What to wear for your Triathlon Race: Tips for Women

Published by kellypuffer on

Race strong, feeling comfortable and safe in your race gear 

 

Participating in a triathlon is a fantastic way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.  As a woman, finding the right gear for this type of competition can be a bit overwhelming. 

You don’t have to go overboard when doing your first triathlon.  It’s best to get the basics, try it out and see if you like it before investing in other clothes than might be slightly more comfortable.

From swimwear to sport shorts, choosing the right attire is key to an enjoyable and successful race.  There are bodysuits specific for triathletes, but for the purpose of this blog we’ll only go over the essential clothes that you need to race.

Swimwear

The first segment of a triathlon is the swim, so it’s important to have a swimsuit that fits well and provides comfort and mobility. If you’re competing in a pool for your triathlon race, then you might want to simply wear a swimsuit. Alternatively you might consider a set of bikini bottoms with a fitting sports bra that will provide much more support for you for the rest of the race. Remember, there is no place to change when moving from the swim to the bike, so what you wear as the base for the swim will have to be comfortable and supportive enough to complete the entire race.  Bikini bottoms might cause chafing, so do a test on your bike before you race and see if that solution could work for you.  Alternatively, you could opt in for the ‘shorts’ option that we discuss later.  Zips or buttons can cause discomfort and may rub against your body or other materials that you then layer on after the swim. So keep it simple!


If you are still wondering weather to book your triathlon race in the pool or in open-water, it’s definitely worth taking a look at our tips in the pool vs open water swimming post.

Sports Bra

You may want to consider wearing bikini bottoms or tri shorts with a sports bra on top or simply adding a bra underneath your swimsuit to ensure that your breasts are fully supported throughout the race.  Remember after the swim you must cycle and run without having a complete change. Ie. you can’t get naked in the transition area moving from the swim to the cycle.

Swimming in a sports bra shouldn’t cause problems if it’s the right fit, and as a sports-specific bra is designed to wick-away the sweat, it is suitable also to wear in the water.  It won’t absorb the water and it is quick-drying. Be a little more selective when choosing your bra so as to have the perfect balance between support, flexilbility and minimal material to keep hold of the water after you have swam. 

Other women use swimsuits that have a supportive internal bra.  

Whatever you decide to wear, it’s hugely important to do what feels right for you and ensure that your breasts are fully supported. Practice swimming in your chosen kit in advance rather than waiting to test it out on the day of the triathlon race.  This way you can avoid unwanted friction marks and pains!

Wetsuit

A wetsuit will only apply to triathlon races that are held in open water. Wetsuits can be great fun to swim in because they provide added buoyancy and insulation, allowing you to stay warm and move more efficiently through the water. You’ll soon notice how much faster you can swim with one on. 

Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be made obbligatory, optional or banned for the safety of the swimmers. Always be prepared for all three options when attending an open-water triathlon. That means, practise swimming in open-water with a wetsuit and without so you feel comfortable doing both. 

The hardest thing about wetsuits is getting the right fit. It needs to be quite tight and fitting against the body. At the same time you should make sure that it is not too tight around the arms and shoulders which may restrict your movement when swimming.

Wetsuits can be quite expensive to purchase. If it’s your first race and you are racing in open-water, you may also want to consider hiring a wetsuit.  Make sure that you have plenty of time to swim in open-water with the wetsuit you intend to wear for the race. Eliminating any unknowns before the race is always going to help ease the anxiety and make your triathlon experience one to remember. 

A swim wetsuit is very different to that of a standard sailing or windsurf wetsuit. It is made of neoprene and it is very delicate, so it’s important to understand how to take care of it and learn how to put on your wetsuit efficiently and correctly. Now you can be sure not tear it nor waste energy in the process of putting it on!

Shorts

The next segment of the triathlon is the bike ride.  If you are doing a short cycle, normal running shorts or leggings could work fine. If you are looking for more comfort, you could consider triathlon shorts as they can be used throughout the entire race as they are made from a quick-drying material to dry off quickly after the swim section.  The padding in the seat area is much thinner than that of the padding found in cycle shorts. With a thinner chamois (padding), you will be comfortable using them throughout the entire race, for swimming and running. They may also have additional features such as pockets for storing gels or energy bars during the race.

Triathlon shorts are designed to be worn during the swim, so there is no need to wear underwear or bikini bottoms if you opt for triathlon shorts. For that reason, they are the most comfortable and easiest option.

Top

For the bike ride, a lightweight, breathable top is best. Avoid heavy cotton shirts, as they will retain moisture and cause chafing. Opt for a top made from a technical fabric that will wick moisture away from your skin.

You may want to consider a windproof top as well, depending on the time of year and where you’ll be racing. It’s always a useful item to have with you as an option.

Running Shoes

During the cycle, it’s important to do what you are used to. If you have only cycled in trainers, then do that for the race.  You won’t even have to spend time changing in the second transition if you already have your running trainers on!

If you have had practice cycling with clip-in shoes and you like cycling with them, then feel free to do that too! 

The final segment of the triathlon is the run, and having the right shoes for this is crucial. For beginner running tips check out our 7 must-knows when you start out running!  Look for shoes that fit well and offer good support and cushioning. Trainers are made for different feet sizes, shapes and styles of running so try to visit a running shop where you can try trainers on and get advice about what trainers could work best for  you.

To avoid unpleasant blisters or discomfort, you should be used to running in your trainers. Do not go out and buy brand new trainers just before the race. Even if  the trainers are the exact same model, they can be slightly different on the foot and you’ll need to break them in either way.

When it comes to socks, some triathletes wear socks, and others not. Again, it’s personal preference, but do what you have always done. Make sure however, that they are running socks that have some cushioning and wick-away the sweat. It’s amazing how sweaty your feet get!

Head band

It’s a tricky situation coming out of a swim with wet hair knowing that next you have to cycle and run with wet hair.  Our simple trick is to tie the hair up in a tight french braid so it stays neat and untangled throughout the entire duration of the race. Then on the exit of the swim, you could consider wearing a head band to keep all the loose hair out of the way.  It will probably take you an extra 2 seconds more in the transition stage, but it could keep you a little bit warmer and it will help keep the hair off your face and falling into the eyes. A headband could help you feel more comfortable for the duration of the triathlon! Well, that’s our fun tip to finish off anyhow.

Triathlon Confident and Comfortable!

Choosing the right attire for a triathlon can make all the difference in your performance and to ensure it’s an enjoyable race.  What we wear is also very personal to each and every one of  us, so don’t feel  pressured to copy what others are doing.  The most important thing to remember is to try out all your planned race attire in advance to see what works and what doesn’t. When you arrive at the race, you’ll feel confident and prepared knowing that your gear will provide you with comfort, support, and mobility throughout the race.

Now you’re set up for success. Happy triscovering!

We have created a Beginner Triathlon Kit List for Women so you have a complete list of exactly what you need to bring to every training session. We have included a kit list also for the race so you can turn up at your triathlon feeling confident that you have everything!

Get my kit list!

Race strong, feeling comfortable and safe in your race gear 

 

Participating in a triathlon is a fantastic way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.  As a woman, finding the right gear for this type of competition can be a bit overwhelming. 

You don’t have to go overboard when doing your first triathlon.  It’s best to get the basics, try it out and see if you like it before investing in other clothes than might be slightly more comfortable.

From swimwear to sport shorts, choosing the right attire is key to an enjoyable and successful race.  There are bodysuits specific for triathletes, but for the purpose of this blog we’ll only go over the essential clothes that you need to race.

Swimwear

The first segment of a triathlon is the swim, so it’s important to have a swimsuit that fits well and provides comfort and mobility. If you’re competing in a pool for your triathlon race, then you might want to simply wear a swimsuit. Alternatively you might consider a set of bikini bottoms with a fitting sports bra that will provide much more support for you for the rest of the race. Remember, there is no place to change when moving from the swim to the bike, so what you wear as the base for the swim will have to be comfortable and supportive enough to complete the entire race.  Bikini bottoms might cause chafing, so do a test on your bike before you race and see if that solution could work for you.  Alternatively, you could opt in for the ‘shorts’ option that we discuss later.  Zips or buttons can cause discomfort and may rub against your body or other materials that you then layer on after the swim. So keep it simple!


If you are still wondering weather to book your triathlon race in the pool or in open-water, it’s definitely worth taking a look at our tips in the pool vs open water swimming post.

Sports Bra

You may want to consider wearing bikini bottoms or tri shorts with a sports bra on top or simply adding a bra underneath your swimsuit to ensure that your breasts are fully supported throughout the race.  Remember after the swim you must cycle and run without having a complete change. Ie. you can’t get naked in the transition area moving from the swim to the cycle.

Swimming in a sports bra shouldn’t cause problems if it’s the right fit, and as a sports-specific bra is designed to wick-away the sweat, it is suitable also to wear in the water.  It won’t absorb the water and it is quick-drying. Be a little more selective when choosing your bra so as to have the perfect balance between support, flexilbility and minimal material to keep hold of the water after you have swam. 

Other women use swimsuits that have a supportive internal bra.  

Whatever you decide to wear, it’s hugely important to do what feels right for you and ensure that your breasts are fully supported. Practice swimming in your chosen kit in advance rather than waiting to test it out on the day of the triathlon race.  This way you can avoid unwanted friction marks and pains!

Wetsuit

A wetsuit will only apply to triathlon races that are held in open water. Wetsuits can be great fun to swim in because they provide added buoyancy and insulation, allowing you to stay warm and move more efficiently through the water. You’ll soon notice how much faster you can swim with one on. 

Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be made obbligatory, optional or banned for the safety of the swimmers. Always be prepared for all three options when attending an open-water triathlon. That means, practise swimming in open-water with a wetsuit and without so you feel comfortable doing both. 

The hardest thing about wetsuits is getting the right fit. It needs to be quite tight and fitting against the body. At the same time you should make sure that it is not too tight around the arms and shoulders which may restrict your movement when swimming.

Wetsuits can be quite expensive to purchase. If it’s your first race and you are racing in open-water, you may also want to consider hiring a wetsuit.  Make sure that you have plenty of time to swim in open-water with the wetsuit you intend to wear for the race. Eliminating any unknowns before the race is always going to help ease the anxiety and make your triathlon experience one to remember. 

A swim wetsuit is very different to that of a standard sailing or windsurf wetsuit. It is made of neoprene and it is very delicate, so it’s important to understand how to take care of it and learn how to put on your wetsuit efficiently and correctly. Now you can be sure not tear it nor waste energy in the process of putting it on!

Shorts

The next segment of the triathlon is the bike ride.  If you are doing a short cycle, normal running shorts or leggings could work fine. If you are looking for more comfort, you could consider triathlon shorts as they can be used throughout the entire race as they are made from a quick-drying material to dry off quickly after the swim section.  The padding in the seat area is much thinner than that of the padding found in cycle shorts. With a thinner chamois (padding), you will be comfortable using them throughout the entire race, for swimming and running. They may also have additional features such as pockets for storing gels or energy bars during the race.

Triathlon shorts are designed to be worn during the swim, so there is no need to wear underwear or bikini bottoms if you opt for triathlon shorts. For that reason, they are the most comfortable and easiest option.

Top

For the bike ride, a lightweight, breathable top is best. Avoid heavy cotton shirts, as they will retain moisture and cause chafing. Opt for a top made from a technical fabric that will wick moisture away from your skin.

You may want to consider a windproof top as well, depending on the time of year and where you’ll be racing. It’s always a useful item to have with you as an option.

Running Shoes

During the cycle, it’s important to do what you are used to. If you have only cycled in trainers, then do that for the race.  You won’t even have to spend time changing in the second transition if you already have your running trainers on!

If you have had practice cycling with clip-in shoes and you like cycling with them, then feel free to do that too! 

The final segment of the triathlon is the run, and having the right shoes for this is crucial. For beginner running tips check out our 7 must-knows when you start out running!  Look for shoes that fit well and offer good support and cushioning. Trainers are made for different feet sizes, shapes and styles of running so try to visit a running shop where you can try trainers on and get advice about what trainers could work best for  you.

To avoid unpleasant blisters or discomfort, you should be used to running in your trainers. Do not go out and buy brand new trainers just before the race. Even if  the trainers are the exact same model, they can be slightly different on the foot and you’ll need to break them in either way.

When it comes to socks, some triathletes wear socks, and others not. Again, it’s personal preference, but do what you have always done. Make sure however, that they are running socks that have some cushioning and wick-away the sweat. It’s amazing how sweaty your feet get!

Head band

It’s a tricky situation coming out of a swim with wet hair knowing that next you have to cycle and run with wet hair.  Our simple trick is to tie the hair up in a tight french braid so it stays neat and untangled throughout the entire duration of the race. Then on the exit of the swim, you could consider wearing a head band to keep all the loose hair out of the way.  It will probably take you an extra 2 seconds more in the transition stage, but it could keep you a little bit warmer and it will help keep the hair off your face and falling into the eyes. A headband could help you feel more comfortable for the duration of the triathlon! Well, that’s our fun tip to finish off anyhow.

Triathlon Confident and Comfortable!

Choosing the right attire for a triathlon can make all the difference in your performance and to ensure it’s an enjoyable race.  What we wear is also very personal to each and every one of  us, so don’t feel  pressured to copy what others are doing.  The most important thing to remember is to try out all your planned race attire in advance to see what works and what doesn’t. When you arrive at the race, you’ll feel confident and prepared knowing that your gear will provide you with comfort, support, and mobility throughout the race.

Now you’re set up for success. Happy triscovering!

We have created a Beginner Triathlon Kit List for Women so you have a complete list of exactly what you need to bring to every training session. We have included a kit list also for the race so you can turn up at your triathlon feeling confident that you have everything!

Get my kit list!

Race strong, feeling comfortable and safe in your race gear 

 

Participating in a triathlon is a fantastic way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.  As a woman, finding the right gear for this type of competition can be a bit overwhelming. 

You don’t have to go overboard when doing your first triathlon.  It’s best to get the basics, try it out and see if you like it before investing in other clothes than might be slightly more comfortable.

From swimwear to sport shorts, choosing the right attire is key to an enjoyable and successful race.  There are bodysuits specific for triathletes, but for the purpose of this blog we’ll only go over the essential clothes that you need to race.

Swimwear

The first segment of a triathlon is the swim, so it’s important to have a swimsuit that fits well and provides comfort and mobility. If you’re competing in a pool for your triathlon race, then you might want to simply wear a swimsuit. Alternatively you might consider a set of bikini bottoms with a fitting sports bra that will provide much more support for you for the rest of the race. Remember, there is no place to change when moving from the swim to the bike, so what you wear as the base for the swim will have to be comfortable and supportive enough to complete the entire race.  Bikini bottoms might cause chafing, so do a test on your bike before you race and see if that solution could work for you.  Alternatively, you could opt in for the ‘shorts’ option that we discuss later.  Zips or buttons can cause discomfort and may rub against your body or other materials that you then layer on after the swim. So keep it simple!


If you are still wondering weather to book your triathlon race in the pool or in open-water, it’s definitely worth taking a look at our tips in the pool vs open water swimming post.

Sports Bra

You may want to consider wearing bikini bottoms or tri shorts with a sports bra on top or simply adding a bra underneath your swimsuit to ensure that your breasts are fully supported throughout the race.  Remember after the swim you must cycle and run without having a complete change. Ie. you can’t get naked in the transition area moving from the swim to the cycle.

Swimming in a sports bra shouldn’t cause problems if it’s the right fit, and as a sports-specific bra is designed to wick-away the sweat, it is suitable also to wear in the water.  It won’t absorb the water and it is quick-drying. Be a little more selective when choosing your bra so as to have the perfect balance between support, flexilbility and minimal material to keep hold of the water after you have swam. 

Other women use swimsuits that have a supportive internal bra.  

Whatever you decide to wear, it’s hugely important to do what feels right for you and ensure that your breasts are fully supported. Practice swimming in your chosen kit in advance rather than waiting to test it out on the day of the triathlon race.  This way you can avoid unwanted friction marks and pains!

Wetsuit

A wetsuit will only apply to triathlon races that are held in open water. Wetsuits can be great fun to swim in because they provide added buoyancy and insulation, allowing you to stay warm and move more efficiently through the water. You’ll soon notice how much faster you can swim with one on. 

Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be made obbligatory, optional or banned for the safety of the swimmers. Always be prepared for all three options when attending an open-water triathlon. That means, practise swimming in open-water with a wetsuit and without so you feel comfortable doing both. 

The hardest thing about wetsuits is getting the right fit. It needs to be quite tight and fitting against the body. At the same time you should make sure that it is not too tight around the arms and shoulders which may restrict your movement when swimming.

Wetsuits can be quite expensive to purchase. If it’s your first race and you are racing in open-water, you may also want to consider hiring a wetsuit.  Make sure that you have plenty of time to swim in open-water with the wetsuit you intend to wear for the race. Eliminating any unknowns before the race is always going to help ease the anxiety and make your triathlon experience one to remember. 

A swim wetsuit is very different to that of a standard sailing or windsurf wetsuit. It is made of neoprene and it is very delicate, so it’s important to understand how to take care of it and learn how to put on your wetsuit efficiently and correctly. Now you can be sure not tear it nor waste energy in the process of putting it on!

Shorts

The next segment of the triathlon is the bike ride.  If you are doing a short cycle, normal running shorts or leggings could work fine. If you are looking for more comfort, you could consider triathlon shorts as they can be used throughout the entire race as they are made from a quick-drying material to dry off quickly after the swim section.  The padding in the seat area is much thinner than that of the padding found in cycle shorts. With a thinner chamois (padding), you will be comfortable using them throughout the entire race, for swimming and running. They may also have additional features such as pockets for storing gels or energy bars during the race.

Triathlon shorts are designed to be worn during the swim, so there is no need to wear underwear or bikini bottoms if you opt for triathlon shorts. For that reason, they are the most comfortable and easiest option.

Top

For the bike ride, a lightweight, breathable top is best. Avoid heavy cotton shirts, as they will retain moisture and cause chafing. Opt for a top made from a technical fabric that will wick moisture away from your skin.

You may want to consider a windproof top as well, depending on the time of year and where you’ll be racing. It’s always a useful item to have with you as an option.

Running Shoes

During the cycle, it’s important to do what you are used to. If you have only cycled in trainers, then do that for the race.  You won’t even have to spend time changing in the second transition if you already have your running trainers on!

If you have had practice cycling with clip-in shoes and you like cycling with them, then feel free to do that too! 

The final segment of the triathlon is the run, and having the right shoes for this is crucial. For beginner running tips check out our 7 must-knows when you start out running!  Look for shoes that fit well and offer good support and cushioning. Trainers are made for different feet sizes, shapes and styles of running so try to visit a running shop where you can try trainers on and get advice about what trainers could work best for  you.

To avoid unpleasant blisters or discomfort, you should be used to running in your trainers. Do not go out and buy brand new trainers just before the race. Even if  the trainers are the exact same model, they can be slightly different on the foot and you’ll need to break them in either way.

When it comes to socks, some triathletes wear socks, and others not. Again, it’s personal preference, but do what you have always done. Make sure however, that they are running socks that have some cushioning and wick-away the sweat. It’s amazing how sweaty your feet get!

Head band

It’s a tricky situation coming out of a swim with wet hair knowing that next you have to cycle and run with wet hair.  Our simple trick is to tie the hair up in a tight french braid so it stays neat and untangled throughout the entire duration of the race. Then on the exit of the swim, you could consider wearing a head band to keep all the loose hair out of the way.  It will probably take you an extra 2 seconds more in the transition stage, but it could keep you a little bit warmer and it will help keep the hair off your face and falling into the eyes. A headband could help you feel more comfortable for the duration of the triathlon! Well, that’s our fun tip to finish off anyhow.

Triathlon Confident and Comfortable!

Choosing the right attire for a triathlon can make all the difference in your performance and to ensure it’s an enjoyable race.  What we wear is also very personal to each and every one of  us, so don’t feel  pressured to copy what others are doing.  The most important thing to remember is to try out all your planned race attire in advance to see what works and what doesn’t. When you arrive at the race, you’ll feel confident and prepared knowing that your gear will provide you with comfort, support, and mobility throughout the race.

Now you’re set up for success. Happy triscovering!

We have created a Beginner Triathlon Kit List for Women so you have a complete list of exactly what you need to bring to every training session. We have included a kit list also for the race so you can turn up at your triathlon feeling confident that you have everything!

Get my kit list!

Race strong, feeling comfortable and safe in your race gear 

 

Participating in a triathlon is a fantastic way to challenge yourself physically and mentally.  As a woman, finding the right gear for this type of competition can be a bit overwhelming. 

You don’t have to go overboard when doing your first triathlon.  It’s best to get the basics, try it out and see if you like it before investing in other clothes than might be slightly more comfortable.

From swimwear to sport shorts, choosing the right attire is key to an enjoyable and successful race.  There are bodysuits specific for triathletes, but for the purpose of this blog we’ll only go over the essential clothes that you need to race.

Swimwear

The first segment of a triathlon is the swim, so it’s important to have a swimsuit that fits well and provides comfort and mobility. If you’re competing in a pool for your triathlon race, then you might want to simply wear a swimsuit. Alternatively you might consider a set of bikini bottoms with a fitting sports bra that will provide much more support for you for the rest of the race. Remember, there is no place to change when moving from the swim to the bike, so what you wear as the base for the swim will have to be comfortable and supportive enough to complete the entire race.  Bikini bottoms might cause chafing, so do a test on your bike before you race and see if that solution could work for you.  Alternatively, you could opt in for the ‘shorts’ option that we discuss later.  Zips or buttons can cause discomfort and may rub against your body or other materials that you then layer on after the swim. So keep it simple!


If you are still wondering weather to book your triathlon race in the pool or in open-water, it’s definitely worth taking a look at our tips in the pool vs open water swimming post.

Sports Bra

You may want to consider wearing bikini bottoms or tri shorts with a sports bra on top or simply adding a bra underneath your swimsuit to ensure that your breasts are fully supported throughout the race.  Remember after the swim you must cycle and run without having a complete change. Ie. you can’t get naked in the transition area moving from the swim to the cycle.

Swimming in a sports bra shouldn’t cause problems if it’s the right fit, and as a sports-specific bra is designed to wick-away the sweat, it is suitable also to wear in the water.  It won’t absorb the water and it is quick-drying. Be a little more selective when choosing your bra so as to have the perfect balance between support, flexilbility and minimal material to keep hold of the water after you have swam. 

Other women use swimsuits that have a supportive internal bra.  

Whatever you decide to wear, it’s hugely important to do what feels right for you and ensure that your breasts are fully supported. Practice swimming in your chosen kit in advance rather than waiting to test it out on the day of the triathlon race.  This way you can avoid unwanted friction marks and pains!

Wetsuit

A wetsuit will only apply to triathlon races that are held in open water. Wetsuits can be great fun to swim in because they provide added buoyancy and insulation, allowing you to stay warm and move more efficiently through the water. You’ll soon notice how much faster you can swim with one on. 

Depending on the water temperature, a wetsuit may be made obbligatory, optional or banned for the safety of the swimmers. Always be prepared for all three options when attending an open-water triathlon. That means, practise swimming in open-water with a wetsuit and without so you feel comfortable doing both. 

The hardest thing about wetsuits is getting the right fit. It needs to be quite tight and fitting against the body. At the same time you should make sure that it is not too tight around the arms and shoulders which may restrict your movement when swimming.

Wetsuits can be quite expensive to purchase. If it’s your first race and you are racing in open-water, you may also want to consider hiring a wetsuit.  Make sure that you have plenty of time to swim in open-water with the wetsuit you intend to wear for the race. Eliminating any unknowns before the race is always going to help ease the anxiety and make your triathlon experience one to remember. 

A swim wetsuit is very different to that of a standard sailing or windsurf wetsuit. It is made of neoprene and it is very delicate, so it’s important to understand how to take care of it and learn how to put on your wetsuit efficiently and correctly. Now you can be sure not tear it nor waste energy in the process of putting it on!

Shorts

The next segment of the triathlon is the bike ride.  If you are doing a short cycle, normal running shorts or leggings could work fine. If you are looking for more comfort, you could consider triathlon shorts as they can be used throughout the entire race as they are made from a quick-drying material to dry off quickly after the swim section.  The padding in the seat area is much thinner than that of the padding found in cycle shorts. With a thinner chamois (padding), you will be comfortable using them throughout the entire race, for swimming and running. They may also have additional features such as pockets for storing gels or energy bars during the race.

Triathlon shorts are designed to be worn during the swim, so there is no need to wear underwear or bikini bottoms if you opt for triathlon shorts. For that reason, they are the most comfortable and easiest option.

Top

For the bike ride, a lightweight, breathable top is best. Avoid heavy cotton shirts, as they will retain moisture and cause chafing. Opt for a top made from a technical fabric that will wick moisture away from your skin.

You may want to consider a windproof top as well, depending on the time of year and where you’ll be racing. It’s always a useful item to have with you as an option.

Running Shoes

During the cycle, it’s important to do what you are used to. If you have only cycled in trainers, then do that for the race.  You won’t even have to spend time changing in the second transition if you already have your running trainers on!

If you have had practice cycling with clip-in shoes and you like cycling with them, then feel free to do that too! 

The final segment of the triathlon is the run, and having the right shoes for this is crucial. For beginner running tips check out our 7 must-knows when you start out running!  Look for shoes that fit well and offer good support and cushioning. Trainers are made for different feet sizes, shapes and styles of running so try to visit a running shop where you can try trainers on and get advice about what trainers could work best for  you.

To avoid unpleasant blisters or discomfort, you should be used to running in your trainers. Do not go out and buy brand new trainers just before the race. Even if  the trainers are the exact same model, they can be slightly different on the foot and you’ll need to break them in either way.

When it comes to socks, some triathletes wear socks, and others not. Again, it’s personal preference, but do what you have always done. Make sure however, that they are running socks that have some cushioning and wick-away the sweat. It’s amazing how sweaty your feet get!

Head band

It’s a tricky situation coming out of a swim with wet hair knowing that next you have to cycle and run with wet hair.  Our simple trick is to tie the hair up in a tight french braid so it stays neat and untangled throughout the entire duration of the race. Then on the exit of the swim, you could consider wearing a head band to keep all the loose hair out of the way.  It will probably take you an extra 2 seconds more in the transition stage, but it could keep you a little bit warmer and it will help keep the hair off your face and falling into the eyes. A headband could help you feel more comfortable for the duration of the triathlon! Well, that’s our fun tip to finish off anyhow.

Triathlon Confident and Comfortable!

Choosing the right attire for a triathlon can make all the difference in your performance and to ensure it’s an enjoyable race.  What we wear is also very personal to each and every one of  us, so don’t feel  pressured to copy what others are doing.  The most important thing to remember is to try out all your planned race attire in advance to see what works and what doesn’t. When you arrive at the race, you’ll feel confident and prepared knowing that your gear will provide you with comfort, support, and mobility throughout the race.

Now you’re set up for success. Happy triscovering!

We have created a Beginner Triathlon Kit List for Women so you have a complete list of exactly what you need to bring to every training session. We have included a kit list also for the race so you can turn up at your triathlon feeling confident that you have everything!

Get my kit list!
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