Triathlon - thinking of trying my first triathlon.

I realize I need to train for all three events.The bike and running part I have the proper attire.But training for the swim what is normally worn.Just a regular swim suit or should I consider briefs or bikini bottoms.Not very fond of being so snug wile in the pool.

I would start to swim in whatever you plan to wear during your tri to get used to it. I personally use a pair of TYR tri-shorts. They're like bike shorts but with a much smaller pad that dries faster and doesn't feel like a diaper.

I would start to swim in whatever you plan to wear during your tri to get used to it. I personally use a pair of TYR tri-shorts. They're like bike shorts but with a much smaller pad that dries faster and doesn't feel like a diaper.

I wouldn't swim in your tri shorts if you are going to practice in a pool. Get a pair of jammer swim trunks, they look and feel just like bike short but with no pad. Save the tri shorts for race day. If the race is in a pool, make sure to rinse them out afterwards. Good luck, and post with any other questions.

Ditto on that. The chlorine will wear out your tri gear pretty quick. On occasion, I swim with regular swim shorts that have pockets. It creates resistance, which has improved my swimming.

Ditto on that. The chlorine will wear out your tri gear pretty quick. On occasion, I swim with regular swim shorts that have pockets. It creates resistance, which has improved my swimming.

If you're not a strong swimmer, don't wear trunks. It just adds drag and will make it harder for you yet. If you object to a speedo (they don't have to be that bikini style - look for the kind made out of nylon, instead of lycra, and with a bit more to the sides... (often called a training suit, I think) then wear those jammer things if you must.

What can I say? I'm old school - a traditionalist - I can't stand the look of those jammer things.

While you're building up a baseline, wear a Speedo, your goal here is endurance not speed & power. Oh, and for the sake of your poolmates, buy the jammers, not the briefs (they're more comfortable anyway).

Once you're able to do distances about 20% longer than your race length, buy some drag shorts and start training in them. Not only is it good to build up the muscles you need, but there's a complete psychological edge when you race and feel like you're flying without the drag.

If you've never really trained for swimming, you can go talk to a local swim team's coach (preferably high school, college, or competitive club). They're usually pretty happy to give someone new to the sport a rundown of what workouts they put their distance swimmers through.

I am going to try to meet with swim coaches this weekend...