It can seem overwhelming when you first get into the sport of triathlon.  Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions:

WHAT GEAR DO I NEED TO COMPETE IN A TRIATHLON?
SWIM:
*Goggles
*Swimsuit or tri suit (using a tri suit means you don't have to change clothes during the race)
*Swim cap (provided by the race but you'll need to bring your own for a pool swim)
*Wetsuit (for open water swims when the temperature allows; helps keep warm & buoyant)

BIKE:
*Bike (any type will do but road and tri bikes are more faster for longer distance races)
*Helmet (required for all races; be sure to put it on & buckle it closed before leaving the transition)
*Bike shoes (if you have clipless pedals.  If you have regular pedals, running shoes will work)
*Sunglasses (helps keep bugs, eyes, & road debris out of your eyes)
*Water bottle(s) (be sure to practice drinking while you are riding)
*Nutrition (energy drinks, bars, and/or gels)
*Pump (pump your tires the morning of the race)
*Layers (i.e., arm warmers, leg warmers, jersey, jacket, etc. if it is going to be cool)
*Spare tubes (in case you get a flat)
*CO2 cartridges/frame pump (to inflate tire if you get a flat)
*Tools (to change the flat)
*Gloves (optional)
~Note: if you take your front wheel off to transport your bike to the race, be sure to bring your front wheel! 

RUN:
*Run shoes
*Socks
*Race number belt (to attach your race number to)
*Sunglasses
*Hat/visor
*Energy gels (if run leg distance requires nutrition)

MISC:
*ID & USAT number (required to check in at the race)
*Registration confirmation
*Directions to the race
*Race numbers & timing chip (picked up during packet pick up)
*Course maps
*Body Glide (helps reduce chafing & makes easier to take off wetsuit)
*Towel (a brightly colored one may be helpful in finding your bike in the transition area)
*Sunscreen
*Watch
*Chip strap (many races provide one)
*Clothes & shoes to change into after the race
*Money


HOW DO I TRAIN FOR A TRIATHLON?
It's not as hard as it seems!  Tri Fred has group workouts, indoor triathlons, and clinics with topics that cover everything you will need to know about training and racing in a fun & friendly environment.  You will also find that many of our meetings are focused on different training techniques & tools to help you get started or to improve your skills as a triathlete.  Check out the Home page and the Group Workout page for more information.


HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A TRIATHLON?
Check out the local race schedule on the Race Calendar page.


WHERE ARE THE LOCAL BIKE & RUN STORES?
Old Towne Bicycles (one of our sponsors) - Fredericksburg
Bike Works - Fredericksburg
Revolution Cycles - Stafford
Bike Stop (one of our sponsors) - Culpeper
VA Runner (one of our sponsors) - Fredericksburg


Come to the next Tri Fred meeting to get more of your questions answered and meet our friendly members!