This time in particular I didn't get my suit until last week...which isn't ideal. I would have liked to have had it a couple weeks ago (at least) so that I could have used it in a couple longer workouts to make sure I felt comfortable in it, but in the NON-STOP world I (and most of us) live in, if I even get 1 solid workout in with the new outfit... I'm a happy camper.
I know that race day outfits will vary from the elite/professional triathletes with head to toe matching TRI SPECIFIC GEAR to the first timer with bathing suit and shorts----AND that what people are wearing may not necessarily be any indication of how well they will do during the race. Let's face it, even if your suit repels water, it doesn't mean it will swim for you, or if you have a super lite carbon fiber bike, it's not going to pedal itself up the bridges. You are going to inevitably have to put in the leg work. However, I am aware that there are benefits to dressing appropriately for the occasion, so lets take a look at what I found.
Things I was looking for...
For the Bike- comfortable for my buttock (24 miles), shorts long enough to prevent high leg chafing, shorts that don't squeeze my leg too tight nor waist either (creating the dreaded muffin top look) and that are not too LONG-- (I don't like the way that looks or feels, personal opinion-plus terrible tan lines to get rid of later).
For the Run- something COOL(as in breathable) that I won't feel super claustrophobic in.
Overall I was looking for something that I could be comfortable in, wouldn't SLOW ME DOWN, had the least amount of wardrobe changes to shorten the amount of time I'm in the transition zone, within my budget, and (let's face it) something that looked good too! We all know that when you think you look good, you feel better, and you feel stronger--the mind in a powerful weapon, and so is your EGO!
The Search...
PROs
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If you opted out of the TRI-SUIT options, then you have a couple other decisions to make. Some lower budget options are doing the tri in a full piece or 2 piece (sports) bathing suit then quickly slipping some biking shorts over your bathing suit in transition so that you can bike comfortable and later run with that same outfit.
After checking out many online sites, and a couple local stores, and squeezing into a couple different types of suits...I finally found the perfect little black dress for the occasion (or shall I say- suit)! Loved the fit, the shorts were a good length, it had a zipper in the front that will allow me to unzip a little during the run, a built in sports bra, just enough padding for the bike ride but not too bulky for the run, and within my budget ($100). Lets see how my suit works out for me come RACE DAY! Good luck picking out your RACE DAY OUTFIT, just make sure you KEEP IT TIGHT & KEEP IT LIGHT! P.S. I got mine at SWIM BIKE RUN where they have 20% off All Women's Tri-Suits and you don't have to pay shipping costs. #STAYLOCAL |
Sports Authority Sports Chalet |