These ladies crossed the finish line in style after the HITS Half distance race in Marble Falls Texas. Photo by Ed Sparks

You are signed up for your first race, you are training, and the race date is fast approaching. Now your mind shifts to the race-day logistics. A common question from newcomers to triathlon is “what do you wear during the race?” The good news is that there is more than one right answer to this question, and here are a few thoughts that can help you properly gear up for your training and race. HITS races occur throughout the country and in a variety of climates and weather conditions, so there might be a few ways to answer this question. While we realize that everyone will have their own budget as well as a different desired performance level when they race in a triathlon, here are a few hard and fast rules when it comes to triathlon clothing:

• Be comfortable.  This is rule number one, and if the clothing you are wearing doesn’t feel good when you are training, return it and get something else. You should have plenty of range of motion, and be able to do all three sports comfortably. In short, the clothing should be so comfortable that you really forget about it during your race.
• Function is more important than form. There are a few features in tri clothing that you will want to focus on. You need to be sure that whatever you buy doesn’t chafe, dries quickly, and provides you what you need in the fewest possible garments. Having to shuffle more garments on race day will slow your transitions and cause you to be distracted by your own clothing.
• Think about quality. Many triathletes have purchased bargain-basement clothing, only to have seams come undone or have poorly-constructed spots that chafe badly. While not everyone has a premium budget, try to get into a tier of garment where quality is excellent and fits your particular cost needs. The good news is that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to buy clothing from quality manufacturers that will last a long time and feel great.

With those tips in mind, here is an overview of what you will see most men and women wearing in a typical HITS triathlon.

For men, the most common setup begins with a good pair of tri shorts, which resemble bike shorts, but have a lighter pad and dry faster, with an all-purpose athletic top.  In this scenario, the top would only go on after you are out of the water, and you would remain shirtless under your wetsuit. Some racers who go this route choose to use a triathlon-specific singlet as their shirt, which is a top that is made to be on during the entire race, including the swim.  For those who may be more serious or have a higher budget, the higher-end option is to buy a triathlon suit. These suits come in both one-and-two-piece varieties, and are meant to be on the entire race. They are often engineered with more precision and compression than a typical pair of tri shorts or a singlet, and the price often reflects that.

Women have similar options to men, although they obviously need a different solution to transition 1 than coming out of the water shirtless, as men are able to do. The most common answers are to either use a singlet, as mentioned above, or an all-purpose support top. The only downside of support tops is that not all are intended to be used in the water, so they may not be designed to dry as quickly as tri-specific apparel. However, if your goal is to finish and you are not in the elite wave, a support top will work just fine.  Just be sure you having used some anti-chafing sport stick around key contact points so the wet fabric doesn’t rub and cause a blister.

Keep in mind that you will need to wear a number throughout the race, in addition to an ankle timing chip (both of which will be provided on race day). Many racers use a simple race belt to hold their number so they can avoid pinning it to their shirt.  If you don’t have a race belt, no worries, you will just need to pin the number to a garment much like you would in a local 5K running race.

As for footwear, the answer really depends on the rest of your bike gear.  If your bike has pedal clips as most serious cyclists tend to use, you will obviously need to use your cycling shoes during the bike leg, and then switch in to running shoes for the run leg. For those who may prefer cages or are going to do the race simply with pedals, they can use their running shoe for both the bike and run, saving some time in transition 2. Many racers will go sockless, but only do this if you have practiced it and your feet are familiar with that running style.  With your shoes, be sure to get the stretchy laces (such as those made by Yankz) for the ability to slide your shoe right on when it is time.  Such laces are commonly available at running or triathlon stores, or can be found online.

With just a little planning, preparation, and investment, you will have the right clothes for your race regardless of your skill level or budget.

“This was my favorite HITS course so far this year,” said Deborah Battaglia of Salt Lake City, Utah who collected her seventh consecutive HITS Full distance win in Hunter Mountain.

Your winners:

Male Results

Full – Tim Cronin (Quincy, MA) – 12:04:38
Half – Stephen Holloway (Manasquan, NJ) – 4:46:09
Olympic – Christopher McCloskey (Albany, NY) – 2:12:22
Sprint – Michael Halstead (Stone Ridge, NY) – 1:10:49
Open – Corey Bean (Coronado, CA) – 0:20:22

Female Results

Full – Deborah Battaglia (Salt Lake City, UT) – 12:11:42
Half – Sarah Rodriguez (Ossining, NY) – 5:16:32
Olympic – Karen Pompay (Garden City, NJ) – 2:33:40
Sprint – Anna Fyodorova (Brooklyn, NY) – 1:30:08
Open – Ellen Davies (Astoria, NY) – 0:24:47

Here’s a look at the weekend as told by ©ESI Photography, and HITS Staff:

After christening Hunter Mountain as an undiscovered triathlon hot-spot, HITS Triathlon Series will travel to the home of the sport itself and reintroduce the Full distance race to Colorado. HITS will be racing in Sterling, Colorado July 28-29. Until next year, cheers New York.

Although the HITS races take place in a wide variety of great venues, they tend to have one thing in common:  water temps are generally less than 70 degrees. That means that wetsuits are often legal in the races, as is usually the case anytime the water temp is less than 78 degrees (per USAT guidelines). As a general rule, water temps of under about 65 degrees suggest a wetsuit is a good idea if not a necessity, and between 65 and 70 they can provide valuable comfort in the water. When water temps increase to the 70′s, the wetsuit may be optional from a warmth standpoint but can still help with other facets of the race.

With many of our races sporting water temps in the 60s or, in the case of our California events, the 50s, wetsuits are something that many racers ask about. We are happy to provide a primer on wetsuits, what the benefits are, and how to find one.

The benefits of using a triathlon wetsuit are really threefold. First, and most obviously, a wetsuit keeps you warm during the swim. After initially entering the water, a thin film of water is trapped inside the wetsuit and your body heat warms it, which in turn warms your skin. This is very important since as water temps dip, a chilled body can have other effects such as shallow breathing or rigid muscles. The name of the game in the swim is to relax, and if you are too cold it is unlikely you will ever fully relax in the water. A full-length wetsuit will obviously provide more warmth, but even a sleeveless of “john” wetsuit will make a major difference in keeping your core warm.

The second major benefit of a wetsuit is buoyancy. Wetsuits are designed to make you more balanced and buoyant in the water, meaning you require less effort to float and don’t have to spend as much energy on kicking and balancing. Higher-end wetsuits take this technology to another level, varying the materials used throughout the wetsuit so you basically have a built-in buoy to keep your body in an optimal position. For many experienced racers, the buoyancy and balance is more important than the warmth provided by the suit. Even good entry-level wetsuits will provide a noticeable improvement in your balance and flotation, allowing you to focus on your swim stroke. This can be particularly handy if you are swimming in rough water or in a notoriously crowded swim.

The final benefit of a wetsuit is that you will glide better. The skin of the wetsuit creates a smooth, uniform surface against the water, covering up any your tri shorts and top, body hair, or other things that could create drag while you are swimming. The result is an ability to glide through the water that, when combined with the buoyancy factor, can create a great feeling in the water and give you confidence in addition to speed. Testing by wetsuit manufacturers has shown a modest increase in overall speed by those using wetsuits.

While there are many benefits of using a wetsuit, the negative may be obvious to anyone who has priced them out: cost. Wetsuits are not inexpensive, and the best ones can cost as much as $700. For most beginners and intermediates, however, a good entry-level wetsuit will do. Most major wetsuit manufacturers have an entry-level option on the market for $200 or so, and prior-year closeouts are common at deep discounts. Generally, wetsuits priced in the $175 to $300 range, made by major triathlon gear companies, will be great for most triathletes. Other options for even less are renting or borrowing, but be sure you don’t settle for a suit that doesn’t fit properly — it could actually become a liability in the water. Finally, beware of new wetsuits selling for impossibly low prices. They are often not made by triathlon gear manufacturers, and were not designed to have the range-of-motion needed for a good swim stroke.

By finding the right wetsuit and getting comfortable in it, you will make your next HITS race swim a complete success. For your reference, typical water temperatures for HITS races are listed below.

California:                     Water Temp:     Wetsuit?
Palm Springs                    54-59°                    Recommended
Napa Valley                      54-59°                    Recommended

Florida:
Naples                               64-69°                     Optional
Ocala, FL                          60-65°                     Useful

Texas:
Corpus Christi, TX            61-66°                      Useful
Marble Falls, TX               60-65°                      Useful

New York:
Hunter Mountain               56-61°                      Recommended
Cooperstown                     65-70°                     Optional

Others:
Fort Collins, CO                65-70°                      Optional
Lake Havasu City              63-68°                      Useful

Here’s a look at the day from the lense of Nate Fields Photography, Inc. and some triathlon insights straight from the source.

Haley Fields and Lindsay Yandon looking mighty excited for a day of swimming, biking and running.

All I want is to not be last out of the water.
~Haley Fields, Marketing

HITS Race Director Mark H. Wilson and CEO Tom Struzzieri with a 1.2 mile swim behind them.

My goal for this race is to beat my time from last year by exactly one second.
~Tom Struzzieri, President and CEO

Star Walters on her way to winning her age-group.

It’s great to do things as a team and I am so excited to be able to race with the rest of the HITS staff.
~Star Walters, Vendor Relations

Lindsay Yandon still smiling with only a 5k left.

We have become a close team while managing races and it’s going to be great to switch gears and race as a team.
~Lindsay Yandon, Marketing and Social Media

Brian Morris pushes to the finish line.

I’ve never been much of a runner, but my recent training has made me realize how much I love to run.
~Jerry Dougherty, Event Management

Haley Fields crosses the finish line after her sprint distance race.

I am really excited about…seeing the finish line.
~Vinnie Card, Event Management

"The team" celebrates a stellar day.

Training gives me a goal to work towards and the goal for this race is to cross that finish line in one piece!
~Jessica Keil, Event Timing

For some of us it was a first, while others have lost count, but one thing was universal – the HITS crew had a blast. Thanks to CityTri for a great event. Now, enough fooling around and it’s back to work. See you in Hunter Mountain, New York!

Your winners:

Male Results

Full – Adilet Imambekov (Houston, TX) – 11:52:33
Half – Adrian Cameron (Austin, TX) – 4:59:30
Olympic – Nick Cordes (Lubbock, TX) – 2:17:16
Sprint – Benjamin Drezek (Denton, TX) – 1:11:09
Open – Nate Nalder (Round Rock, TX) – 0:22:36

Female Results

Full – Deborah Battaglia (Salt Lake City, UT) – 12:24:32
Half – Jennifer Reinhart (Austin, TX) – 5:32:56
Olympic – Julie Mosier Crosno (Kingwood, TX) – 2:29:22
Sprint – Hollie Kenney (Austin, TX) – 1:18:56
Open – Rita Haddad (Shawnee, OK) – 0:26:07

Here’s a look at the weekend as told by ©Ed Sparks, ©Walter Heslop and HITS Staff:

Texas is rapidly becoming a second home for HITS Triathlon Series and we look forward to returning during the 2013 season. Thanks to the support of the City of Marble Falls and city officials like city manager Ralph Hendricks, HITS Triathlon Series plans to return to Marble Falls, Texas April 27-28, 2013. See you then?

Self-proclaimed triathlon addicts and the candid “twisted sisters” of HITS Triathlon Series, both Deborah and Susan are dedicated to their love-affairs with the sport of swimming, biking and running. According to Susan, crossing the finish line of her first triathlon was the happiest moment of her entire life. For Deborah, triathlon is a way to inspire others while, in turn, becoming inspired herself.

Want to hear more? Check Deborah and Susan out on KBEY Radio…

Deborah Battaglia on KBEY Radio

Susan Haag on KBEY Radio

Your winners:

Male Results

Full – Matt Paz (Long Beach, California) – 11:42:31
Half – Ted Simpkins (Rohnert Park, California) – 4:33:48
Olympic – Nicholas Ree (San Francisco, California) – 2:07:12
Sprint – Tim Sheeper (Menlo Park, California) – 1:06:01
Open – Jake Roach (Lamath Falls, Oregon) – 25:11

Female Results

Full – Deborah Battaglia (Salt Lake City, UT) – 13:32:52
Half – Laura Reale (Corte Madera, California) – 5:37:40
Olympic – Jessica Smith (Stanford, California) – 2:16:27
Sprint – Daniela Mehech – (Santa Clara, California) – 1:13:28
Open – Sierra Sheeper – (Menlo Park, California) – 23:51

Here’s a look at the weekend as told by ©Freeplay Magazine, ©Karen Ramsey and HITS Staff:

HITS Triathlon Series – Napa Valley was a winner and we can’t wait to be back in California December 1-2, 2012 for the HITS Championship in Palm Springs.

Whether you’re racing the Sprint, Olympic, Half or Full, there are specific steps you can take in the last days leading up to HITS Napa Valley to ensure that your body is performing optimally. Over the next few minutes, you’re going to learn 7 essential training and nutrition tips for HITS race week.

#1: Eat Familiar Foods.

Your gut grows very accustomed and comfortable to the foods that it experiences in your normal, day-to-day training. So if you’re used to fresh foods, fruits, vegetables and home-cooking, and you show up to race HITS with a tummy full of stale continental breakfast from your hotel, gas station trail mix, beef jerky, canned foods, and energy bars, then your body is not going to perform ideally on race day – and you might also find yourself making one-too-many porta-potty stops. Instead, if you’re traveling to the race, stop at a grocery store for fresh vegetables, fruits, avocados, potatoes, eggs, deli meat, wraps, and as many “real foods” as possible. Whenever I’m traveling to a race and I know I’ll be overnighting, I just toss a big cooler in the car so I can bring familiar foods. If you need some help with Healthy Grocery Shopping tips on-the-go, then watch this video I made. And for heaven’s sake, don’t try to comprise breakfast, lunch and dinner of free and new supplements and bars that you find at the HITS fitness expo! Save most of that for after the race.

#2: Stick To Your Plan.

There are many, many people that exercise, swim, bike and run far too much in the days leading up to the race. It’s easy to feel like you’re being lazy when you’re staying off your feet and letting your body rest. But a good race taper should only have you exercising at 40-60% of your typical training week’s volume, so stick to that plan, and don’t get caught up in the social pressure to go on “just one more” bike ride, run or dip in the water. Remember: it’s better to go into the race 10% undertrained than 1% overtrained!

#3: Focus On Intensity

When you actually do go out and shake up your legs on race week to get them ready to race, you should include several short bursts of energy at race-pace intensity, and always stop every race week workout before you are fatigued. For example, a typical race week workout day might consist of a morning bike ride of 20-30 minutes, with 4-6 short 60-90 second race pace efforts, followed by a quick 10 minute run with a middle section of 2-4 minutes during which you pick up to race pace. And then, in the afternoon or early evening, you might swim for just 10-15 minutes, with a focus on form, and a few short efforts (similar to the bike). You’re not going to get any fitter during race week, so there’s no need to go ride 25 miles to “check out the course”, or run more than just a few minutes on the run course.

#4: Know The Course

You can make up lots of extra time on proper swim sighting, technical descents, twists, turns and gathering energy for hills, so if you have the opportunity then A) swim 200-500 meters out in Lake Berryessa, then swim back in towards where you are going to be finishing the swim, looking for sighting markers on land that you can use to swim straight; B) drive the entire bike course, making mental notes of technical descents and significant hills; C) study a map of the run course or during one of your race week practice bike rides, bike the run course. You can print all course maps off the HITS website.

#5: Get Your Sleep

As you may know, your body performs best on about 7-9 hours of sleep. Elements that can disrupt sleep include: being hungry at night, watching TV or playing on the computer before bed, sleeping in a room that’s too hot, too much light in your room, or noises that wake you up. During race week, these elements are actually all within your control. Here’s how: 1) before bed, eat a snack that will stick to your ribs, like protein powder stirred into coconut milk with a handful of almonds, and for extra sleep aid, bring 2 of my favorite sleeping helpers – magnesium and melatonin; 2) avoid heavy use of cell phones, computers and TV before bed; 3) set your room temp at about 65-70 degrees; 4) use a sleep mask; 5) use ear plugs. These simple tips will have you sleeping like a baby (a tired baby!) all night long – which will help you feel better on race day.

#6: Stay Hydrated & Salted

During race week (especially if you’re doing the Half or Full Ironman) drink extra water, and try to get through the equivalent of a standard-sized water bottle every couple hours. In addition, unless you’re ignoring the healthy grocery shopping tips from tip #1 and eating high-sodium canned or preserved foods, then lightly salt your food and dissolve an electrolyte tablet in at least a few of your servings of water during the day. All these measures will make you less likely to cramp or become significantly dehydrated on race day.

#7: Tend To Your Bike

One of the biggest reasons for dropping out of a race or having a less-than-perfect race day is mechanical issues with your bike. Before you head out to HITS, you can swing you bike by your local bike shop to have a once over and ensure that cables are adjusted, the bike is shifting properly, the brakes are working correctly, and wheels are true. On race morning, double check that your brakes aren’t rubbing, that your tires are properly inflated, that no sharp pieces of gravel or thorns are on the outside of your tires, and that no bolts or parts are loose or shaking around too much (drop your bike up and down off the ground a few times to test this). This will not only help you identify any last minute mechanical issues, but also give you peace of mind during the race!

The seven steps above are just a few of the little things you can do during race week to ensure that you have a perfect race. But remember to always expect the unknown, and accept the fact that every race has just a few hiccups or mistakes. But that’s what keeps you coming back for more – trying to get better every time! If you have more questions about race week or what to do on race day, feel free to visit my website, where I have many more tips for you: BenGreenfieldFitness.com. Good luck at HITS!

Your winners:

Men
Full – Nick Nothoff (Winston Salem, NC) – 10:02:04
Half – Andrew Heideman (Jacksonville, FL) – 4:15:25
Olympic – Lee Boyer (Jacksonville, FL) – 2:15:36
Sprint – Rod De Kanel (Sainte Genevieve Des Bois, France) – 1:05:08
Open – Jaelin Funk (Celebration, FL) – 19:32

Women
Full – Deborah Battaglia (Salt Lake City, UT) – 11:07:41
Half – Karen Tamson (Naples, FL) – 5:04:13
Olympic – Georgina Frost (Sarasota, FL) – 2:36:38
Sprint – Catherine LaCrosse – (Indianapolis, IN) 1:15:20
Open – Gwen Carlton – (Ocala, FL) 24:06

Here’s a look at the weekend as told by ©ESI Photography photos:

HITS Triathlon Series – Ocala was a blast and we hope to see you all next year!

You may have seen our ads and you may have heard about our races, but you might still be wondering, who is HITS? The wait’s over – we’re here to give you The Short and Long Of It. Born from the efforts of two men to shake up the world of triathlon with a new national series, HITS Triathlon Series has targeted the young, old, elite and out of shape to take a chance on the sport of swimming, biking and running.

Here’s a closer look at the man who didn’t think one national sporting event series was enough fun. Here’s a closer look at the other man who went from local coach and race director to gracing the pages of magazines like Inside Triathlon and 3 Go overnight. Here’s a closer look at the organization with a new take on triathlon and the athletes who are putting it on the map. Here’s a closer look at HITS.

Want to know more about HITS Triathlon Series? Keep reading or check us out.