Biking

In three weeks, I will stand at the start line of my first triathlon, confidently clothed and geared up. But a triathlon is not only a multi-sport race; it is also a test of endurance, and what's on the inside — quite literally — could make or break a performance. It's time to consider: what food will fuel me on race day? The short answer is: nothing new!

I think it is safe for us to declare that bikes are officially the hottest accessory right now. To add to that, it's an accessory that we don't feel guilty about spending a little more on, because it's practical, good for the environment and good for you.

As an aspiring triathlete on a limited budget, I hope to train and race as cheaply as possible. But I also know that a triathlon is not like a running race. In a triathlon (or a duathlon), competitors transition between activities and change gear while continuing to race. This is going to require more than a decent pair of shoes ($150) and a sports bra ($20), both of which I already own.

If nothing else, preparing for a triathlon has given me an appreciation for cross-training. Over the years, I've been a dabbler: a hatha yoga class here, an evening jog there. But I've never kept up anything for very long, or with any consistency, let alone alternated between more than one activity.

To compete in a triathlon, you need to be able to do three things: swim, bike, and run. But let's face it, if you hope to have fun on race-day, you need not only to be able to do these things, but to do them reasonably well. This is where training comes in: building endurance and skill, over time.