This is the third article in a series to get you and me ready for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on May 3, 2008 at the Gulf State Park Pavilion. I hope you took my advice and started swimming. The swimming leg is the first leg of the race because it is the one that is most dangerous. The potential of negative consequences of bad swimming are greater than those in biking or running. A rough open water swim can also be scary and disheartening. So start swimming.
Let’s move on to the topic of equipment. Did you have goggles when you started swimming? I bet you want some now. A good pair will cost $10-$20. I got my current pair at the big box retailer that starts with the letter, ‘W’. You can buy $2 goggles on the beach toy aisle, but I don’t recommend that.
Do you have a bicycle? 150 million Americans own a bicycle. In our country more bikes were sold in 2005 than automobiles. My point is that you probably can get access to a bike. Don’t go out and buy one yet until you try a few out. I have a friend who bought three bikes within 10 months of doing his first triathlon. I think he is on bike number six right now.
If you are considering a purchase or upgrade from your junior high era bicycle, know that new bikes are just like a new set of golf clubs. The golf clubs and bike have the same kinds of materials: carbon, aluminum, titanium, etc… You can spend anywhere from $100 to $6,000. The first bike I raced on cost me $173. My current racing bike cost me about $2,000. And it came without pedals or a kickstand! Go to an Ironman Triathlon and see that almost all bikes average $4,000 and up.
One thing you absolutely have to own on race day is a helmet. According to the rules, you must wear a helmet during the race. The chinstrap must be snapped at all times when the helmet is worn. A helmet costs $20 and up. They all must meet the same safety standards. The prices increase as weight decreases. More money may also get a cool color or more air vents for your scalp.
The simple explanation of the helmet rule on triathlon race day is: if you are touching your bike the helmet needs to be on with the chinstrap snapped. This means if you are riding the bike or just pushing it through the transition area.
Next time we will discuss riding the bike and wearing the helmet.
To register for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, go to www.team-magic.com.Right now the cost to register is $80 for an individual and $115 for a relay team. You can register online or download a form to complete and mail. Sponsors and volunteers are also needed so please visit www.alabamabeachsports.com.
About the author:
A 1982 graduate of the University of South Alabama, David Lloyd is a triathlon veteran after participating in more than 100 events in the last 18 years. His career highlight so far has been finishing the 2006 Ironman Florida, which features a 112 mile bike ride. David resides in Gulf Shores with his wife and two daughters.
