any triathletes here?

Sunidaze · September 2012

DH really wants to get into the whole triathlon, Ironman thing (I think he signed up for his first half -70.3 - ironman next summer). Anyway...starting to plan my Christmas gifts and would like to get him something useful for him for his training. I'm thinking buying him this Garmin GPS watch he wants (if he hasn't already bought it by then because that is pretty much how we roll...we see something we want, we think on it a bit and then just buy it ourselves) but is there anything else that would be a nice gift for someone into that sort of thing?

carlab44 · September 2012

That's impressive that he is jumping right into a 70.3! Is he an avid runner/biker/swimmer already? Or is he just starting out and needs the basics?

I love my Garmin watch (have the 305). You could also look into getting him a bike trainer so he can ride indoors during the winter. Or a trisuit?

Sunidaze · September 2012

He actually did a triathlon back in '07. He finished, but was near the back of the back not the front. This year, for whatever reason, he decided that he was going to get serious about his training and get competitive. He hasn't participated in any events yet because he doesn't feel ready and he ended up signing up for the Muncie Ironman as that extra motivation he needed/kickstart to his training. He has always been a runner (just retired in July from 25 years of military - active duty and national guard) and this year he has really been working on his swimming - started with beginning swim classes at the Y progressing to the master level and then the tri classes. He's third shift (cop) so often he has his bike with him and when he gots off work will ride the trails in the area. He does have a trainer for indoor (and he has occasionally done spin classes with me) but I don't know the quality. I do know he wants to get a new bike next year...but um...yeah, we also want to build a house in a couple of years and he needs a new vehicle soon.

When you say 'trisuit' what exactly are you referring to? He did get a body suit for swimming (not the full leg arm, but shorts/short sleeves) and he has at least one pair of the padded bike shorts.

JKohio · September 2012

My DH has completed 3 triathlons now. He isn't aiming for Ironman level though because training takes longer than he has with his work schedule and job type. But, some things that might make good gifts (if he doesn't already have them) would include: a wetsuit, tri specific short and singlet (my DH prefers those to a 1 piece suit), Road ID identification bracelet, a race 'number belt'. Good luck!

dbadura01 · September 2012

I've done 4 triathlons this year...Tri shorts are a good idea. Bike shorts have too much padding and look/feel like a diaper after swimming in them. I would also say a good tri bag... this makes packing and the transition area much easier. Indoor trainer is also a great idea. Be sure to read the reviews on those as some are much better quality than others.

Janell's Nest · September 2012

I just did my first Tri last weekend, and am going to Racine next year for the 70.3. Besides what others have said tri suit (this is a one piece suit that goes under the wetsuit, and can bike and run in), wet suit, good gps trainer...the garmin will allow you to download the Ironman maps so you can run the bike course on the trainer, I'd recommend a good pair of goggles for the swim (I swear by aqua sphere).

The biggest thing is a good bike. You can do an Ironman on a road bike but I'd recommend just getting a good road bike or tri bike. I finally made the jump this summer to a full carbon bike and the weight difference is measurable, and the "I pedal" vs. "the bike pedals for me" is phenomenal!

Good for your husband for going for it. I have two people in my life who do Ironman distances, one does the full, the other does the half, and they said the biggest thing is really committing to the training all the time, which is where most people fai, so tell your husband to focus on that training and not give up!

Ironmom2be · September 2012

All the ideas here are great (Garmin, trainer, tri shorts)

You could also do a new helmet, bike shoes, new goggles, if you really have money to spend a powermeter, zipp wheels or a new bike There is a huge range of great triathlon gifts out there!! I hope he enjoys the sport, I love it!! My husband and I are both triathletes (both done multiple Ironmans) it's the best sport to find balance, discipline and competitiveness!

ras26 · September 2012

Ironmom2be:
All the ideas here are great (Garmin, trainer, tri shorts)
You could also do a new helmet, bike shoes, new goggles, if you really have money to spend a powermeter, zipp wheels or a new bike There is a huge range of great triathlon gifts out there!! I hope he enjoys the sport, I love it!! My husband and I are both triathletes (both done multiple Ironmans) it's the best sport to find balance, discipline and competitiveness!

Wow, zipp wheels! That's going all out!! DH and I have both done 1 full lM and multiple 70.3s. He's training for his second 140.6, so tri gifts are always on the list. All the above ideas are good; I'd add nice sunglasses (like Oakleys) where you can change the lenses based on the conditions. I got DH a pair and then later got him the persimmon lenses for lower light on the bike, but he still gets eye protection. For training you could get him a bike jersey featuring his favorite thing (like sports team). For winter running, you could get a headlamp and other cold-weather accessories (tights, fleece beanie, coldgear shirt, etc). If he doesn't have them already, get him a decent set of bike tools and a maintenance book. It's always good to know how to do a few little things yourself.

That's all I can think of for now. Good luck to your DH!!

Ironmom2be · September 2012

ras26:
Ironmom2be:
All the ideas here are great (Garmin, trainer, tri shorts)
You could also do a new helmet, bike shoes, new goggles, if you really have money to spend a powermeter, zipp wheels or a new bike There is a huge range of great triathlon gifts out there!! I hope he enjoys the sport, I love it!! My husband and I are both triathletes (both done multiple Ironmans) it's the best sport to find balance, discipline and competitiveness!
Wow, zipp wheels! That's going all out!! DH and I have both done 1 full lM and multiple 70.3s. He's training for his second 140.6, so tri gifts are always on the list. All the above ideas are good; I'd add nice sunglasses (like Oakleys) where you can change the lenses based on the conditions. I got DH a pair and then later got him the persimmon lenses for lower light on the bike, but he still gets eye protection. For training you could get him a bike jersey featuring his favorite thing (like sports team). For winter running, you could get a headlamp and other cold-weather accessories (tights, fleece beanie, coldgear shirt, etc). If he doesn't have them already, get him a decent set of bike tools and a maintenance book. It's always good to know how to do a few little things yourself.
That's all I can think of for now. Good luck to your DH!!

LOL, I thought I'd throw that out there...so many people have Zipps it seems like "the norm" now!

I love the bike tool idea. Park Tools has a GREAT tool kit (considering it for my H- he tunes all our bikes himself) We have a great Park Tool bike stand that collapses like a tripod so when we're not using it, it doesn't take up much space.

Love that there are triathletes here I'll get back into it as soon as my IF journey ends with success

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