Calling all triathletes!

jgic2009

I need your help!

My boyfriend wants to do a triathlon (probably a sprint) in 2012, and I would love to get him a related gift for Christmas this year--something that would be useful in training for this. The problem is I am pretty clueless about triathlons.

A little more about him: he's 25 and has been running for about 6 years. He's completed a half marathon, a few 10Ks, and he regularly runs 5Ks. He loves running! For the last year and a half or so he has been riding his bike to and from school. For the last 6 months he has been swimming laps once a week. As a student, he has access to the university gym, but is sporadic with weight training -- he'd rather be running.

He's got a basic sports watch, a nice pair of running shoes, a fair amount of basic athletic wear, and a helmet. He's not interested in Speedos or similar suits right now--believe me, I tried! :devil: His bike is old and heavy, and while I'd love to get him a road bike it's simply not in the budget. Speaking of budget, I'd like to stay under $100.

So--any good gadgets, gear, books, magazines, etc. that would be useful for a triathlon newbie?

iuangina

Could you pay his entry fee for a race?

Also, you could get him some tri-specific bike shorts (you can swim, bike, and run in these). Maybe a good windbreaker.

Classalete

When i ran my triathlon, the most valuable tool I owned was my Garmin 310xt.

Everyone on this site rides the polar train...which I don't exactly understand, but I digress.

The 310xt is simply incredible.

jgic2009

Could you pay his entry fee for a race?

Also, you could get him some tri-specific bike shorts (you can swim, bike, and run in these). Maybe a good windbreaker.

I thought of the entry fee, but we'll be relocating in the summer once he's done with school, and we aren't sure where yet as he's still looking for a job.

Can you recommend any specific brand of the shorts?

LeanMeanFitnessMachine

Depending on what kind of a triathlon he's doing & what time of year it is, a wet suit would be really great! That's what I asked for for Christmas from my parents. I'm doing one in the spring and the swim portion of the race is in the ocean, so the water will still be freezing cold.

jgic2009

When i ran my triathlon, the most valuable tool I owned was my Garmin 310xt.

Everyone on this site rides the polar train...which I don't exactly understand, but I digress.

The 310xt is simply incredible.

That does look amazing, but the price is out of reach for now, unfortunately.

Classalete

Then a pair of nice cycling shorts. I used Castelli's. They'll really save his *kitten* from aching after 30+ miles on that ball busting seat.

iuangina

Pearl Izumi are the ones that I have used, but I would imagine that guys are probably different