Please Help...newbie with no idea what to wear

[laurabeth330]

I am brand new to triathlons and training for the Findlay Sprint tri in June, but I have no idea what to wear!! I would appreciate any suggestions as to good tri shorts and tops for a beginner...and also where to buy them.

I would especially appreciate feedback from any ladies out there as to a good tri top that that is supportive enough for the running portion. I am very worried about that!

Thanks in advance for your help. I am so glad to have found this forum as it has already provided some great insight and tips.

[jen]

Hi laurabeth330!

Congratulations on entering the world of triathlons!

When I first got involved (2008) I invested in tri tops and tri shorts. Second Sole (in Rocky river) has a decent selection of tri wear like that. They are not cheap! BUT..hopefully you will fall in love with the sport and it will be an excellent investment!

As far as the support, well I might not be the best to ask about that as I don't have any of those issues. I think there might be some who do feel more comfortable "doubling up" with a sports bra underneath but obviously it's what your most comfortable in. Best thing is to find something you like and give it a tri before the actually race.

Jen

[jen]

Oops...when I say "they" are not cheap I don't mean Second sole! I mean tri shorts and tops (roughly 50-70 a piece) fyi

[jimdehner]

Welcome to the world of tri -
You will see people wearing all kinds of things out here (not a pretty sight) - so don't worry o much
You didn't mention if you plan to swim in a wet suit - assuming you will - try to test swim whatever you plan to wear on the bike and run under your wet suit - you will find out wear it rubs - liberally apply "body glide" to those areas before the swim (not do not use vasiline - it will eat your wet suit) - good luck

[Des]

its a great sport and has so many opportunities, hope youll enjoy it all.

Its difficult to find a good tri top with a built in bra and its mostly by trial and error to find out what suits you the best. Orca and louis garneau do some great tops - they dry quickly and are comfortable for the swim, bike and the run, but you need to wear a bra under those. Some of the ladies I know have actually had sports bras sewn into their trisuits. Some swim in a sports bra and then pop a top over when they get on the bike which they use for the run as well. But this gets tricky as you are wet and the top sticks. Sadly as Jen said the clothing isnt cheap, but sometimes there are good sales in Cleveland, great discounts for the tri club and even on the internet...and unfortunately one can never have enough tri clothing Seriously though, whatever you choose to wear tri it out before and make sure you are comfortable and that its good in the wet and the dry and you are comfortable - thats the most important. If youre wearing a wetsuit in the sprint this is especially important cause it can all stick under your arms etc - not so comfortable. Have fun on your first sprint - youll be back, its addictive.

[Des]

Most important "be comfortable" .............did I say that already?

[traciezamiska]

hi laura and welcome! i have a pair of these de soto capris that i love!! www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=wcarrera&ProdID=WCTC

i have to wear a bra along with my shirt i have a few different tanks, north face, nike that are lightweight and made out of great wicking material and are usually dry shortly into my bike. i have special sports bras that i wear for race day and i can't for the life of me remember the brand but can look tonight when i'm home. they are also both lightweight and the material they are made out of dries quickly from the water. good luck!!!

[laurabeth330]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I hope to get to Second Sole this weekend and check our their selection of tri gear so I have plenty of time to tri it out before race day in June.