training Gear and Equipment: Top 5 Favorites

Byangela @marathonsandmotivation
19 Comments
Happy Friday and welcome to the Friday Five! Triathlon season is starting to amp up now all over and I am looking forward to my 2 big races this Summer: Rev 3 Quassy 70.3 and Ironman Lake Placid. Last Saturday, I virtually cheered on some friends as they crossed the finish line at Ironman Texas, which made me even more eager for my upcoming events. I often get asked what gear and equipment I like to use for my multipart endeavors.  So, this week I am sharing my top 5 favorite items for training and racing.

1. Giro Air Attack Shield Helmet: I absolutely love this helmet! It is light weight, comfortable, and has good ventilation. It comes with a shield that attaches magnetically to the helmet, so you can use it or your regular glasses. I use the shield as it is great protection for the eyes. I had this helmet on in a bad bike accident 2 months ago and it saved my brain!  I replaced it immediately after the accident (which you should always do after an accident where your head hits the ground). www.giro.com

2. Mio Global Wrist Heart Rate Monitor: I had used a chest strap heart rate monitor for the past few years and it was just never comfortable. I would get severe chaffing or it would slide down making some workouts miserable to the point I would just take it off. I discovered the Mio Global Wrist monitor last Fall and it has been  great! It is very comfortable and user friendly. I wear it on my right wrist and my watch on my left wrist. It can be used as a stand alone monitor with information transferred to an application on a smart phone or it will connect to my Garmin GPS watch via bluetooth technology. www.mioglobal.com

3. Nathan Fuel Belt: I have used this fuel belt belt for the past 5 years and it has been fantastic. It holds 4-10 oz. bottles of fluid and has a big zip pocket in the front that holds my phone and nutrition. It adjusts easily on the sides, so you can make it bigger for winter weather training and tighten it up when you have less clothes on in warmer weather. It also fits firmly with minimal bounce.  I even use it for shorter runs and just keep one bottle in the belt. www.nathansports.com

 

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4. Wahoo KickR Trainer: This has been the best investment I have made and the most useful piece of training equipment I have had since I started doing triathlons. The trainer connects to an application on your iPad or iPhone via blue tooth technology and you can virtually ride courses all over the world. The resistance on the trainer automatically adjusts to the elevation of the course you are riding. It takes much of the boredom out of sitting on the trainer. I have been able to "virtually" bike Ironman Mont Tremblant, which I will be participating in this weekend, several times! www.wahoofitness.com

 

5. Smashfest Queen Kit: I love this kit! It is fun, colorful, fits well, & does not chaffe!  An added bonus is that spectators also enjoy seeing the kit. When I did Challenge Quassy, I had lots of people cheering me on: "Gooooo Smashfest Queen!!!", which was a boost every time on that hilly bike & run course! www.smashfestqueen.com

Are your training for a triathlon? What is your favorite gear to use? What have you tried and not liked? What is on your "Triathlon Wish List"? As always, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Training!

Linking up with: Running on Happy, Fairy Tales & Fitness, & Fitfulfocus

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19 Comments

  1. Nice watch! I have the Garmin 235 and it has the HR monitor built in as well. I never have worn a chest strap but it sounds like it would be very uncomfortable.
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  4. That wrist based HRM looks great! My watch has one built in but if I was still using my old watch I would definitely be considering that! Ive always hated the chest straps.
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  5. I just had to lecture my 7 year old neighbor about the importance of wearing a helmet on his bike. Thankfully when he came over today he had one on!
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  7. I wouldn't even know where to start if I ever did a triathlon. Great list! I'd be worried about trying to figure out a sports bra for a triathlon and how'd you would pair it with your wet suit...just wear it under go from there?
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  10. I'm glad to have (virtual) friends like you to live out my tri fantasies through ;-) And, an Ironman, none the less!
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  11. I too have a Nathan fuel belt and it has served me well. I have transitioned to a Camelbak for my longer runs, but the belt is perfect for those shorter runs.
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  12. I'm not a triathlete but I bought the Wahoo Kickr when I was doing all the indoor training last winter. I was training for Big Sur and since I couldn't run, I needed to make sure I was working hard enough! It's a great gadget. I tried it outdoors but the battery drained so quickly on my phone that after 15 miles, I couldn't track anymore and I had no phone. Gotta figure that out!
    Reply
  13. How accurate is the HRM? I've never used a wrist one and wondering how accurate they are. Not sure when I'd be training for a triathlon again but it sure was fun when I did a sprint almost a decade ago.
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  14. I have never trained for or competed in a triathlon, but I am in the market for a bike helmet! I just won a bike at a trail 5K and I have zero gear, so this list is great!
    Reply
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  16. Hooray for tris and Smashfest Queen! I am on Team SFQ! Very jealous of your Wahoo KICKR I hear those are awesome!
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  17. I am not into triathlons but I love the outfits- so many colors! The bike helmet does look super cool!
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  19. Um now I totally want to be a triathlete! Except I suck at swimming...ha. Thank you for the trainer suggestion! I've been on the hunt for one for a while
    Reply

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