My First Triathlon

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BRAT Encourages First Timers

BRAT loves helping people complete their first triathlon, like Shannan in the photo at her first one…she did so well at our BRAT Club Race and through BRATs continues to thrive in triathlon.

Join us and we can:

  • Our Club Races have a professional coach to give you advice

  • Our training program is designed by professional coaches so you will be well prepared

  • Chat during training and get every tip and trick from triathletes who have mastered sprints to Kona Ironman Championships

  • Understand how important nutrition is and find out all the options direct from members, from vegan to caffeine free we can help

  • Train in a safe and supportive environment

  • Most races have many members also racing, so you can develop a cheer squad that will support you

Check out our BRATStars to see how diverse we are and be inspired.

Joining BRATs will significantly increase your chances of success, we will also ensure you make new friends and learn from the champions who love to welcome first timers.

Join BRATs

Triathlon Check List

Ensuring your have the right gear come race day is vital to improve confidence, reduce stress and enjoy your day.

This list is for any races up to 70.3 Ironman or Full Ironman, those lists can be found here.

Swim.

  • Goggles and anti mist spray or wipes

  • BRAT Swim cap (most races no longer supply them) and wear that over your googles in case they get knocked off

  • Tri-suit (swim, ride and run in a tri-suit without anything on underneath to avoid chaffing). This can also be lycra swim shorts and racing top, however they generally don’t have padding for the ride

  • Wetsuit (subject to race approval) and anti chaffing cream for where the wetsuit rubs (neck, chest, thighs)

  • Suncream (generally missed, but as the race goes on it is much needed)

  • Aeroguard (some early morning races have flies and mosquitos)

  • Flip flop shoes and light jacket to walk around in before the race and after you have set up your gear


Ride.

  • Lights to ride to the check-in with as it is always dark (then you can take off)

  • Bike with tyres pumped up and serviced within the last month

  • Helmet and cycle cap (for under your helmet to protect against the sun and rain)

  • Cycle shoes and BRAT socks (if you can avoid socks it is quicker for transition but you need to get used to this in training)

  • Sunglasses

  • BRAT Gloves

  • Bike computer (many prevent auto off so it is turned on post swim)

  • Hydro / water bottle (one per hour of riding, noting most races over 60km in length have aid stations on the ride to get more from in - which case use bottles you are happy to throw away)

  • Food (one clif bar or similar per hour of riding)

  • Salt tablet (one per hour of riding)

  • Gel or peeled mandarine to eat after the swim if choppy and you need to settle your stomach (optional)

  • Spare tube, gas cartridge and tyre changing bits

  • Bike pump


Run.

  • Run shoes (upside down in plastic bag if raining)

  • Socks (if using socks, then a spare pair in case of rain)

  • BRAT Cap

  • Race belt (holds your Race number, salt tablets, gels)

  • Salt tablet (one per hour of running)

  • Suncream (top up, if needed)

  • Tri watch

Transition Area.

  • Towel to lay your gear on to the right of your bike

    • fold it in half width ways (so it is long and skinny)

    • run gear at the top, cycle gear at the bottom

  • Towel to dry off with (also lay on top of gear to protect from rain)

  • Extra snacks (banana, hydro / water, spare clif)

  • Panadol and anti gastro tablets

  • Street Bag (a backpack that you can store you post race gear in) that most races let you store securely outside of transition area

An interview with BRAT Coach Ben Vidal Maestro about the final week of preparation and race tactics for a triathlon.