TRI HARD - Escapade Sports’ Gear Guide for Triathlon
A 1500metre swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run sounds like a grueling test of fitness but more and more people in Hong Kong are putting themselves through this ultimate outdoor sport. Triathlon, a sport that began its roots in the States 35 years ago and debuted as an Olympic sport at Sydney in 2000, is now becoming a Hong Kong phenomenon.
Hong Kong takes Triathlon very seriously. It has its own Association (HKTriA), which was set up in the 1980’s to govern the sport, and this year sees the Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asia Cup (at Disneyland on 17-18 October, 2009) catapulted on to an international stage, making it one of six Asia Triathlon competitions to hold a ‘Premium Cup’ status.
Between 150,000–250,000 Americans try a multi-sport each year according to the USA Triathlon Organization; although participants in Hong Kong may not rival the birthright country of Triathlon, both locals and foreigners participating in the sport are certainly increasing.
The largest stockist of Triathlon gear in Hong Kong, Escapade Sports has been seeing a lot of first time Triathletes coming in to the store. Whether you are a “virgin” or a professional Triathlete, here is a gear guide to the sport.
What to wear
A large section of the Causeway Bay store is dedicated to Australia’s leading Triathlon and fitness brand 2XU. The highly sought after range from 2XU includes Swim, Cycle, Running, Fitness and Compression.
The 2XU apparel comes in either a one piece or shorts and tops, which are made of highly technical fabrics that are breathable and streamlined. Suitable for both men and women the clothing can be worn throughout the race, and consists of padding for comfort on the bike and a quick dry material suitable for post swim.
Compression clothing provides the competitor with the benefits of improved circulation & recovery, reduced fatigue, heightened agility and reduced muscle damage.
The Compression range includes socks, calf guards, tights, shorts and tops. It is manufactured from a specially designed 360 degree circular knit structure material with anti bacterial & anti DVT properties, UV protection and moisture management capability.
Feet
Running shoes: Understanding your footprint will ensure that you choose the right running shoe for you. Stocking an array of ASICS shoes, Escapade Sports has found that the ASICS Gel Kayano is popular with triathletes on account of its superior gel cushioning and excellent support softening the impact on joints.
Lock laces: Competitors need to think about the little things and lock laces is one of them, after all you don’t want your shoe laces coming underdone or wasting precious time tying them up during the race or transition. Replace your original laces with Lock Laces and pull, you’re good to go.
Socks: Blisters are painful and debilitating during the race so you want to minimize the risk of getting sore feet. Choosing the right pair of socks is important. Escapade Sports stock brands such as Hilly and Falke that utilize technical fabrics and are designed to ensure that your feet are kept blister free, cool and dry.
In the water
Goggles: there is a big difference between pool and open water goggles, it is all about peripheral vision, open water goggles open up your line of sight. Escapade stocks leading TRI & swimming apparel provider, Blueseventy who manufacture both open water and pool goggles.
Transition
Transition is the stage between the swim, bike and running disciplines. A lot of competitors train for each stage separately and do not realize how organized one has to be during this phase. Valuable time can be lost from getting out the water and onto the bike therefore it is important to be organized. A transition bag (Escapade Sports stocks Blueseventy transition bags) will compartmentalize your kit for easy access.
Hydration and nutrition
You need to make sure you are well supplied with energy & electrolytes throughout the race and must consider how these are delivered to you whilst “on the go”. Escapade Sports stocks Hydrapack, a rucksack containing a hydration bladder and drinking tube; Fuel Belts with up to four bottles that fit snuggly around the waist and hand held Polar water bottles (Escapade Sports advises you use the BPA free water bottles). For electrolytes, add Nuun or Zero soluble tablets to your water for a refreshing drink that helps keep the cramp away.
Apart from electrolytes, you will also need to keep your energy levels up. Escapade Sports stocks a host of nutrition products including the highly sought after Hammer Nutrition (Escapade is the sole supplier), High 5, Accelerade & GU range of Gels, Powders, Chews and Energy Bars.
As the premier store in Hong Kong for Triathlon, Escapade Sports can make sure you have everything for the race and your training regime. Pop in to the Causeway Bay shop for some friendly advice and to check out the comprehensive selection of kit.
For more information visit www.escapade.com.hk or telephone 2891 1855. Escapade Sports can be found at G/F Yee Hing Building, 19 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay.
Hong Kong takes Triathlon very seriously. It has its own Association (HKTriA), which was set up in the 1980’s to govern the sport, and this year sees the Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asia Cup (at Disneyland on 17-18 October, 2009) catapulted on to an international stage, making it one of six Asia Triathlon competitions to hold a ‘Premium Cup’ status.
Between 150,000–250,000 Americans try a multi-sport each year according to the USA Triathlon Organization; although participants in Hong Kong may not rival the birthright country of Triathlon, both locals and foreigners participating in the sport are certainly increasing.
The largest stockist of Triathlon gear in Hong Kong, Escapade Sports has been seeing a lot of first time Triathletes coming in to the store. Whether you are a “virgin” or a professional Triathlete, here is a gear guide to the sport.
What to wear
A large section of the Causeway Bay store is dedicated to Australia’s leading Triathlon and fitness brand 2XU. The highly sought after range from 2XU includes Swim, Cycle, Running, Fitness and Compression.
The 2XU apparel comes in either a one piece or shorts and tops, which are made of highly technical fabrics that are breathable and streamlined. Suitable for both men and women the clothing can be worn throughout the race, and consists of padding for comfort on the bike and a quick dry material suitable for post swim.
Compression clothing provides the competitor with the benefits of improved circulation & recovery, reduced fatigue, heightened agility and reduced muscle damage.
The Compression range includes socks, calf guards, tights, shorts and tops. It is manufactured from a specially designed 360 degree circular knit structure material with anti bacterial & anti DVT properties, UV protection and moisture management capability.
Feet
Running shoes: Understanding your footprint will ensure that you choose the right running shoe for you. Stocking an array of ASICS shoes, Escapade Sports has found that the ASICS Gel Kayano is popular with triathletes on account of its superior gel cushioning and excellent support softening the impact on joints.
Lock laces: Competitors need to think about the little things and lock laces is one of them, after all you don’t want your shoe laces coming underdone or wasting precious time tying them up during the race or transition. Replace your original laces with Lock Laces and pull, you’re good to go.
Socks: Blisters are painful and debilitating during the race so you want to minimize the risk of getting sore feet. Choosing the right pair of socks is important. Escapade Sports stock brands such as Hilly and Falke that utilize technical fabrics and are designed to ensure that your feet are kept blister free, cool and dry.
In the water
Goggles: there is a big difference between pool and open water goggles, it is all about peripheral vision, open water goggles open up your line of sight. Escapade stocks leading TRI & swimming apparel provider, Blueseventy who manufacture both open water and pool goggles.
Transition
Transition is the stage between the swim, bike and running disciplines. A lot of competitors train for each stage separately and do not realize how organized one has to be during this phase. Valuable time can be lost from getting out the water and onto the bike therefore it is important to be organized. A transition bag (Escapade Sports stocks Blueseventy transition bags) will compartmentalize your kit for easy access.
Hydration and nutrition
You need to make sure you are well supplied with energy & electrolytes throughout the race and must consider how these are delivered to you whilst “on the go”. Escapade Sports stocks Hydrapack, a rucksack containing a hydration bladder and drinking tube; Fuel Belts with up to four bottles that fit snuggly around the waist and hand held Polar water bottles (Escapade Sports advises you use the BPA free water bottles). For electrolytes, add Nuun or Zero soluble tablets to your water for a refreshing drink that helps keep the cramp away.
Apart from electrolytes, you will also need to keep your energy levels up. Escapade Sports stocks a host of nutrition products including the highly sought after Hammer Nutrition (Escapade is the sole supplier), High 5, Accelerade & GU range of Gels, Powders, Chews and Energy Bars.
As the premier store in Hong Kong for Triathlon, Escapade Sports can make sure you have everything for the race and your training regime. Pop in to the Causeway Bay shop for some friendly advice and to check out the comprehensive selection of kit.
For more information visit www.escapade.com.hk or telephone 2891 1855. Escapade Sports can be found at G/F Yee Hing Building, 19 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay.
