Anyone done a triathlon?

[goodlifemummy]

It encompasses all my favourite things so I have decided to try a tri before doing a sprint tri next year, my question is what do you wear? Have seen tri suits - do they stay on for all three sections? Don't fancy the fuss of changing in between!! If you've done one, how was it? I am quite fit I run regularly and do the great south run every year x

Should have searched before posting! Knew I'd find the answers here!

You can buy a tri suit but they're quite expensive. I would just swim in a full costume, then have shorts and a tshirt at transition.

The individual disciplines are so short I wouldn't worry about going all fancy. I would just do a couple and see if you like them.

Triathlons are great fun though

Hi Goodlife - Hope my posting on the other thread was useful to you!! Yes, the "whole area of what to wear" can be a bit of a dilemma! I find that the tri shorts and top combination works very well for me. You will definitely need some type of padding in the bum area while you're on the bike, and you dont want to be riding in sodden clothes - this is why I wouldn't wear the swim suit and shorts combo - but that's just my preference!!

I actually did my second sprint triathlon at the weekend. Even writing that makes me feel great!! This one involved a sea swim, which was a bit scary initially but really invigorating actually! The bike and run were on very hilly courses, and combined with a very warm day, made for quite a challenging race! Its a really good idea to do a "Try a tri" first, as you will then get an overall idea of whats involved. I found a great UK based website called intelligent triathlon training.com which was a very useful source of all types of information for me as a beginner triathlete. It also has some great training plans and advice that you could follow, as well as good practical advice on transitions, nutrition etc. Triathlon is an expensive sport initially. Dont spend too much money on wet suits, bike etc until you're sure you will stick with it. Its easy to then upgrade everything as you go along.

If you're generally good at all 3 disciplines, then you should do very well. I would definitely advise you to get some open water experience before your race as theres a HUGE difference between swimming in a pool as compared to the sea or river. Invest in a good pair of goggles, see wigggle.co.uk for a great range.

Very best of luck with your training and enjoy the experience more than anything. Theres nothing quite like that feeling when you run over the finish line!!!