What Do You 'Really' Need When You Start Triathlon?

So you've come across the world of Triathlon and you're thinking of giving it a go. You've hit that stage in your life where there is officially nothing new on Netflix/Prime/Disney/Apple to watch and your last visit to the shops suggested more physical activity in your life might be of benefit after you struggled up the stairs because the escalator was off.

Welcome. Welcome my friend to the beginning of your actual life!

And the drastic downward spiral of your savings account.

Only joking - it doesn't need to be that drastic, at least, not yet.

Truth be told you only really need some very basics to get started. Unless of course you are going for the 'how many likes can I get on Instagram' approach, then you'll definitely need to go all in on the 'all the gear, no idea' catch phrase and I'm afraid if that's the case, this isn't the place for you.

I did my first triathlon wearing a £12 swimsuit, threw my running gear on top before jumping on my £150 bike and then taking my £20 helmet off to run to the finish. (Should have invested in a sports bra but hey, lessons learned).

If you ask around you will find that this is how many of us started in the sport. Of course you're going to find those that have all the top range gear from day dot, but, I for one, although small enough to resemble a leprechaun, can assure you there is no pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. (Just a never ending dirty laundry basket, not quite the same).

So what do you need? Below I have put together a very simple guide on the basics for each discipline to help you come join me in this wonderful world of pain, injury, exhaustion and re-mortgages...

Swimming (A.K.A Floating and not drowning)

• A swimsuit or trisuit - sounds obvious but you would be surprised how many people forget this, myself included, and on far too regular an occurrence. I've been known to have to borrow someone's spare. As long as it cover's your bit's it's fine. The term 'smaller the better' doesn't work here though. No one wants to be swimming behind you and see your junk fall out. Nudity is definitely frowned upon in triathlon. Be prepared for the sausage legs if you opt for a trisuit though. A fashion statement we have all made at some point.

• Goggles - unless you are indeed a fish, you're going to need to protect your eyes. You can get a good pair of goggles from some sports shops but amazon is great for this too. Unless your as fast as a shark there is absolutely no need to buy the expensive ones that act like kindle's and you can read your pace as you go along. £15 - £20 is reasonable. FYI, if you are a fish or a shark, you shouldn't be in a local swimming pool. The chlorine isn't good for you.

• Swim cap - not needed necessarily but great if you have hair as it keeps it out your way and also tells people you're here to swim, not stand at the end of the lane after every length talking about what you're having for dinner.

Cycling (A.K.A One bike and endless bugs in the face - just think protein)

• A bike - 2 wheels, working gears and brakes and is comfortable enough to get you through the distance (ps, it probably won't be for the first couple of rides, no beginner loves a bike seat). That's it. That's all your first bike needs. Ignore the lycra clad, clip cloppy cleated people asking what cassette you're riding or what rims you have. You have a bike. End of. There is plenty of time to expand on this but I am sure you can think of better things right now to drop £3000 - £4000 on when you're not even sure if you're going to do another one. (Until you cross the line and scream 'oh my god I loved it, when's the next one'. Welcome to your new addiction).

• A helmet - you may have thought you were the cool kid growing up not wearing a helmet but let me tell you, you will most definitely not be the cool anything if you don't wear one now. It's non-negotiable. But again, take a trip to your local bike shop and just get 'a helmet'. No mushroom, no dino tail, ignore the word 'aero', you're going for one that fits your head. Don't buy second hand unless you 100% trust it has never been dropped and is still in date. Yes, helmets have a life expectancy. And yours will decrease dramatically if you don't wear one.

• Cycling shoes or trainers - cycling shoes are known as cleats, they lock you in to your pedals and increase your anxiety levels as you panic about getting them out before you fall. They take practise, usually around a parking lot or up and down your street and usually accompanied by many, many slow motion falls. Trainers on flat pedals will do you just fine to get you started. Just remember to tuck your laces in.

• Repair kit - expect a puncture at some point in your cycling life so be prepared and have a basic repair kit (spare inner tube, tyre levers, pump or cannister, basic allen keys). Of course if you don't know how to use any of this stuff you're still going to have to wait for someone to rescue you but at least you'll have the gear.

Running - A.K.A The bit that's 'bad for your knee's'

• Trainers - you're good to go.

Of course there are a few nice to have items to go on top of the above - such as a water bottle on the bike, fuelling, sunglasses, a hat, a sports watch - but as long as you have the very basics then you are good to go. Just start training. Little and often is the key. Small, short sessions and then gradually build it up.

I hope this has helped - or at the very least given you a little encouragement to come over to the dark side/ I mean give our wonderful sport a try. It's fun, I promise you, most of the time.