As my training season progresses I am starting to think of the new gear I will likely need between now and September. I have already ordered new training tires for my bike, since my current Vittorias are pretty thin. I am getting Vittoria Rubino III Wired tires, since they get excellent mileage, and are puncture resistant. In late July I will order my Continental Grand Prix 4000 S tires so I can have a month or so of ride time before my race.
Tires are just the beginning, though a vital beginning. I will need new running shoes by then, my Sauconeys are holding up okay, but they will be pounded down soon enough. I can't afford to not have good foot protection. I have decided to race in Sauconeys, they are zero rise but offer some padding to absorb the pounding of running on pavement. That is why I bought my current pair, and they have done right by my feet. Yes, I do prefer a minimal shoe for trail running, but this year I am having to be more event specific in my training, so trail running is on the back burner for now.
My cycling shoes are in sad shape. I bought them used at Next Adventure, and I do love them, but a certain dog, who's name will go unmentioned (*cough* Sadie *cough*) loves them too, and they are showing that love in a missing strap and some teeth marks. I am hoping to find another pair of Shimanos at Next Adventure so I don't have to pay full price. Cycling shoes are a little easier to buy used, I think, since they don't take quite the abuse of running shoes. I plan on looking into custom insoles since my feet will start to hurt after a few hours on the bike.
Cycling shorts are on the list as well. My favorite pair are getting a lot of use and I don't want to be riding 138 mile on mashed down padding. They will be a little harder to replace, I've realized I'm pretty specific when it comes to fit and padding in my shorts. And fit and padding are vital if I don't want my delicate girly bits getting beat to hell.
I still need the proper stem so I can change out my handlebars. I have an awesome pair of ergonomic bars just waiting to be installed, but they won't fit my current stem. I am still debating getting a shorter stem to bring my arms in a bit, but in all honesty I can spend a lot of time on my bike very comfortably. In long course triathlon comfort trumps aero to a degree. My bike handles well, I am comfortable, and get good power in the way I have it set up now, so I kind of hate to mess with success. Yes, I want the new bars because the one thing that starts to hurt are my hands, so I want/need to get the new bars installed with new padded tape.
The wish list can get vast if I let it: new aero bars, better gloves, bigger bento box (this is actually important, I need to be able to pack enough fuel), new seat, padded tape, Under Armor underwear (actually, kind of important to avoid chafing), Body Glide (also to avoid chafing), socks, shirts, water bottles, a water bottle rack for between my aero bars with a tube so I can drink without taking my hands off the bars. The list could go on an on.
Even being a budget triathlete can be a very expensive endeavor. I haven't even paid my race fee yet, since I am waiting to know if I can complete the longer distance. I am becoming more certain with each passing week, although my running keeps getting derailed with injuries and aches. My cycling and swimming right on course, and those are essential, especially the cycling. But 138 miles, g'damn, that is a long ride.
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