Triathletes love their toys! Not only do they love their toys, but they love to talk about their toys.  If you are not into triathlons you might be bored witless by this post. We are leaving on Wednesday for Florida, so I am compiling my checklist of things I need for Ironman Florida.

I remember a story I read in Triathlete Magazine several years ago when professional triathlete  Craig Walton had forgotten to pack his bike cleats and only realized it when he was at T1 and ready to hop on the bike. What to do? He ended up putting on his running shoes and doing the bike leg in them.  The good news is that he still came in 1st.

2XU Comp Wetsuit, full sleeve

2002 Kestral Talon 57 cm full carbon fiber, monocoque construction, Shimano Ultegra groupset with Dura-Ace 12-23 cassette.Profile Design Aerobars.

Since reading that article, I have a triathlon checklist attached to my transition bag.

SWIM: 2XU Comp Wetsuit, full sleeve, Sable swim googles, Tyr swim jammers underneath.

BIKE:  Kestrel Talon bike set-up. Reynolds Strike Full Carbon Wheelset (clincher, 66 mm profile) Michelin Pro3 20mm race tires pumped to 135 psi. (If you want comfort, stay home and sit on a Lazy-Boy),Seat: Selle San Marco Astride carbon fiber seat. (I get more comments on this than anything. Despite its looks, it is very comfortable. Carbon fiber is good about dampening road vibrations and the seat is slick so there is no chaffing from shifting positions.)  Pearl Izumi road cleats, Smartwool bike socks, Zoot tri-suit with another pair of Pearl Izumi bike shorts over the top.

Seat: Selle San Marco Astride carbon-fiber seat

Run: Brooks Glycerin running shoes, Smartwool running socks. Lucky Ironman visor. Rudy Project photochromatic sunglasses.  Zoot tri-suit .