By Coach Wendy

Hard earnt bucks Vs comfort Vs function Vs Usage - justifying the right gear for you!

What will an Ironman cost me? It's a common question often asked by first time triathletes and especially those wishing to embark on the Ironman distance. In replying, I find it much easier to stick to the dollar value as opposed to the cost of time away from friends, time spent daydreaming at work, time spent looking at magazines or on the net looking for the best deals and latest bits of equipment. The greatest value to me is the price you would associate with comfort.

How much would you pay to be able to ride in such a position on your bike that it felt that you had only ridden a half of the distance on fast roads? Maybe it is easier to pose the question, what's the cost of having to move around on your bike every five minutes to relieve your aching back, or move your feet around in your shoes to take the pressure off from the peddles? We soon start to picture or feel, what good equipment is worth in terms of comfort and what price you are prepared to pay to ensure this.

The dilemma comes when, as a first time Ironman athlete, you invest a lot of time, energy and money into getting you to the start line - I do believe that you deserve the very best equipment to assist you in every way towards having a great day - BUT there is a trade off and this is hard earnt bucks Vs comfort Vs usage. I have seen over the years, first timers go out and purchase a bike to the value of $3500 US dollars and do maybe 30-40 rides on it, use it in the race and then leave it in the garage for years gathering dust and listening to the stories of it's 'fine' racing hour!,

Your bike will be your biggest purchase for your Ironman equipment list and from my experience there are really two options open to athletes. The first option is really for the first timers, who are just keen to finish and enjoy the experience - I would recommend looking around for a second hand bike. You need to ensure that a mechanic can verify its history interims of usage and be aware of any crash damage on the frame (this being a good sign to keep looking)! Carbon fibre forks and seat post will ensure less road shock and in turn provide you with a more comfortable ride. This, coupled with a bike seat that technically fits your frame and using good tyres will mean you'll be away laughing.

For those athletes keen to establish their best time, you need a bike that will enable you to ride fast. Fast bikes have fast riders who are positioned on their bikes to allow their trained physiology to flourish, with maximum efficiency, sound comfort and solid technology. The bigger the technology the bigger the bucks and the bigger the bucks the bigger the expectations. So your decision on how much to spend is very dependent on your expectations, your level of financial resources and the other commitments that you have.

Similar rules apply in the swim and run section. With regards to swim equipment, the critical question that all athletes must be able to answer is: Are my goggles comfortable?, Do they seal on my face really well?, Can I see out of them clearly?. Does my wetsuit fit my body shape or do I exit the water with several buckets of water trapped in my legs? Second hand wetsuits are commonly used in the Ironman and again the secret is to ensure that the suit fits well. If you are struggling to justify buying a couple of pairs of goggles, it may pay to re-evaluate your Ironman program as they are probably, next to socks and your swim caps, the third cheapest investment in the gear rankings.

Second hand running gear is to be avoided - I guess the exception is your son's favorite cap that he gives you on the night before the race and hey how could you turn down such a special lucky charm. Running shoes need to be matched to your feet structure, foot strike, body type, terrain and distance required to be used for. Don't ever entertain the thought of using a pair of shoes that have been worn by others. For many athletes, the run is the start of the ironman and the section that determines the making or breaking of the athlete. It is critical that your running gear is the very best for you, the best comfort, the best fit, the best to match the distance and the speed that you deserve.

Often with first timers, the bike and wetsuit expenditure are at the cost of the investment made in running shoes and the nutritional requirements that the Ironman race demands. Does this classic situation sound familiar... "I really need another pair of new shoes, but the old ones will last out one more big run and I've spent so much on my bike!!!!"????

So how do you work out how much to spend? Decide on what your goals are in relation to other financial commitments would be my first piece of advice. Given that the Ironman is a race that, due to its very length, demands that your gear is good quality, the solution to me is to ensure that your equipment is first and foremost comfortable. Secondly, that it allows you to go as fast and efficiently as possible and lastly that your pleased that it's your equipment. Training and racing with gear that you feel make you look good, that feels good to use, boosts your confidence even more.

So to conclude, the ironman expenditure is an investment in you, and as with any investment, ask yourself where is my money going to be of the most value and what is the real value that you seek in return?

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