8 things a triathlon tech and product writer bought with their own money
Karen Parnell
January 07, 2022
8 things a triathlon tech and product writer bought with their own money
I get to review a lot of different triathlon kit, but everything I write about isn't necessarily what I would choose to use myself, even if it's a great product. My funds are limited as a triathlon coach, so I always spend wisely. Saying that I do love my tech and I got to test some amazing products in 2021! I don´t get to keep much of what I test unless it is clothing for obvious reasons or a subscription to a training service or App.
All of which means that if I really like something and I really want to use it for my own training or coaching, I just buy it like everyone else.
I thought you might like to see the stuff I use for our own swimming, cycling and running when I´m not reviewing something, so here's a list of the best things I bought with my own money in 2021.
Elite DUO Indoor Bike Trainer
Being a coach as well as a triathlete I prefer to have an indoor trainer that is easy to put bikes on and take off, so I tend to go for a smart trainer that is a wheel on type.
This type means that if an athlete visits me, we can easily put their bike on and do an FTP test or other type of training session if we need to train inside. It must be robust, accurate and work with a multitude of Apps and software. I use a lot of training Apps and software!
Get your FREE 31 structured indoor bike sessions for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad.
I am a fan of the Elite brand so when the DUO was announced I was keen to see it and try it. It was however delayed because the engineers at Elite in Italy wanted to make it as accurate as their high-end trainers. I was disappointed with the delay, but the accuracy enhancement was music to my ears.
When it arrived, I was in love, it had the looks, great build quality, excellent accuracy and worked with everything I threw at it. It has been nicknamed the “Toaster” – I wonder why?
My Elite DUO trainer AKA the toaster!
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Sapphire (Second Hand)
I have had my Fenix 3 for longer than I care to remember but it has run out of steam when it comes to testing technology as it does not fully support data fields. It still works well as a training watch after many years of active service, but I needed to upgrade. I knew I wanted another Fenix, but I did not have the spare funds for a brand-new watch so decided to get the most for my budget. After looking at specs and what I needed for testing I knew I needed a Fenix 5 Plus or better.
I found a great Spanish second-hand site (rebuy.es) and kept checking it for a few weeks and then a second-hand Fenix 5 Plus came up for a very reasonable price. Buying second hand not only saves money but also is a greener option. I´m very happy with my thrifty purchase and it´s as rock solid as the Fenix 3 but also has sapphire glass plus has a built-in heart rate monitor, 2hour longer battery life with GPS on, 21.2% higher resolution screen, detects activities automatically, has irregular heart rate warnings, acquires GPS faster and is 0.2mm thinner.
I did need to replace the strap but found some good value ones on Amazon and even in purple!
Amazon: Garmin Fenix 5X, Sapphire, Refurbished
£254.95
Fenix 5 Plus Sapphire I bought second hand on ReBuy
Cressi Anti-Fog
This just works! No need for spit or horrible baby shampoo which is a pollutant. Cressi anti-fog is used by divers so on swimming goggles its excellent. I´ve had the same pair of Zoggs Predator flex for six years and the cressi anti-fog not only keeps my lens clear (even in the cold sea on a warm day) but also appears to keep the plastic and rubber in tip top condition. Another bonus is it´s reef safe so won´t pollute the sea, lakes or rivers.
Cressi anti-fog = no fog in goggles + longer lasting goggles + happy swimmer!
Cressi anti-fog spray and my 6 year old Zoggs Predator Flex goggles
Amazon: Cressi Anti-Fog
£7.99
ASICS Trabuco Max Trail Running Shoes
I bought these and loved them so much I wrote about them for TRI247. They are great on trails and road and appear to have a sticky sole. They are great on the mountains here in Southern Spain. You can read more about my experience at TRI247.com.
ASICS Trabuco max trail running shoes after a run in the mountains in Southern Spain near ChiliTri
Amazon: ASICS Trabuco Max trail running shoe
£103
Decathlon Olaian Surfers Poncho
Open water swimming in Spain most of the time means you don´t need a full-on dry robe but just need a changing robe. I looked at various types but being thrifty I had a look at what Surfers use and found this snazzy number in Decathlon. We now have three of them here at ChiliTri, so we have a spare for visiting swimmers. They have a towelling inner so you can towel off a bit and they are big enough to spare blushes when you change under it on the beach.
Now when I need a bit of open water apparel, I check out the surfers’ items first!
Decathlon Surfer poncho idea for open water swimmers
Would
you like a FREE swimming workouts for triathletes e-book with tips, workouts,
drills and more – download it here.
Swimming
training plans on TrainingPeaks.
Swimming
training plans on FinalSurge.
Primark Black “Parka” aka Swimmers Dryrobe
I read about the fake dry robe style changing robe for open water swimmers from Primark on a swimmer’s blog so visited the shop in Granada and could not find it. We even asked a shop assistant and she looked blankly as we tried to translate and mime a swimmer’s changing robe. I did not want to give up so looked around the jackets in the ladies’ section and lo and behold there was a black “parka” which was exactly like a swim robe but a fraction of the price. It´s great on colder days on the beach and if you buy the largest size you can change under it. It only comes in black so to make it a bit more colourful I sewed on a ChiliTri badge.
Black parka from Primark that can be used as a swim changing robe
Arena Pullkick Pro
I´m always on the look out for swim toys that are useful and not too costly and the Arena Pullkick pro fits this spec perfectly. It’s a pull buoy and kick board in one which is not a first, but it does have some different ways to use it. I´m not a fan of traditional kick boards as they tend to make swimmer banana their back and put their body in a non-streamlined position. Building muscle memory in a body position that is wrong is never a great idea. So, I have been asking my swimmers to not use one and extend their arms out in front instead. Whilst this gives a good, streamlined position it cannot be held well by some swimmers.
The Arena Pullkick pro can be used as a kick board but on its edge and half under the water which gives a natural position for kicking. There are other ways to use it and your can see them in this video.
Would
you like a FREE swimming workouts for triathletes e-book with tips, workouts,
drills and more – download it here.
Swimming
training plans on TrainingPeaks.
Swimming
training plans on FinalSurge.
Arena Pullkick pro for use as a pull buoy and kick board
Amazon: Arena Pullkick pull buoy
£14.99
Spotify
For music while indoor training and the all-important podcasts. I´m enjoying the TriDoc, Tri Talking Sport and Triathlete Mindset podcasts at the moment plus I like to listen to marketing ones like Social Media Marketing School and Marketing School. I only discovered podcasts during lock down and I feel like I´m late to the party as they are great way to learn whilst training. Did you know during or just after exercising your brain is more receptive to learning? You can read more about it in this piece in the Guardian.
This is a great podcast from my friend Morgon Latimore
Would you like a free training plan? Claim your free plan or e-book.
Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, 8020 Endurance Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer.
Karen is currently studying for an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling.
Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:
I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com
Get your FREE Guide to Running Speed and Technique
Get your FREE Swim Workouts for Triathletes E-book
Get your FREE Open Water Swimming Sessions E-Book
Get your FREE 31 structured indoor bike sessions for Zwift, Rouvy and TrainerRoad.