"I got a million ways to get it (uh-huh)
choose one!"
This is my confession that the Swizz beats intro to the Jay Z song "On to the Next One" gets stuck in my head ALL the time. I don't know if it's the catchy beat or that - this song encapsulates one approach I love to take towards my training and goals in running (sometimes life). I have a whole basket of stuff I want to do, a list that grows everyday. I live for that list. It's a matter of luck and time and opportunity and some work in what ends up happening. A million ways to go - one thing on the list whose time has come- is my first triathlon!
Today I signed up for the mighty hamptons triathlon, set for Sunday, September 10, 2017! I put off the idea of a tri for me a long time, even though it seems a natural progression for someone who likes endurance and water sports. For a long time, a reason I hesitated to sign up for one because Iwasn't prepared to invest in a bunch of new gear and packing it up for race day. One of the most amazing things about running marathons has been that I can travel places with shorts, a t shirt and backpack sneakers tied to the outside, and be set for race day. I love that freedom so much and didn't have a vision of how I would replicate in a slightly more complicated sport. But I can sure tri!
In all my running events I was exposed to a lot of other athletes stoked on the tri and it seemed like doing at least one would be a cool way to understand the hype.
So I'm approaching this tri the same way I would one of my races, starting with the courage to sign up! As for my desire to not accumulate tons of gear and stuff in anticipation of the race, well, if I figure out how to be the most minimalist triathlete I can be, that's part of the fun!
A quick google search shows the blog name "Minimalist Triathlete" is definitely open - although I know minimalist triathletes are out there because of an urban legend! I love to talk to people on the plane or bus or train and you never know what lingering inspiration this can expose you to. When I was coming back to NY from running a marathon in San Sebastián, my seatmate (a badass in her own right (a mom in the process of an international adoption) reading the book "you are a badass") told me about a triathlete she knew who stayed in hostels with just her bike, one shirt, and one pair of shorts she hand washed every night. This prominent figure in my imagination is #MinimalistTriathleteGoals.
Anyway, as a starting point, I have been watching videos of past years to get a sense of the transitions and reading checklists for the different recommended gear. It seems like a lot of the optional/additional gear in triathlon, like special shoes for cycling without socks, or abuoyantwetsuit, is designed to take seconds off your time by giving a little advantage on transition time or efficiency. So it's a really cool challenge to me to be able to train myself to smoothly transition or swim with as little as possible. I want to learn about the ins and outs of tris and the gear, but be creative on how to get around answering these problems with stuff!
SWIM:
Goggles: $9
to swim without water in your eyes? this works sans goggles with surfing so maybe it's whatever
Swim Cap: $10 or Free on Race Day
kylie jenner braids could work too
Wetsuit: $186 $45 to rent
can i go sans wetsuit in 65 degree water? or wear a 1mm surfsuit I already own and love?
OR
Wetsuit Rental $45
Swim Earbuds $40
BIKE:
Bike helmet
non-negotiable and I have one
Bike
I have a total beater mountain bike I would love to restore to its former glory!
Cycling Shoes: $100
I never clipped in as a kid but I will have to practice cycling for like 25 miles
Tire Kit $21
If I got a flat tire I might just be that girl
RUN:
Running kit
Never the issue!
Tri Running Shoes $90
How about I just put on my socks really fast? GO!
Anyone with real experience have some recommendations?