As my BIG race approaches, I get anxious and this week, my tri suit is on top of the ‘maybe I’m doing it wrong’ list. So here is the question: what should I wear on race day?
In my first ever triathlon (Olympic distance), I raced wearing tri shorts and a sports bra. For Ironman 70.3 Gdynia, I upgraded to a one piece (with my logo and all – it’s so fancy! And sooo pink!). Now it’s time to decide what to wear in Cambridge, MD. A girl needs a few weeks for shopping should she need new clothes 😉.
What is a tri suit?
So for the full iron distance, I quickly decided that ‘regular’ workout clothes are not going to be it. You can do it, but you will be changing at each transition and there are rules about indecent exposure, so that may be tricky. Also a waste of time. I think it’s better to find an outfit you can use for the entire time, possibly with a quick additional piece to put on.
Triathlon clothes are basically all skin-tight workout outfits. You want them clinging, so they don’t create drag (especially on the swim leg), but not so tight that you have problems breathing. They also need to be fast-drying, so you don’t have to carry all that water weight with you on the course. Pants of your tri suit will include padding, like your regular bike shorts, but it’s a bit different. First of all, you don’t want it as thick as you would for a cycling event – you’d have ‘fun’ swimming with a wet diaper. Not fun for running, either. But you still want something. Another issue: you want your ‘downstairs bits’ safe and secure for all three legs of the race. On top, you don’t want a flowy, drag-creating cycling jersey. And if you’re a woman, you want to make sure ‘the ladies’ stay put (especially when running).
So what are my options? Basically a one-piece or a two-piece. Each has its pros and cons and they need to be considered carefully.
One-piece
They are lovely! One-piece tri suit works amazingly for all three legs of the race! They are a little like a swimsuit, so water performance is great. They fit nicely under a wetsuit (when applicable) and nothing will roll up. Since they are skin-tight, they won’t twist, either. Your kit will stay put for as long as it takes!
So here is a down side: it will stay put for the entire duration of the race. Which means ‘quick stop by the port-a-potty’ won’t be that fast. I heard they’ve been making zippers go down far enough for men that they don’t have to undress. However, if you’re a woman, you’re out of luck. And let me tell you: they can be hard to get out of.
But they are faster… And cute… And practical… Personally, I have become a fan for shorter races. You know: when I won’t have to take it off mid-race.
When I was doing my research on tri suits, I ran into multiple places saying you chafe less in a one-piece. Personally, I had a slightly different experience. Zipper made me chafe on the half and I’m scared what it would mean for a full marathon worth of running. On the other hand, you may recall from this past post that I chafe easily and a lot.
If you’re shopping for your first one-piece, may I advise you to do it in a store in person? You want to make sure it fits correctly. And bring with you a friend you’re comfortable being naked in front of. Speaking from experience… Five years ago, I went on my own to a tri shop (it took some research – there was only like the one in the area) and there was a (male) owner in there and a guy who was getting his bike fixed up. I took a tri suit, went into a fitting room and tried putting it on. Ummm… My arms got stuck in the suit behind my back and it took me FOREVER to free myself 😅. And since I took my bra off, I wasn’t about to parade out and ask those dudes for help. No biggie, but something to keep in mind.
Two-piece
You have probably already guessed that I am leaning towards this solution for the iron distance. For my first ever tri, I got a pair of shorts and a bra from Coeur Sports and they were AMAZING. It’s been a few years, so they are no longer in top shape, so I just got a new set. I also checked with my race organizer that I can wear just a bra and no shirt. Tri shirts have zippers… Apparently everybody has to cover their nipples, which means shirts or jerseys for the gentlemen, while ladies have also an option for just a sport bra.
I will start with some cons, so you don’t think I think this is the only way to go. First of all, your suit can ride up, making it uncomfortable and possibly exposing skin to the sun (and if you’re going with just sport bra on top option, you will definitely have tons of exposure), risking sunburns. During wetsuit-legal races, T1 is more ‘fun’ as your outfit will be sliding around and bunching up. You risk creating drag, too (water flowing through my top comes to mind).
But the benefits are plentiful! Especially when it comes to longer distances. You can quickly go relieve yourself without adding extra time and effort it takes to peel off a one-piece tri suit. I also just got a flashback to being back in the hotel, exhausted after the race and trying to take off a sweaty one-piece. It’s a traumatic memory.
Another huge benefit: sizing. Anybody who has ever bough clothes off the rack knows that it’s pretty much impossible to find an outfit that fits just perfectly. And the more of your body it covers, the harder it gets. One-piece suit has to match you in height, thighs (biggie for me), hips and chest. I am short and not-so-small chested. This does not exist in ‘standard’ sizing. Therefore, I prefer buying clothes separately, so they fit that body part.
So what should you wear on the race day? Whatever makes sense to you. Enjoy your training and racing and I will see you on the trails!