Bridgewater Triathlon Club

This is an evolving FAQ about Bridgewater Triathlon Club practiCes.  If you discover any inaccuracies or you have a question that is not answered here or on the site,  please use the ‘add comment’ at the bottom of this post.

WHAT ARE THE PRACTICE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS?

• You must be a member of the Bridgewater Triathlon Club (see JOIN )
• SAFETY is always first. YOU are responsible for your safety
• For many of our practices, little to no experience required
• Provide Name, Telephone number, Emergency contact, Doctor and Health Card Number
• Competitive equipment is not necessary. The bike, swim and run gear you already have is likely adequate (see below)
• In case of emergency on road (bike/run) the first person on scene stays with injured person
• The first person with news of an injury takes over checking participants off while the course marshall goes to the scene of the accident with the files and a cell phone
• Notify the course conductor should you have to leave early for whatever reason
• If you are 15 years old or younger must be supported by a parent or guardian

GEAR?

In many cases, you can start triathlon with what you already own.  The following includes essentials and items to consider.  Check out what other people are using before you spend money.  Also, one of our members does a lot of shopping at Frenchy’s and finds good quality gear at very affordable prices.  Ask for Nita, say Guido sent you.

Swim

• Bathing suit - use what you have
• Brightly coloured swim cap - visibility in open water is essential
• Goggles - proper fit is a must
• Towel

Consider …

• Foot wash container - to wash off sandy feet prior to socks/shoes
• Wetsuit - this can be a large investment so  talk to other people about what they are wearing before you buy
• Swim aids for training purposes only - fins, paddles, etc. - try before you buy

Bike

• Helmet - CSA certified helmet or you cannot participate in triathlon
• Bike - as long as it is road worthy, start with what you have (mountain bike, hybrid, old road bike, etc.) with water bottle holder, water bottle, a basic repair kit and a pump
• Safety Glasses - you only have one set of eyes … take care of them!

Consider …

• Road bike - you really do go faster on a road bike.  Used ones are often available from other club members or local bike shops
• Bike shorts - padding saves your butt!
• Bike gloves - hand protection as well as cutting down vibration during longer rides
• Specific bike clothing - sweat wicking materials keep you dry and can cut wind.
• Cycling shoes + clip-in pedals - allow much better transfer of energy from your legs to the pedals
• Cycling speedo/computer - essential for a consistent training program, get one with cadence (ie: how fast you are pedalling)
• Cold weather clothing-  wind resistent coat, tights, balaclava, gloves, protective boots over your shoes

Run

• running shoes - probably you’re most important ‘first purchase’.  go to a running store and get the best shoe you can afford

consider …

• hat - you’ll appreciate the protection from the sun/wind/rain/snow
• socks - polyester blends will keep your feet dry
• shorts - may triathletes double duty their bike shorts for running shorts
• tights - as above, bikes tights for running tights
• shirt - as above, bike shirt for running shirt
• sports bra - wide shoulder straps and chest band make for a comfortable fit

Other

• quick release laces - really speeds up your transitions
• equipment storage - all your gear needs a home.  some people use plastic storage boxes, others use sports bags
• sports watch - stopwatch as a minimum … checkout what other people are using before you buy something new
• log - a system for planning and recording your workouts.  could be on paper, online, on your computer … whatever works for you.