As I mentioned in my race recap, I arrived to the New Jersey State Triathlon a bit…well…unprepared. Not necessarily in terms of training, but more so in terms of actual stuff.
Let’s just say the expo vendors made a killing off of my sub par, last minute packing skills.
In the spirit of paying it forward, I wanted to put together a final check list of everything I ended up needing on race day. I hope this serves as a helpful tool as you get ready for your own adventure – I know I’ll be referring back to it just as soon as I circle back for round two!
My “Kit”
In biking and triathlon parlance, the outfit you wear is called a “kit.” The last one I purchased was way back in 2008, so I knew I was in serious need of an upgrade if I was going to make it comfortably through training and race day.
Tip: triathlons are tough stuff and the last thing you want to worry about is an uncomfortable, badly fitted kit. Make sure you take some time to find one that works for you!
After a bit of googling to see what new options were out there, I discovered a new-to-me brand of women’s specific kits that had excellent reviews for comfort and function. Coeur Sports kits are made in the USA and designed by female endurance athletes. AKA, ladies who know that the last things we want to deal with out there on the road are muffin top, riding up, embarrassing sheerness, chafing, or unflattering creasing in the frontal area. These women were speaking my language. SOLD!
So I reached out Coeur to ask if they would be interested in sponsoring me with a new kit ahead of my big triathlon, and they said yes! Talk about some serious shine theory. I was so impressed with their enthusiasm, customer service, support, and the kit itself that I had to give them a shoutout. I especially love the gear pockets in the top and bottom, and the extra comfy seat lining. Thank you for making me look good out there, Coeur Sports!
// sizing // my top is an extra small and the bottoms are a size small
Other than my kit, here’s a full list of everything else I needed for race-day:
The Basics
- gear bag to transport stuff into the transition area
- waterproof sunscreen
- athletic sunglasses
- extra water bottles
- energy gel
- sports drink
- race belt or safety pins
- grease rag for the bike
- foam roller
- body glide
- extra TP
- electrical tape to make any emergency bike adjustments
Swim
- wetsuit
- goggles
- swim cap (provided by the race)
Bike
- bike shoes
- socks
- helmet
- water bottle (make sure it is full!)
- flat tire kit
- multi-tool
- bike pump
Run
- hat
- bungie shoe laces (make them easier + quicker to get on)
Post Race
- shower-free cleansing towelette to wash off the muck
- extra set of dry clothes
- towel
- delicious snack
Leave a comment below and tell me about your race-day essentials so I can add them to my list for next time!