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"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Kitsap TriBabes
Let's Get Geared Up
Dear Tri Babes,
I have gotten numerous questions about what items a Tri Babe needs to purchase to be properly geared up for training and for the “big day.” So, here are my suggestions on exactly what you need to have in order to be a successful Tri Babe and triathlete. I have broken your pink shopping down into several categories based on level of necessity.
To buy new, please remember that Poulsbo Running and Silverdale Cyclery are our official sponsors. Dave Brumsickle, at Silverdale Cyclery, has provided our Tri Babe Shirts at a discounted rate year after year; Poulsbo Running, carries a full line of triathlon gear and accessories AND provides extra special discounts to Tri Babes all year round. Please support these businesses whenever possible. Between the two of them, they are completely equipped to serve all your triathlon shopping needs. Let them know that you are a Tri Babe and that Lisa, the Tri Turtle, has sent you. Consider using our Forum to buy and sell used items. Go to the Classifieds forum to buy and sell items amongst fellow Tri babes.
The most important thing is that you are comfortable in the gear you choose. A big “no-no” is to use brand new things on race day. Make sure that you have road tested anything you plan to use on race day and that it is at that perfect point of balance between broken in but not yet worn out.
1) ITEMS THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY:
Bike - Any old bike WILL do!!! But, if you need to purchase a bike for training and triathlon, then here are some suggestions: if you are new to training and not particularly comfortable in your biking skills, I would suggest a Mountain bike or a hybrid bike. If you are comfortable and/or have a “need for speed,” then get a road/racing bike. For new bikes, go to Silverdale Cyclery. For used bikes, go first to Silverdale Cycery to “test ride” various types of bikes and then consider going to Recycled Cycles in Seattle for one of the widest selection bases around. If you are a veteran and super serious about maximizing your biking technique, consider a Time Trial/triathlon bike. Make sure that you meet the Tri Turtle’s new bike, “She Bang,” if you are considering this option.
Bike helmet
Swimsuit - Once again, any old suit WILL do -- even if it is floral and skirted. But, my recommendation would be a regulation TYR or Speedo brand suit. Who the heck cares how you look, you deserve a real live “swimsuit.”
Swim Cap - Why? Because you MUST wear one on Danskin Day (their rules, not mine) and you therefore need to get used to wearing one! PLUS, they keep your hair out of your eyes and your head warm in the water!!!
Goggles - This is not a good time to get “cheap.” Shop around and make sure that whatever pair you choose suctions to your face comfortably in the calm, dry store environment. If it does, that bodes well for its open water comfort. Most people use regular swimming goggles. But, if you have sensitive facial Nerves/bones, wear contacts, or are claustrophobic, you might consider what are called “Open Water Goggles.”
Athletic Shoes - I would suggest getting running shoes that are “trail” oriented. These will serve you in both training AND on race day. Remember that shoes are worn out after 200 miles. This is another area where you really SHOULD get the best you can.
Sports Bra - I would strongly suggest CHAMPION or Moving Comfort brand -- especially for larger chested women. Poulsbo Running has some very cute new pink options!!!
2) STRONGLY SUGGESTED BUT NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ITEMS
Bike or Tri Shorts - You want these for the padding in the seat -- they will make the bike ride much more comfortable. Definitely get these at Silverdale Cyclery. I have been in direct contact with the clothing buyer there to make sure that they have the specific items that the Tri Babes will need. If you want more padding on the bike and don’t mind a little extra wadding during your running, get “bike” shorts.” If you can handle less padding on the bike and want more comfort on the run, get Tri Shorts.
Biking Gloves
Official Tri Babe Top
Water Bottle and Cage (holder) for your Bike - Silverdale Cyclery can sell and install this for you.
Biking Sunglasses
Goggle De-Fogger (at Poulsbo Running)
3) NICE AND FUN BUT NOT NECESSARY
Toe Clips for your bike - Only get these is you are comfortable with your biking skills and feel very balanced on the bike. You’ll use these primarily when you get up off you bike seat while going up hills. They will prevent your feet from slipping off the front of your pedals when you are pedaling hard.
Saddle Pack to hold items on your bike - Items like a portable tire pump, an extra inner tube, and tire changing tools -- in addition to your lipstick, of course!!!!!!)
Running Hat
Open Water Swim Goggles - For those of you with contacts, move these up a category!!!!!
Official Tri Babe Supporter Tee Shirt (Black with Pink lettering) - These are intended for children, friends, and loved-ones to wear on race day as they cheer you across the finish line. I will be taking orders for them a little later in the training.
4) ONLY PURCHASE IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO DO MORE TRIATHLONS IN THE FUTURE
Wet Suit - Poulsbo Running will both rent and sell you wetsuits. At the very least, go try some on before ordering on-line. It is important to get a swimming wetsuit that is thinner. Do NOT waste money on surfing suits. They are too thick and immobile to be useful for you. The best wetsuits vary the thickness under the arms, etc. to give you comfort and range of motion. If you want maximum buoyancy and warmth, go for a full wetsuit. If you are claustrophobic and/or want more freedom of movement and are willing to sacrifice a little warmth and buoyancy to get it, go with a “sleeveless Farmer John” style or a “shortie.”
Clip in Bike Pedals and Shoes - These help you develop a much more efficient bike form and allow you to pull up as well; as push down while biking. Once you get them, be prepared to experience a few slow motion falls while you are getting used to them.
Race Belt to attach your race number to
Tri Suit
Your very own timing chip - Dane and I don’t even have one of these!!!!!
Racing Flats - These are specialized running shoes – which only Tri Hares not Tri Turtles need/deserve!!!!!!)
Discuss in the forums
Dear Tri Babes,
I have gotten numerous questions about what items a Tri Babe needs to purchase to be properly geared up for training and for the “big day.” So, here are my suggestions on exactly what you need to have in order to be a successful Tri Babe and triathlete. I have broken your pink shopping down into several categories based on level of necessity.
To buy new, please remember that Poulsbo Running and Silverdale Cyclery are our official sponsors. Dave Brumsickle, at Silverdale Cyclery, has provided our Tri Babe Shirts at a discounted rate year after year; Poulsbo Running, carries a full line of triathlon gear and accessories AND provides extra special discounts to Tri Babes all year round. Please support these businesses whenever possible. Between the two of them, they are completely equipped to serve all your triathlon shopping needs. Let them know that you are a Tri Babe and that Lisa, the Tri Turtle, has sent you. Consider using our Forum to buy and sell used items. Go to the Classifieds forum to buy and sell items amongst fellow Tri babes.
The most important thing is that you are comfortable in the gear you choose. A big “no-no” is to use brand new things on race day. Make sure that you have road tested anything you plan to use on race day and that it is at that perfect point of balance between broken in but not yet worn out.
1) ITEMS THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY:
Bike - Any old bike WILL do!!! But, if you need to purchase a bike for training and triathlon, then here are some suggestions: if you are new to training and not particularly comfortable in your biking skills, I would suggest a Mountain bike or a hybrid bike. If you are comfortable and/or have a “need for speed,” then get a road/racing bike. For new bikes, go to Silverdale Cyclery. For used bikes, go first to Silverdale Cycery to “test ride” various types of bikes and then consider going to Recycled Cycles in Seattle for one of the widest selection bases around. If you are a veteran and super serious about maximizing your biking technique, consider a Time Trial/triathlon bike. Make sure that you meet the Tri Turtle’s new bike, “She Bang,” if you are considering this option.
Bike helmet
Swimsuit - Once again, any old suit WILL do -- even if it is floral and skirted. But, my recommendation would be a regulation TYR or Speedo brand suit. Who the heck cares how you look, you deserve a real live “swimsuit.”
Swim Cap - Why? Because you MUST wear one on Danskin Day (their rules, not mine) and you therefore need to get used to wearing one! PLUS, they keep your hair out of your eyes and your head warm in the water!!!
Goggles - This is not a good time to get “cheap.” Shop around and make sure that whatever pair you choose suctions to your face comfortably in the calm, dry store environment. If it does, that bodes well for its open water comfort. Most people use regular swimming goggles. But, if you have sensitive facial Nerves/bones, wear contacts, or are claustrophobic, you might consider what are called “Open Water Goggles.”
Athletic Shoes - I would suggest getting running shoes that are “trail” oriented. These will serve you in both training AND on race day. Remember that shoes are worn out after 200 miles. This is another area where you really SHOULD get the best you can.
Sports Bra - I would strongly suggest CHAMPION or Moving Comfort brand -- especially for larger chested women. Poulsbo Running has some very cute new pink options!!!
2) STRONGLY SUGGESTED BUT NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY ITEMS
Bike or Tri Shorts - You want these for the padding in the seat -- they will make the bike ride much more comfortable. Definitely get these at Silverdale Cyclery. I have been in direct contact with the clothing buyer there to make sure that they have the specific items that the Tri Babes will need. If you want more padding on the bike and don’t mind a little extra wadding during your running, get “bike” shorts.” If you can handle less padding on the bike and want more comfort on the run, get Tri Shorts.
Biking Gloves
Official Tri Babe Top
Water Bottle and Cage (holder) for your Bike - Silverdale Cyclery can sell and install this for you.
Biking Sunglasses
Goggle De-Fogger (at Poulsbo Running)
3) NICE AND FUN BUT NOT NECESSARY
Toe Clips for your bike - Only get these is you are comfortable with your biking skills and feel very balanced on the bike. You’ll use these primarily when you get up off you bike seat while going up hills. They will prevent your feet from slipping off the front of your pedals when you are pedaling hard.
Saddle Pack to hold items on your bike - Items like a portable tire pump, an extra inner tube, and tire changing tools -- in addition to your lipstick, of course!!!!!!)
Running Hat
Open Water Swim Goggles - For those of you with contacts, move these up a category!!!!!
Official Tri Babe Supporter Tee Shirt (Black with Pink lettering) - These are intended for children, friends, and loved-ones to wear on race day as they cheer you across the finish line. I will be taking orders for them a little later in the training.
4) ONLY PURCHASE IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO DO MORE TRIATHLONS IN THE FUTURE
Wet Suit - Poulsbo Running will both rent and sell you wetsuits. At the very least, go try some on before ordering on-line. It is important to get a swimming wetsuit that is thinner. Do NOT waste money on surfing suits. They are too thick and immobile to be useful for you. The best wetsuits vary the thickness under the arms, etc. to give you comfort and range of motion. If you want maximum buoyancy and warmth, go for a full wetsuit. If you are claustrophobic and/or want more freedom of movement and are willing to sacrifice a little warmth and buoyancy to get it, go with a “sleeveless Farmer John” style or a “shortie.”
Clip in Bike Pedals and Shoes - These help you develop a much more efficient bike form and allow you to pull up as well; as push down while biking. Once you get them, be prepared to experience a few slow motion falls while you are getting used to them.
Race Belt to attach your race number to
Tri Suit
Your very own timing chip - Dane and I don’t even have one of these!!!!!
Racing Flats - These are specialized running shoes – which only Tri Hares not Tri Turtles need/deserve!!!!!!)
Discuss in the forums