Prepping for My First Triathlon!

So, I guess I’m doing (is that the correct verb? running?) a triathlon on Saturday.

I sort of wish I had prepared more, but the marathon is more important to me, so I’m okay with that. Also, I know I have the endurance to do a 400m swim + 13 mile bike ride + 5K run.

With that said, I knew the only thing that would make me feel more prepared was a new race outfit. After a meeting this morning with a guy who was food blogging back in 2003, I walked from Tribeca up to Union Square to stop at JackRabbit. I’d originally only planned on some bike shorts, but they’re having a triathlon sale, and all tri gear was buy one, get one half off. Oh, fine.

DSC_0493.JPG

I bought these DeSoto tri shorts, which can apparently be worn in the pool, too. (And yes, they do have a padded crotchal region.)

DSC_0494.JPG

I am holding something very special. And I am a sucker for good marketing, too, apparently.

DSC_0496.JPG

These pockets are for flasks, yes?

DSC_0500.JPG

And this tri top. This fancy new outfit means I won’t have to change at all, just put my sneakers on after the swim and take off my cap and put on a hat or headband (and a helmet!) for the rest of the ride/run. I foresee some sexy hair coming up.

DSC_0508.JPG

I also exchanged the Brooks I got for Saucony Pro Grid Guide 4s. The Brooks made my feet numb.

I had 7 miles on my training schedule for today, and I didn’t wake up early enough this morning to get ’em done outside, so I spent much of today putting off going to the gym. (When will I learn?) I finally went around 6:30, running 1.25 miles there, 3.5 miles while there and 1.25 miles back for a total of 6.

DSC_0512.JPG

When I got back, I sauteed grape tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms and onions with some turkey meatballs and threw it all over whole wheat fusilli. Because any race means carb loading to me.

DSC_0514.JPG

And, because it’s hot out, and I am a 20-something female in Manhattan, I got Pinkberry for dessert.

Anything else I should know before my first sprint tri?

10 comments on “Prepping for My First Triathlon!

  1. Spike

    *racing* a triathlon! Have fun on your first tri! The swim can be a little overwhelming the first time so have a good plan always helps me out (if I get kicked by another swimmer I will take a few seconds to tread water, catch my breath and continue. things like that). Kick some ass

    Reply
  2. Katherine

    I love shirts/shorts with hidden pockets everywhere! And yes, I believe you’re supposed to put a flask in the shirt — how else are you supposed to stay balanced on the bike ride?

    I’ve never done a triathlon, so I don’t really have any adice besides good luck! Mentally I’d break up the 3 legs into three different races so that you feel like you’re 1/3rd of the way closer after each one.

    Reply
  3. Michelle

    Good Luck! I have never done one, so that’s my only advice! (Along with be careful in the heat!)

    And yes, you should spike your Gatorade and put it in those pockets :).

    Reply
  4. Anna

    I just did my first tri last weekend and loved it! You’re going to have so much fun! I hope you’ll write a review of the DeSoto shorts & top as I’m curious about the brand. Also, is it just me or does their sizing chart online make it seem the clothes are teeny-tiny?.

    Reply
  5. Benjamin

    I realise I’m too late already, you survived your triathlon by now, congrats! The pockets are usually for gels or stuff like that. For sprint triathlons, a lot of people wear one-piece suits without any pockets at all to maximise swim speed when swimming without a wet suit, like for example this one: http://www.2xu.com/product/521/Comp-Trisuit/39

    But hey, who wants to wear a jumpsuit for racing. Not me either 😉

    Reply

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.