WTF is a tri-suit? And do I HAVE to wear one?
I have to say it. Tri-suits are pretty unflattering.
But hear me out.
Triathletes by nature are very slim, lean and have an athletic frame. So I have no idea how one of this cycling shorts and vest top combined- like a sort of sporty playsuit I suppose, will look on my curvy 5 ft 2” frame. Slightly less athletic I imagine.
So I’ve been doing some online shopping and it is very foreign to someone who likes wearing patterned leggings and sports bras with the flattering straps on them. Maybe it is a case of actually trying one on and seeing how it looks? I hope.
Tri-suits are designed though to be comfortable and flexible, so that you are able to swim, cycle and run in them without any issues. They still feel weird to me! On top of that, triathlons can be expensive, so my aim is to find affordable options that get the job done. But, the issue is keeping track of just how much stuff you need to buy...
For example: Tri-suit, wet suit, goggles, bike, helmet, emergency bike repair kit, cycling shoes, bike pedals, race belt, trainers, elastic shoe laces.. and then energy gels, energy drinks, recovery drinks and more.
At least I have a plethora of the energy gels and tablets that have come free in the goody bags from my triathlete partner's and my races.
My main concern with tri-suits however, is comfort. If they’re not comfortable, how am I ever going to survive for 3-4 hours competing in it?
I recently bought some new goggles as my previous pair were scuffed and I could barely see out of them. Wearing the new ones was like trying on glasses for the first time and you can see everything in sharp focus. It was a revelation! I also ended up with deep marks around my eyes where I hadn't got the fit just right yet. Ouch.
I'm still learning!
As much as online reviews are helpful and informative, it also comes down to your own experience and needs. I found this lovely tri-suit (pictured) at www.Wiggle.co.uk for a reasonable price (I also had gift vouchers!) and it fits nicely.
Here's a hand tip for you: go for a slightly bigger size, as they are meant to be tight fitting.
Where are your favourite places to buy sportswear? Is there a triathlon brand or shop or website that you rate highly?
Here are some of my newly discovered websites that I will be using to kit myself out and look like a pro. Well, maybe.
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