Pre-Race Checklist
All the essentials from start to finish

Being organized is important in many areas of life, especially when it comes to competing in the sport of triathlon. There are so many moving parts on race day with regard to equipment needs, nutrition and pacing strategies that even a small misstep can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a disappointing race-day experience.

Every triathlete should develop a race-day checklist. This list should include everything necessary to have a positive event, from the time you wake up to when the race is over. Always be prepared for the worse too, especially when it comes to potential bike-related mechanical issues and weather.

Below is a summary checklist of items you may wish to consider packing for race day, as well as additional tips to remember leading up to the race and on the day of the event. Add whatever works for you as needed.

PRE RACE

  • Special foods or drinks
  • Extra shoes
  • Special needs bags (if allowed on the race course)
  • Tri bag
  • Necessary medications (inhalers, etc)
  • Toilet paper
  • Extra alarm clock
  • Warm-up suit/warm clothes
  • Umbrella or rain gear
  • Timing chip band
  • Multi-tool kit
  • Electrical tape

SWIM

  • Swimsuit or tri race kit
  • Swim cap
  • Goggles
  • Wetsuit or swim skin

BIKE

  • Helmet
  • Cycling shoes
  • Bike/tri shorts or tri race kit
  • Pump
  • Water bottles
  • Nutrition bag
  • Flat repair kit (tire, tube, tire levers, CO2)
  • Arm warmers or leg warmers
  • Light wind vest
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock

RUN

  • Race belt
  • Socks
  • Running shoes with quick laces
  • Hydration belt or water bottle
  • Hat or visor

TRANSITION

  • Towel or mat
  • Extra water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Anti-chafe cream

PRE/POST RACE

  • Extra clothes
  • Extra shoes/flip flops
  • Recovery nutrition
  • Sunscreen

Need Gear?

If you are looking at this list and realize that you need to gear up before race day,  check out some of our apparel and equipment partners below to get you race day ready.

VOLER

Life Time Tri friends and family receive a 20% discount at Voler store by using coupon code LT20.  Life Time Tri teams receive 10% OFF custom apparel.  Call the Voler Custom Team at 800-488-6537 for details.

SPEEDO

2XU

RACE-DAY TIPS

Looking for more triathlon advice? Check out what our friends at TrainingPeaks have to say to help make sure you’re race-day ready!

> ADDITIONAL RACE DAY TIPS

Be organized and prepared for the inevitable challenge or setback, and you’ll increase your chances of having a successful triathlon experience!

A former pro triathlete and coach since 1992, Troy Jacobson is the creator of Spinervals Cycling and the Sr. National Director of Endurance Sports Training for Life Time Fitness. Learn more at www.lifetimeendurance.com.