Every year more gear
promising increased speed becomes available. In
the 1980s athletes had few choices - grab a bike, a
helmet, some Nike running shoes, and get going.
Since then technology and innovation has brought a
plethora of new equipment onto the market. Here's
a brief run down on the stuff that does make a
difference if your focus is going fast at a
triathlon.
Aerodynamic bike frame
- a specially designed time trial frame like a Cervelo
P3 makes a significant difference over a standard road
frame. However, like I tell my athletes, it's the
engine that makes the biggest difference, not just the
bike.
Aero
wheels - Race wheels like Zipp 404s and Hed3 can
decrease your 40k time by a minute or so in most
conditions. The front wheel makes more of a
difference than the rear wheel.
Aero helmets - they do
work! The Louis Garneau Rocket Air is my personal
favorite.
Swimming wetsuits
- like Blue 70, Quintana Roo, and 2XU can help you go
one or two minutes faster in an Olympic distance
event.
Racing
flats - a lightweight shoe is going to be a bit
faster than a heavy trainer, but use your head - they
also provide less support and cushioning.
Swimskins - in
non-wetsuit races, a swimskin like the Blue 70
PointZero3 will also help you cut through the water a
bit faster than usual.
Nutrition supplements -
it might seem like a no brainer, but keeping a few
protein bars like Powerbar Proteinplus in your car or
gym bag will be great for a post-workout meal.
It's critical to get some nutrition in your body after
any hard training session!
You can find all of
these products at our sponsor's shop,
Inside Out
Sports in
Cary.
