Triathlon kit advice needed

[ohmygosh123]

I want to do my first triathlon - but I am being put off a bit by the suits. I get shin splints easily (due to an accident severing the muscle on one shin) - but I don't when I wear compression leggings.

So are there any triathlon leggings I can wear - rather that the shorts. I know there are compression socks, and I shouldn't care about looks, but I'm not that skinny and it really really doesn't look good. Ewwwww. And the thought of pulling them on when wet doesn't appeal either.

2XU do these cycling leggings, and they do tri wear - so would they be any good?

www.b2psports.com/Default.aspx?tabid=199&ProductID=4063&poselid=p4063%3ao5%3aBlack%3ao6%3aL

Thanks!

Have you tried any tape or kinesiotape for the shin splints? You might find that you can wear whatever you like if you are using tape to provide the compression.

Are those leggings padded for the cycling or are they meant for after you've raced?

They have a padded bum - and the same brand do trishorts - and I really can't see the difference! What is a padded bum like to swim in?!

good question, i don't know. hope somebody more knowledgeable comes along soon.

dd2 swims with a padded bum - her suit is only slightly padded but she has never even mention it as a problem. neither for running or the swim - and the bike it does give comfort against the razor saddle

ohmygosh, is your triathlon an open water swim? Will you be wearing a wetsuit?
I would think about the kinesiotape or compression socks rather than full length leggings. I have 2 xu compression leggings and I'm not sure I would relish the thought of swimming in them - more material more drag and they are also tight fitting due to the compression element. I wear a trisuit which has a fine layer in the seat just enough to give a little comfort but fine when swimming. Again would want to swim with a padded bottom!
worth a look website

I do open water triathlons and my kit list:
wetsuit, hat, goggles suitable for openwater, babyoil to help get wetsuit over wrists and ankles
brightly coloured towel so you can see it in transition
trisuit, running shoes with elastic lock laces (makes for getting them on easier)
bike (my bike has power grips instead of cleats - only one pair of shoes needed)
helmet
cycling sunglasses (aldi do bargain ones where you can change the lenses to suit the weather)
energy gel
waterbottle on bike and a carry one for the run
race belt for number
warm clothes for after race plus energy snack

hope this helps and good luck!