🎯 Why is having the right gear essential?
Whether you're hitting the pavement, mountain trails, or tackling three disciplines, having the right equipment is key to performing, and more importantly, to progressing with comfort and in complete safety. Ill-fitting shoes, uncomfortable clothing, or a poorly adjusted pack can turn a run or a race into an ordeal. Taking the time to choose your gear is an essential investment for your enjoyment and performance.
🧰 Basic equipment for running
To start, the most important thing is to have proper clothing and shoes. Here are the basic items by discipline, from the simplest to the most technical.
🏃 Road and running
Running is an accessible sport that requires minimalist equipment to start. The key is comfort and quality.
- Running shoes 👟 : This is the most important piece of equipment. Choose shoes that are comfortable, adapted to your stride, and to the distance. Specialized stores can help you with a gait analysis.
- Sports apparel 👕 : Opt for shorts/tights and a technical t-shirt/tank top (synthetic material) that wicks away sweat. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture.
- Running socks 🧦 : They are designed to limit friction and wick away sweat, thus reducing the risk of blisters.
⛰️ Trail and trail running
Trail running takes place in nature on varied terrain. The equipment must be more specific to handle the varied elevation, weather, and the necessary self-sufficiency.
- Trail shoes 👟 : They are designed with more grippy soles (lugs) and reinforced protection to handle rocks, roots, and mud.
- Hydration pack or vest 💧 : Essential for carrying water, food, a jacket, or other safety equipment on long distances.
- Safety equipment ⛑️ : For races, regulations often require a rain jacket, a whistle, a survival blanket, and a cell phone.
- Trail poles 🦯 : Optional, but very useful on climbs to relieve leg muscles and gain propulsion, and on descents for balance.
🏊♂️ Triathlon: The three-discipline sequence
Triathlon combines swimming, cycling, and running. The challenge lies in the transitions, and the gear is optimized for them.
- Trisuit 🎽 : This is the triathlete's central piece. This unique suit is worn from start to finish, dries quickly, and includes a thin chamois pad for cycling.
- Wetsuit 🧥 : Often mandatory if the water temperature is low (<24 °C), it improves buoyancy and glide.
- Bike 🚴 : A simple road bike is enough to start. More experienced triathletes use specific bikes to optimize their aerodynamics.
- Bike helmet ⛑️ : Mandatory, it must be well-fitting and certified.
🔧 Complementary (but very useful) equipment
Some accessories are not mandatory but can significantly improve your comfort and performance:
- Multisport GPS watch 📱 : The ideal tool to track your distance, pace, and analyze your performance.
- Race number belt 🎫 : Very practical for racing to avoid pinning your number to your clothing.
- Elastic laces 🔄 : To put on your shoes faster during triathlon transitions.
- Visor or cap 🧢 : To protect yourself from the sun and rain, while wicking away sweat.
- Headlamp 🔦 : Essential for running at night, in winter, or on ultra trails.
- Anti-chafing lubricant 🧴 : A miracle product to prevent irritation and blisters on all parts of the body.
🛍️ Buy, rent, or borrow?
You don't need to buy everything from the start. Here are three options depending on your budget:
- 🛒 Buying : Useful for personal items like shoes, clothing, or watches.
- 🔄 Renting : Ideal for testing a wetsuit or a road bike without a massive investment.
- 👥 Borrowing / Second-hand : Clubs, forums, and specialized groups offer good quality used equipment at a lower cost.
Whatever you choose, always test your gear before the race. A new pair of shoes or a suit you've never worn can ruin your race if they don't fit.
📌 Checklist to not forget anything
To help you prepare for your next race, here is a small, simplified checklist to adapt to your discipline:
- ✅ Full outfit (clothing, socks)
- ✅ Running shoes (road or trail)
- ✅ Hydration and food (gels, bars, hydration pack)
- ✅ Race number and pins/belt
- ✅ GPS watch, phone, headlamp
- ✅ Specific gear (bike, helmet, trisuit, poles)
- ✅ Towel, sunscreen, anti-chafing lubricant