‘Tri’ these for faster speeds
They are called “triathletes,” some say, because they’ll “tri” anything that might shave a second or two off their race times -- no matter how far-fetched or astronomically priced. As triathlon participation has boomed, so has the market for pushing-the-envelope, swim-bike-run products that satisfy the insatiable need for speed. Some of them, such as the four below, actually work.
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Zoot Ultra Race running shoes: Minimalist, ultralight racing shoes designed for speedy, sock-free, bike-to-run transitions and less fatigue in long, hot events.
No need for socks
Likes: Fast, comfortable, effective. The seamless interior won’t chafe bare feet, so you don’t need to put on socks, saving at least 10 to 15 seconds. Drainage holes in the soles keep the shoes close to their feathery 9 ounces, minimizing the speed-sapping puddling up and weight doubling that occurs when you dump cups of water over your head at aid stations.
Dislikes: Slow runners who heel-strike may not like the lack of cushioning in the heel. (But the shoes are fine for fast runners who land mid-foot or forefoot.)
Price: $130. (760) 477-2299; www.zootsports.com.
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One short does it all
Oomph! Kilauea Compression Short: World’s most luxurious bike-run short, with performance-enhancing weave and built-in pockets.
Likes: Excellent fit and function. Constructed of 12 form-fitting panels that compress the thigh muscles, leading to better blood flow and reducing fatigue and injury. Very handy food storage; the pockets (one in the small of the back, one on each upper hip) each hold a gel flask or a couple of energy bars. A built-in belt includes Velcro strips on the front and rear to hold a race number. A compact crotch pad provides good cushioning for the bike, isn’t too bulky for the run and doesn’t soak up much water on the swim.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $140. (360) 574-5174; www.oomphsports.com.
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Counting the laps
Finis Lap Track Five-inch-tall waterproof clock that counts laps, lap times and calories burned.
Likes: Provides valuable data that make swim training more effective. Simple to use: It’s like a giant button -- just press it with a couple of fingers. A red light flashes, another lap is recorded, and the clock freezes for five seconds, enough time to glance at the 1 3/8 -inch-tall clock numbers. It then resumes, including the elapsed time. Powered by 2 AAA batteries (included) and held in place on the tiles by suction cups, or sans tiles, a bracket.
Dislikes: Great product -- except for super swimmers who will find pressing it during flip turns nearly impossible. Also, a narrow band of tiles poolside will present a problem; I had to turn the clock sideways to make it fit.
Price: $74.99. (888) 333-4647; www.finisinc.com.
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Comes with a ‘catch’
2XU V-1 Velocity wetsuit: Ultra-high-end, long-sleeve wetsuit with a pair of slotted, 7-inch-long panels on each sleeve that grab water.
Likes: Whether the feeling is psychological or real (I couldn’t tell), these so-called “catch” panels do give you an advantage: Everyone else thinks they work. Buy the suit before it’s banned. Fast, comfy suit includes 5-millimeter-thick neoprene panels (the maximum allowed) on the chest and thighs for flotation, 1.5 millimeters in the armpits for flexibility, and 3 millimeters on the calves.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $574.95. (760) 632-9300; www.2xu.com.
- Roy M. Wallack
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Irvine-based endurance cyclist and runner Roy M. Wallack is the coauthor of “Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100.” Reach him at roywallack@aol.com