What to Wear at My First Triathlon

I procrastinated for too long.  Today is Tuesday and my triathlon is on Sunday.  No matter what I buy I will have limited time to test it out for the swim, bike and run before the triathlon.

Disclaimer:  I still weigh about 280lbs.  I still have quite a bit of a belly.

Another Disclaimer:  I have absolutely no affiliation with Aero Tech Designs in any way.  I am fat and they are the only store I could find that happens to sell my size is all.

First I looked up tri suits.  Aero Tech Designs only sells one model (Triathlon Suits - Aero Tech).  I noticed the measurements in the sizing chart and got concerned that my belly would not fit into the suit so I called.  Their customer service rep (whose name I did not capture) was nice enough to pull a XXL suit off the shelf, stretch it at the midpoint and measure it.  Sadly the suite would not handle my awesomeness.  I would assume that these tri suits are geared for the tall and not so much the big.


Second I looked up tri shorts.  I happen to own two pair of tri shorts (one black and one blue).  I like these shorts for swimming, biking and running but they literally may not hold up in the race.  I have owned them for a bit and have spent a lot of time in the pool.  Both pair have lost some elasticity and are a bit lose - I suppose the fact I have lost a few inches in diameter has only exacerbated the issue.  When I kick off the pool wall I have to be careful or my shorts will slip down.

I would prefer a pair of tri shorts with a drawstring so that leads e to the other model of shorts they sell -  Men's Tri Shorts for Competitions and Training.  These will work and they have my size ... awesome.  Problem is that since I waited they are sold out of the colors I would have chosen like black or red.  Instead I had to choose blue; the only color left available in my size.  When they get black back in stock I will order a pair.

Third I looked up a tri jersey. Aero Tech Designs carries one model of tri jersey - Men's Tri Jersey - Sleeveless. After viewing the sizing chart it appears I need a 3x-large. They only have red, white or blue as color choices. I would have prefered a mostly black jersey with a bit of red but until I lose more weight I am limited in choices.

At this point I have a pair of 2xl blue shorts and a 3xl jersey in my cart.  I am going to look like an idiot in red/white/blue on a red/white bike.

I will give a report on the packaging and garments when I have them in hand.


Related Posts:
Tri Shorts - My First Triathlon Gear
My First Triathlon: What am I wearing?
First Pair of Cycling Bibs