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Big Question
The Big Question:
What is your most essential piece of triathlon training/ racing equipment and why?


The most important thing to me in both racing and training is a good partner. They are there to motivate you when you’re lazy, encourage you to be better and share the misery and glory. Just having a friend on the course makes every race more enjoyable even if you don’t see them until the finish line.
— Adam Ales, 29, Seattle, Wash.


I am my most essential piece of triathlon equipment. My arms pull me through my laps. My legs spin me through the flats and hills day after day. My legs glide me through dawn and dusk. My fuel is internal. My goals are my own. I answer only to me. There is no magic; there is just me.
— Deb Wilson, 37, Rutland, Mass.


My training log, of course. It contains my plan for the coming week and results from training efforts in the past. The most important thing to know if you have a destination/goal in mind is the starting point. Secondly, you need a good plan to follow.
— Dan Molloy, 60, Union City, N.J.


You can swim naked and still survive the swim. You can ride a mountain bike and still grunt through the bike. And you can forget your sneakers and still stomp out the run. But one accident while naked, grunting, or stomping, and the only thing that may save you is an ID — your Road ID. Cause you know you didn’t fill out the back of that bib.
— Brie Losego, 32, Miami, Fla.


My husband. He cheers me on, watches the three kiddos when I go on long runs and rides, picks me up when I’m down, knows how crazy I am about this sport and loves me because of it. All of the other equipment would mean nothing without him.
— Carla Murphy, 36, Flushing, Mich.


Because there is so much gear involved in a triathlon, I find my race bag to be the one essential element for training and racing. It carries everything from clothing to food to directions to the race site and keeps me organized (and therefore calm) when it comes time to race!
— Peter Glenshaw, 46, Lyme, N.H.


My training plan! As a Naval Officer, husband and father of four, time is precious. Having a plan increases my productivity by linking objectives to tasks, establishes priorities, cuts down on wasted time by providing focus, allows me to track my goal progression, eliminates fear of failure, and allows me to be efficient without jeopardizing precious family time.
— Scott Askins, 44, Prattville, Ala.


I am studying abroad in Madrid without a bike or indoor pool. Running shoes are my faithful companions. I just put them on and explore new places by running while keeping my fitness intact. Running in new countries is a way for me to rediscover my passion for the sport and remember why I started.
— Mandy M. King, 20, Cibolo, Texas


I can swim without goggles, run without shoes and ride any bike with 2 wheels. But it’s my inner voice that keeps me swimming, biking and running safely to the finish. It keeps me going through tough courses and tough weather, convinces me I can do anything for 5 more miles and sings to me during those long training miles!
— Nadia Sullivan, 32, Loveland, Colo.


I cannot go out training/racing without my cochlear implants. Without it, I will not be able to hear people behind me during the bike, talk to fellow triathletes during the run, hear encouragements throughout the race and the cheering when I cross the finish line. The extra seconds to put it on during T1 makes it all worth it.
— Deanna Bono, 32, Las Vegas, Nev.


Aside from the common gear (bike, running shoes) the most essential training and racing item in my inventory without a doubt is my refrigerator. Having it stocked with the essential food is a must for performance and recovery and plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy balance in my active lifestyle. — Brian Yanowski, 33, Kapolei, Hawaii


Coffee. Swim, bike, or run — without it, I’d still be in bed.
— Albert Vaiani IV, 25, Galveston, Texas


 


THE NEXT BIG QUESTION:
What is the biggest lifestyle change you’ve made since becoming a triathlete? Send your response (60 words or fewer) to communications@usatriathlon.org by May 9, 2011. Remember to include your name, age, hometown and put “Big Question” in the subject line.


72 USA TRIATHLON SPRING 2011

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