Meaningful Macros

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!