Useful tips: How to properly pack for a triathlon

July 2, 2:29 PMPhiladelphia Triathlon ExaminerJohn M. Forberger

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Packing and preparing everything you need for your next triathlon should be double-checked, underlined and bolded in your mind days before the race. All the training you do can go out the window if you aren't prepared on race day. Triathletes have plenty of gear to look after which can cause anxiety or stress pre-race for some athletes.

All equipment, food choices, and the often forgotten - directions to the race - should be prepared and ready to go days in advance so there are no last minute slip-ups. At most events, you can usually purchase what you need at the race expos prior to the race.

Take it slow and make it easy on yourself. The last thing you want to do is to make a foolish mistake and forget your race number or piece of equipment leading to a disqualification. Think of all the months of hard work and training that can be tossed away in a single moment that could have been prevented.

Yes, you probably want to record a new PR, but you cannot do so without the fundamentals squared away. Something simple yet often overlooked, such as directions to the race, can be printed and taped to your transition bag or if you are tech-savvy you can visit Mapquest, get directions and text or e-mail them to your cell phone.

Below is a checklist of items to prepare prior to race day. It's a good rule of thumb to lay out your equipment on your floor at home (or hotel) days in advance similar to race day settings.

General items to pack

• Picture identification, registration papers, USAT card
• Transition bag or backpack
• Clothing, race jersey, tri-shorts
• 3 water bottles (make sure caps fit your bottle)
• 2 pairs of socks
• Sandals - comfy post-race alternative to sneakers
• Sunscreen - protect your skin from the morning UV rays
• Sunglasses
• Race belt or safety pins (usually given out at races)
• 2 or more towels, to place equipment on in the staging area
• Energy gels or easy-access peelable fruit bars
• Protein bars
• Fruit - oranges and bananas are reliable
• Plastic bag - to bring home your dirty clothes

Swim gear

• Race cap, provided by most races
• Waterproof watch with time splits feature
• Goggles, anti-fog spray is helpful also
• Swimsuit or wetsuit

Bike gear

• Bike - some people actually forget it
• Helmet, cycling gloves
• Spare tire
• Bike pump and CO2 cartridges
• Cycling shoes

Run gear

• Sneakers
• Yankz - popular sneaker lace system
• Fuel belt (if needed)

The key to a successful triathlon is successful preparation, not just physically but also down to each piece of gear you need on race day. Packing smart and training smart go hand in hand.