Hello friends and amazing FTP members. It's the Coeur Sports team here (real humans clicking these keys) and we want to share our perspective on how to think about clothing for your first race.
It's a question that we hear frequently and we're excited to share these options with you.
1. The Two Go-to Basics
A sprint race is relatively short and we're yet to see one with a changing tent. Because of that you need to be thoughtful about what you're wearing since any changing that you do will be in the bright light of day! Fortunately, there are combinations of clothing that work, so let's check them out.
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A Sports Bra + Tri Shorts: Swim in your sports bra and tri shorts then just towel off in Transition Area One aka "T-1" and go! This is a super popular option with the ladies on the Coeur team, but there are some races that might require you to put on a top. If that's the case, just towel off in T-1, throw on a T-shirt then launch off into the run. If you do skip wearing a t-shirt make sure you're wearing sunscreen.
- A Performance Swimsuit + Shorts: A swimsuit designed for racing is in a completely different universe when compared to that frilly number worn at the beach, so be sure you're wearing a suit that is hydrodynamic and that is designed for swimming. Then, just do the swim in your suit and throw on a pair of tri shorts in T1 (along with socks) and you're ready for the bike and run. If you're pushing for a Personal Record, you can even bike and run in just the swimsuit. It can be a bit tough on the uhm...Southern Hemisphere, but this is exactly what the Pros racing the Olympic Distance events do. As with the Shorts and Sports Bra option, if the Race requires that you wear a top, just add a technical t-shirt and go.
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Words to the Wise...Avoid Cotton: While you can put on a cotton t-shirt or top if you must for the run, cotton holds water like a sponge. That's why synthetic, quick-drying or technical fabrics like spandex became so popular.
2. The Upgrade: Tri Kit or Tri Suit
If you know you’re in this sport for the long haul (and we certainly hope you are) or you simply want maximum comfort from day one, then consider investing in a two piece tri kit or perhaps even a tri suit.
The two piece option of tri shorts and a top is popular because it give you flexibility especially if you do have to make a potty break!
The beauty of tri shorts and a tri top is that these garments are specifically designed for...you guessed it, triathlon. The shorts have a pad that is engineered so that you can swim without feeling like you have a sponge in your shorts. In addition, there are tight pockets on the shorts and the top that stay tight to your body during the swim but they can be used for storage of gels, or small bottles when you're out on the bike and run.
The triathlon suit is is an engineering and design marvel and it was not only build for the three disciplines, but it was also designed to be fast and aerodynamic. Coeur offers suits with special dimpled fabrics, laser cut smooth leggings, and complex stitching. The tradeoff is bathroom access and the ladies racing it tri kits basically just wait until after the race.
You definitely don't need a tri suit for your first sprint, but we wanted to share the details for when you're ready to really light it up on course!
Both options (tri shorts plus top and the tri suit) contain garments engineered for performance and comfort. They both
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Feature quick-drying, breathable fabric designed to go straight from water to bike, to the run course.
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Include a thin, integrated pad in the shorts that is designed for swimming, biking and running. To that end, if you'll forgive me, I'll put in a little pitch for the Coeur tri shorts. We use a process where the seams of the pad are kept out of the...uhm...sensitive areas and we call it the seam-free chamois or the "No Angry Kitty" chamois. It's a more complicated sewing process for the factory, but given the area we're working with, the extra effort is definitely worth it! Also, unlike bulky cycling pads (which feel like wearing a wet diaper after the swim), a tri pad gives you cushion on the saddle without hindering your running stride and you can race any distance including full Iron and more in it.
3. Where it does make sense to spend a little $$
While you can improvise on most of your outfit, a few targeted investments early on will protect your body and make your race experience vastly better. For example
- Properly Fitted Running Shoes: If there is one place to open your wallet, it’s at a local specialty running store. Running off the bike puts unique stress on fatigued legs, and wearing worn-out or ill-fitting shoes is a fast track to shin splints or plantar fasciitis. Get analyzed by a professional to match a shoe to your gait, and consider swapping standard laces for elastic lock laces so you can slip them on instantly with wet feet in transition.
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A High Quality Sports Bra: High-impact support that dries quickly and doesn't chafe underwater is worth every penny.
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Goggles That Don't Leak: A comfortable pair of tinted or polarized swim goggles that seal properly to your face will keep you from panicking in open water
The Bottom Line
For your first sprint, wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and cool. Focus on your pacing, practice your transitions, and soak in the energy at the finish line. The reality is that the aerodynamic benefits from expensive gear are minimal in a sprint distance race.
Once you cross that line and fall in love with the sport, you can start dialing in the gear for your next big adventure.
Welcome to the Coeur Family and we can’t wait to see you out on course!
Your friends at Coeur!