A Holiday Gift Guide for Triathletes

Triathlon is a demanding sport, one that requires much of the mind, body, and soul. But, to support the physical and mental side of the training and competition, every triathlete needs certain tools. So, if you are shopping for that very special triathlete in your family, try grabbing a bunch of the stuff to either stuff the stocking, nestle under the tree, or give over dinner for Hanukah.

Stocking Stuffers: Some are cheap and some are pricey, but they'll all slide neatly down inside.

1. Body Glide: Essential lubricant for a triathlete's body so that he doesn't end up sore or chaffed all over after a grueling race.

2. Gel packs: He needs to refuel during those long rides and runs, and these are the easiest ways to keep his energy up.

3. Goggles: Small but meaningful, a great pair of swim goggles can make that choppy, cold swim all the more easy.

4. Anti-fog: Needed to keep those goggles clear during the swim.

5. Chapstick: You can never have enough. The wind and sun will hammer his lips throughout the race.

6. Sunglasses: Critical during the bike and run. Get ones that wrap the eyes and block the wind.

7. Energy bars: Again, like the gel packs, another nutritional supplement to keep him going.

8. Training DVDs or books: No triathlete knows it all, so give him a chance to keep learning and perfecting his training.

9. Socks: High quality socks will protect his feet and keep him running blister-free.

10. Easy Laces: Eliminates wasting time during transition tying shoes.

11. A watch: While he'll see a clock at several stages, having a good watch to keep pace during training and competition will go a long way in his ability to improve.

12. Heart Rate Monitor: An advanced but excellent tool to find his peek training zones.

13. Swim Cap: He'll get one on race day, but he should train like he races.

14. Collection of Permanent Sharpies: Needed for body marking on race day.

Bigger Gifts that Need Wrapping: The prices will vary, but they'll each be received well.

1. Cycling shoes and clipless pedals: Cycling shoes that clip in and out make for a far more productive ride.

2. Hydration Systems: Whether a rear-mount water bottle for the back of his seat or a water belt for the run, making sure he has more than adequate hydration is important.

3. Aerobars: If he trains on a road bike, buy a set of clip-on aerobars so he can get into the aero position more often during his rides.

4. Helmet: A helmet that fits well is not only an aerodynamic advantage, but also, and more importantly, a major safety issue. Don't go cheap here.

5. Tri Shorts: Multi-purpose shorts that have a tight fit to be slippery in the water, slight padding to cushion the ride, and excellent breathability for the run.

6. Wetsuit: May need a gift certificate for this, as it really needs to be tried on and fitted. Expensive but well worth the investment.

7. High Quality Running Shoes: Probably another gift certificate situation, but excellent shoes are a must for both training and competing.

8. Travel Bag: A good sized athletic bag to hold all the gear needed in the transitions.

9. Cycling Shirts/Jackets: Tight fitting shirts with back pockets for energy storage are perfect for the bike portion. A jacket will help on those cool or rainy days.

10. Pump: A high quality pump to adjust tire pressure before the race. Balanced tires are critical, so having the pump accessible in the transition prior to the race is important.

11. Bike Gear: Racing wheels, upgraded pedals, sleeker saddles, and any other equipment enhancements for his bike. These could be very pricey and personal. Know what you're doing before buying these.

Buying any of these, or a nice combination of them, will unquestionably make the holidays a memorable one for your triathlete.