Non-essential essentials every triathlete needs on race day

There are really only a few things you need to race a triathlon. You need goggles for the swim, a bike and helmet for the ride, and shoes for the run. Of course, these are things you need in order to simply finish a triathlon, but there are other pieces of gear that will set you up for success in racing. Here are some non-essential essentials that you’ll definitely miss if you forget them at your next race.

Elastic laces

You don’t want to waste any time in transition, and elastic laces for your running shoes will help avoid that. All you need to do is slip your shoe on, pull the laces, and boom—you’re ready to go. The alternative is using regular laces, which will not only take time to tie but could also become undone mid-run. Skip that hassle and get some elastic laces to give yourself the best shot at a quick transition.

Gels

Even if you’re racing a short event, it’s a good idea to have some gels. If you feel drained on the bike or during the run, a gel will give you the boost you need to get you to the finish line. If you’re in a longer race, a nutrition plan will be key for your success, and if you execute it properly, you won’t feel close to bonking at all.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t going to help you during the race, but it is certainly important to include in your triathlon bag. At the very least, you should apply it before the swim (giving yourself enough time to let it set so it doesn’t all wash off in the water), but if you keep a bottle in transition, you can re-apply before and after the ride. Spray sunscreen is great for a fast transition, as you can cover yourself pretty quickly. Again, it’s not necessary for the race, but you’ll regret not using it in the days following the event.

Race belt

You’ll get safety pins with your bib at every race, but do you really want to pin it to your body for a full triathlon? A race belt is a great alternative. On top of saving you from a pin-prick, a race belt can hold your gels.

Towel

A towel is great for your transition area. You can lay it out under your bike and put everything you’ll need during the race on it. This will help you establish your territory (some people get greedy with space in transition zones) and ensure that you don’t forget anything (gels, your sunglasses, etc.) as you dash through T1 and T2. Additionally, if you get a bright towel, this will help you find your spot during the race. You might think you’ll have no trouble getting back to your stuff, but when you’re in the middle of a race, it can be easy to forget. A bright towel will make that easier, saving you time and energy in transition.