Let’s face it; it’s a hectic
time before any race. The house or hotel may be in a state of chaos, but don’t
let that throw off your race. If packed well, your transition bag can make your
race day a breeze. Here are some ways you can bring peace through planning your
transition bag.
What do I pack?
This is a general list of
what is needed for triathlons. If you find that you need to add a different
item, or if you are finding that you don’t need all the items in your bag, feel
free to add or subtract these items from your bag. Always find what works best
for you.
Swim Portion:
- Goggles
- More goggles, possibly different color lenses for different weather conditions
- Anti-fog for the goggles (baby shampoo also works as does good old saliva – yep!)
- Wetsuit
- Swim cap (silicone caps keep you warmer and don’t get sticky)
- Lubricant for your wetsuit (make sure your skin is okay with it before race day)
- Brightly colored towel (this helps you find your bike faster)
Bike Portion:
- Cycling shoes
- Water bottle(s) that fit(s) in your bike
- Helmet
- Sunglasses
- Socks
- Nutritional fuel
- Race belt
- Air cartridges
- Extra tubes and levers
Run Portion:
- Running Shoes
- Hat or visor
- Water bottle
- Nutritional fuel
Miscellaneous
- Water bottles for transition area
- Sunscreen
- Tape
- Safety Pins
- ID
- The items that came in your race packet
Extras
- Bike Pump
- First Aid Kit (I always bring one of these)
- Post Race Gear (what will you wear after the race?)
- Weather Gear (warmer clothes, plastic bags, arm warmers etc.)
- Money
- Phone
- Cheap Flip-Flops (for before the race)
- Directions to the race
- Timer or watch (if you like to time yourself)
How to pack your bag before
the race
When you open your bag, you
don’t want to scramble around for the items pertaining to what leg you are
transitioning for. Pack your bag in the order of events that will take place.
Most of the time the race order is swim, bike, run. Anything worn post-race
should be at the bottom, the run items on top of that, the bike gear in-between
running and swimming, and swim gear and pre-race items should be on the very
top.
Any of the Miscellaneous
gear or extras should be packed with the portion they would be useful for, like
the bike pump should be with the bike portion of your bag, or side pockets for
easy access, like the first aid kit. Some of the things you need to pack will
be emptied before the race starts, like your wetsuit and swim cap.
On your way to the finish
line
Now that you are packed and
ready to go, you can stop fretting the small stuff. Remember to stay calm and
enjoy the race.
Happy Packing and Happy
Racing!
No comments:
Post a Comment