Essential Triathlon Gear

Triathlons can get surprisingly expensive. When I did my first one in Chicago, I was NOT expecting to spend a bag. But you live and you learn, and I wanted to help save you from that same problem!

Expect to run into the below expenses. When applicable, I put what I use! I highly recommend purchasing ahead of time, as if you try to buy at the event, they will upcharge you.

Registration Fees ($100-$300):

• Registration fees for Olympic-distance triathlons typically range from $75 to $300, depending on the event’s location and amenities.
• To participate in USA Triathlon (USAT) sanctioned events, athletes must have a current USAT membership. An annual membership is $60.

Travel and Accommodation: Varies based on event location; local races minimize these expenses.

Training Resources: You’re definitely going to need access to a pool so you can work up to swimming ~1 mile straight.

Essential Gear:

• Triathlon Suit (Tri-Suit): To be worn during the biking & running portions of the race (~$60)
• Swim Gear (~$60):
  • Goggles: You’re going to be in a different kind of hell if your goggles fog or open up during the race (~$20)
  • Swim Cap: You might get one from the race organizer… if not they are cheap (~$10)
  • Swim suit Options:
    • Wetsuit: You’re gonna see a lot of dedicated triathletes in wetsuits. They are expensive (~$150). You only really need one if the water is frigid. I highly recommend using a jammer or speedo when possible.
    • Jammer: Basically a tighter pair of swim trunks (~$25)
    • Speedo: Absolutely iconic, highly recommend (~$25)
• Bike and Accessories (~$700)
  • Bicycle: Costs vary widely. This is by far where you’re going to spend the most money. I highly recommend training on what you’ll race on, so you won’t want to borrow one race day. Try going to a local bike shop or even FB marketplace. A basic road bike might run you ~$500 new.
  • Cycling Shoes and Pedals: If you’re spending some money on your bike… take the opportunity to buy biking shoes & have them install the corresponding pedals on the bike for you while you’re there. This combo is definitely optional, & will require practice, but I would highly recommend. (~$100)
  • Helmet: No need to ball out here, but you will need one for the race (~$30)
  • Biking Gloves: Do not underestimate how bad biking will hurt your hands (~$20)
  • Biking Shorts: Do not underestimate how bad biking will hurt your ass (~$25)
  • Biking Water Bottles: You will need two of these in your bike cages (~$15 each)
  • Water Bottle Cages: To hold the aforementioned water bottles (~$10 for both)
• Running Gear (~$70):
  • Running Shoes: You’re going to want to go to a sporting goods place & try your running shoes on to get a feel for them. Probably going to run you ~$70 or so.
• Additional Items (~$70):
  • Race Belt: To hold your number. You probably won’t want to use pins as you could stab yourself mid-race & that would not be fun (~$10)
  • Sunglasses: You do not want to be squinting for the full run / bike (~$25)
  • Nutrition: Get you the honey stingers my friend. Do not get some disgusting goo (~$35)

Estimated Total Costs:

• First-Time Participants: Approximately $1000. Now, that is assuming that you start from nothing, buy a pretty decent bike, and also purchase everything on my list.
• Beginners Investing in Gear: Around $2,500, if you are traveling for a big-city USAT triathlon & ball out on your bike setup & wetsuit.

So AS I SAID, these triathlon things are expensive. But it really is mostly the damn bike… & the bike makes a HUGE difference. You do not want to bike 40km on a mountain bike. It will take you 3 hours.

But if you have some money to spend, then hell yeah! Let’s do this thing. Taking on my first triathlon was a hell of an adventure & I know it won’t be my last. You can think of all this gear as an investment for your next decade full of triathlons!

Be sure to share your progress with me on my socials (at the top of your screen)! I’m always looking for motivation. Let’s inspire each other!

I’m about to come out with the CRAZIEST line of supplement blends you’ve conceived in your entire life. I’m talking ASHWAGANDHA my guy… I’m on some supplement research you wouldn’t even believe. But for now, here are some example supplements I add to all my smoothies:

• Creatine (literally the most important supplement ~$15)
• Psyllium Husk Powder (High protein diets NEED fiber supplements ~$21)
• Lion’s Mange Extract (you couldn’t possibly comprehend the supplement blend I be on ~$29)
• Ashwagandha (For real dude. Ashwagandha. ~$15)
• COQ10 (Heart & Longevity ~$14)
• Glucosamine Sulfate (Joint Health ~$15)
• Magnesium Glycinate (Recovery ~$23)
• Zinc Glycinate (Immunity ~18)

Where to Go Next

If you want some behind the scenes content & to follow along with my shenanigans- follow me on the Gram.

If you want to start with strategy—how I structure high-protein meal prep to hit real fitness goals—check out my full meal prep strategy here. I’ll show you how to stay consistent all week long with macro-friendly meals that don’t taste like drywall.

But if you’re ready for the real magic of his blog… let’s get you fueled up. Here’s a taste of the high-protein powerhouses I’ve been cooking up lately:

• Mongolian Meatballs – A high-protein meal prep classic: sweet, savory, macro-packed beef meatballs that always deliver.
• Garlic Steak Bites with Creamy Mac & Cheese – The ultimate high-protein comfort food—juicy steak, creamy pasta, and insane reheating power.
• Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls – 53g of protein per bowl with smoky-sweet flavor and lime-infused jasmine rice—perfect for muscle-building meal prep.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – High-protein chicken pasta with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that reheats like a dream.
• Honey Sriracha Meatballs – Sticky, spicy meatballs with 67g of protein per serving. Macro-friendly, meal-preppable, and dangerously good.
• Baked Tandoori Salmon – A bold, high-protein salmon meal prep with warm spices and minimal effort. Perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.

Want to explore more? Head over to the full recipe search page to filter by protein, carbs, and calories. Meal prep doesn’t have to be boring—I’ll prove it every week.