Racing Gear

    I do know that racing is more about training than gear. I do. Honest. Racing is training, building, and learning to drive the supercharged vehicle I have created. But I also know that some basic gear can add to my edge. No, I am not talking about a $5000 high tech, carbon fiber, ultra triathlon bike (though I wouldn't say "no" if someone wanted to give me one), or the latest in gadgets, gizmos, and trendy bits and bobs. I am looking at, and considering a few additions to my gear bag of tricks: a time trials cycling helmet for better aerodynamics, aero bars for Joshua, an aero water bottle for hands free drinking on the bike, Under Armor compression tights, better road running shoes (love my Merrells for trail running, but pavement is hard on my body), and an odometer for Joshua. That's it. Nothing too untoward or excessive. If I were planning on just doing Sprint or even Olympic Triathlons none of this would be much of an issue, but bumping up to Long Course means that my comfort, aero dynamics, and fueling are going to be more critical come race day. This also goes for the hours and hours I will spend training. Nothing can discourage someone from training more than unnecessary discomfort. Yes, there is necessary discomfort, even a level of pain involved, not to mention fatigue and chronic sore muscles. But that just comes with the territory. I want to eliminate as much discomfort as I possibly can while still training balls to the wall. So, I am shopping eBay and Amazon, keeping my eyes peeled at the thrift stores, shopping sales and discount sporting goods stores. As much as I want to add the aforementioned additions, I refuse to pay the exorbitant, full price that most of these items carry. I just can't bring myself to do it. Nonetheless, I do feel that these additions can give me a little bit of a hand on my way to completing my 70.3 mile race in September, as well as the half-marathons and trail runs I have on my summer racing schedule. This is promising to be an epic season, and I want all the help I can get.