Packing for Peak Performance: The Ultimate Triathlete Travel Kit
Karen Parnell BEng (Hons) CEng MBA CPT
Helping Triathletes & Swimmers meet or exceed their Training & Race Goals | 121 Coaching | Training Plans | TrainingPeaks | Final Surge | Clinics & Camps Spain | Sports Tech & Blog Writer
Whether you're hitting the road for business or pleasure, maintaining your triathlon training routine can be a challenge. With the right gear and a bit of planning, however, you can stay on top of your game and ensure that your training doesn't suffer while you're away from home. In this post, we'll cover the essential items to pack in your triathlete travel kit for both business and leisure travel, so you can stay fit, focused, and ready to perform, no matter where your travels take you.
Swimming Kit to Pack when you Travel
Swim Tether for Hotel Swimming Pools
Price: £21.99
I don’t know why but many hotel pools are not designed for lap swimming and are either and odd curvy shape or very small and nowhere near 25 metres or yards! To ensure you get your swimming sessions done effectively then pack a swim tether and you will always get a good workout even in the smallest pool. This one from?Wisdompro on Amazon ?is comfortable, good value for money and good quality.
If you would like some ideas on how to swim train with a tether I have put some sessions in my?FREE Swim Workouts for Triathletes Book.
ZEN8 Swim Trainer
Price: £189 (RRP)
When I first heard of the ZEN8 I must admit I was sceptical but having used it for some time myself and with my athletes I can thoroughly recommend it. It enables you to work on your stroke technique and power in the catch and pull phases. It also works on your stroke timing (arm stroke coordinated with leg kick), arm and shoulder strength as well as your kicking action and core strength.
It packs away small so you can take it away with you and includes the inflatable bench, swim cords and pump. There are many videos to watch so you can follow along with workouts and training plans to help you improve. This swim trainer can even be used in your hotel room!
Use this invitation only?link ?to get a special offer on the ZEN8 with lifetime access to the workout library plus a big discount with this code: KARENPARNELL01.
The swim cords on their own are worth the money with the discount is comparable with a good quality pair of swim cords.
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Cycling Kit to Pack when you Travel
Feedback Sports Omnium Trainer with Tote Bag
£349.99
Train in your hotel room with Zwift with this packable, lightweight bike roller.
If you are going to be working away from home for a few weeks or months this is an ideal piece of kit from?Feedback Sports . This bike roller packs up small and weighs just over 6kg but when assembled and is a very capable magnetic resistance bike trainer. This can be used with your bike so you will either need to take your bike with you or hire a bike similar to your own bike at your new location. When I use a “dumb trainer” I use my?Wahoo Blue SC Cycling Speed Senso r and?Wahoo TICKR X ?(more on this later).
You may have seen pro cyclists warming up and down on the?Feedback roller ?as it not only compact and portable but is robust and will give you a smooth ride even at high power efforts. It’s worth remembering not to run our tyres has high pressure as they can overheat.
The rollers have progressive magnetic resistance — the faster you go, the greater the drag from the drums and they run smooth and quiet.
The Feedback company is known for their bike stands and build quality and this is the same for the Omnium trainer. At a moderate?6.35 kg, the Feedback Sports Omnium Over-Drive stays within the weight limits of most airlines.
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Running Kit to Pack when you Travel
Tropic Feel Running/Swimming Shoes
Prices: £99 - £129
I can’t write a piece about travel kit without including Tropicfeel shoes as they are my favourite shoes to take when travelling. You can use them for running, rowing and swimming as they have little holes in the sole that lets the water run out. They fold up small and come with a band to ensure they keep small in your suitcase or bag. They even have elastic lock laces!
I have the Jungle as I have found them great for everything, I do an love to swim in the sea in them. They are made from re-cycled plastic bottles so are sustainable as well. You can find all of the shoes on their?website . Use this?link to get money off ?as well.
Here’s a photo of my partner using his?Tropicfeel Dunes ?to swim in the sea in Southern Spain.
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Skipping or Jump Rope for Running Fitness
Price: £10 to £79.95
I always have a skipping rope or jump rope in my bag when travelling so even if I can’t get outside, I can train my running muscles and get some plyometric work done. You can use a skipping rope in the smallest spaces plus even 10 minutes will get your heart pumping and lungs working hard - those boxers know a bit about cardio and endurance and they use ropes to train! It’s a really efficient workout as it works your cardiovascular system, coordination and the plyometric aspect increases muscle strength, which allows you to run faster, jump higher, and change direction quickly.
There are a few options from an old school simple rope such as the?wood and leather one from Islero ?for just £10.99 or if you are into your tech then this?smart rope from Tangram . The smart rope connects to an App on your phone or tablet and shows jump count, calories burned, workout times, and give you interval training ideas. Read more about why?triathletes and runners should pick up a jump rope here.
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Strength and Conditioning Kit to Pack when you Travel
Wahoo TICKR X ?Heart Rate Monitor with Cadence and Memory
Price: £66.33
This is my go-to heart rate monitor for all activities as well as the gym as it is simple to use and includes cadence! It connects to everything thanks to having both Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. I’ve used it with my Garmin GPS watch, Apps like Zwift and my Concept 2 rower. It has built in memory so you can store up to 50 hours of workout data so you can train without a phone. If you are using it for running you get your running dynamics data such as vertical oscillation, cadence and ground contact time which combine to provide you a running smoothness score. It also has LED lights so know it’s working and connected plus a front clip mechanism that makes it easy to put on.
Folding Exercise Mat
Price: £25.99
I discovered these mats when two of my athletes came over to Spain last year to train in my gym. These mats fold up flat and are easier to pack than a roll up mat plus they are very durable. I like to take my own mat when training as I know it will be comfortable and hygienic. This?eco-friendly one from Eke ?comes with a handy carry bag.
TRX Move System
Price: £129.99
This is a staple in my travel kit, and I’ve tried many different types from well known sports shops and supermarkets but always come back to the original TRX suspension trainer. The TRX branded suspension trainer is the still the best quality and also offers great follow along workout videos, door anchor, suspension anchor and a mesh carry bag. The TRX Move System is the lightest weight so ideal for travelling. I can send you a workout for swimming, cycling or running just email me and I will send them to you. [email protected].
You can use this code (TRX15CHILITRI) to get 15% off at the?TRX Website .?
TRX Move System - Lightweight for Travel
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Stainless Steel Bottle with Foam Roller
MOBOT ?Unisex Adult Bigbertha Reusable Stainless Steel Foam Roller Water Bottle
Price: £66
We all know it’s really good to foam roller after swimming, cycling and running but it can fall by the wayside, particularly when you are travelling. Luckily?MOBOT? have thought of that an created a sustainable stainless steel bottle with foam roller combined.?
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Conclusion: Pack Smart and Train Well Anywhere
As a triathlete, it's important to stay on top of your training no matter where your travels take you. With the right gear and a bit of planning, it's possible to continue making progress towards your fitness and race goals even when you're on the road. By packing smart and focusing on the essentials, you can stay fit, focused, and ready to perform, whether you're traveling for business or pleasure. So go ahead and plan that trip - with the right triathlete travel kit in tow, you'll be ready to take on anything that comes your way. Safe travels!
If you would like a FREE training plan for triathlon, swimming, cycling or running check out the?FREE downloads here .
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Karen Parnell? is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer.?
Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks, FinalSurge and FinalSurge IRONMAN marketplace:
I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. [email protected]
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FAQ: Triathlon Training when Travelling Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What gear do I need to pack for a triathlon training when traveling for business?
A: When traveling for business, it's important to pack smart and bring only the essentials. Be sure to bring your running shoes, a swimsuit and?goggles, ?and lightweight workout clothes. Consider bringing resistance bands or a?skipping rope ?to get in some strength and cardio training in your hotel room. A GPS watch like a?Garmin Fenix 7 solar ?or?Wahoo TICKR X ?can also be useful for tracking your runs and rides.
Q: What should I pack for a triathlon when traveling for a holiday?
A: When traveling for leisure, you may have a bit more flexibility in terms of what you can bring. Be sure to pack your full triathlon kit, including your wetsuit, bike shoes, and helmet. If you're planning to do a lot of running, consider bringing multiple pairs of running shoes to avoid wearing out one pair too quickly. You may also want to bring a?foam roller ?or massage ball to help with recovery after long training sessions.
Q: How can I pack efficiently for a triathlon when traveling?
A: When packing for a triathlon training while traveling, it's important to be strategic with your gear choices. Bring items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a pair of compression shorts that can be worn for both running and cycling. Roll your clothes to save space and pack heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase. Consider investing in a?triathlon-specific travel bag ?that's designed to hold all of your gear and keep it organized.
Q: Are there any items I should leave behind when packing for a triathlon while traveling?
A: While it can be tempting to bring everything you think you might need, it's important to be selective with your gear choices. Leave behind any items that you can do without or that may be available at your destination, such as towels or water bottles. Avoid packing heavy items that may not be essential, such as multiple pairs of jeans or dress shoes.
Q: How can I make sure my triathlon gear arrives safely when traveling by air?
A: When traveling by air, it's important to protect your triathlon gear and ensure that it arrives at your destination in good condition. Consider investing in a?hard-sided travel case to protect your bike , and use bubble wrap or foam padding to protect any delicate or breakable items. Label all of your gear with your name and contact information, and consider taking a photo of your packed bag in case it gets lost or misplaced.
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