Is it so bad that I wear running shoes during the cycling portion of a triathlon?
me for president! asked:
I just can’t afford the peddles or the cycling shoes right now. Plus, its my very first triathlon and my goal is to just finish. I am borrowing a road bike. So, if I really like triathlons after this is over, I suppose I could invest in the cycling shoes because right now, I really enjoy riding. I have had a couple people say that using my running shoes is bad.
I just can’t afford the peddles or the cycling shoes right now. Plus, its my very first triathlon and my goal is to just finish. I am borrowing a road bike. So, if I really like triathlons after this is over, I suppose I could invest in the cycling shoes because right now, I really enjoy riding. I have had a couple people say that using my running shoes is bad.
you definitly want to make sure you ride the bike a few times before the event. you should be able to borrow some pedals and even get some shoes really cheap.
there really is a drastic difference between sneakers and cycling shoes.
when i first started mountain biking- i wore sneakers and had a hard time keeping up with two of my friend who wore cycling shoes. once i got the cycling shoes they couldnt keep up with me- no kidding.
with that said- if this is your first event and your concern is to finish- work with what you have!!! either way it will be a great accomlishment.
No, it’s fine.
I’ve done several triathlons, mostly “sprints” but I’ve done a half-ironman and will be doing the ironman in Louisville this summer. You’re not doing triathlon professionally, since this is your first one take it easy spending money and see what suits you.
For the shorter sprint triathlons, I usually switch to traditional pedals and bike in my running shoes. It saves me time in the transition area changing shoes. On a long triathlon I’ll take the time to use cycling shoes and then change them.
Biking shoes and pedals are definitely better, but they take some time to get use to. Even more experienced riders hate to admit it but they sometimes fall clicking in and out. I would not recommend them to a newbie. In general running shoes are made for comfort and are light weight, biking shoes are hard weight is a concern but the goal is to keep your foot in the right position over the long haul so there are some trade offs. I would say get the stiffest running shoe you can tolerate and practice with toe clips. The toe clips will hold your foot in the right position. You will loose some efficiency but it may pay off in overall race.
Cycling shoe will result in a more efficient pedaling. You can get toe clips for the pedal so it will help you out. They don’t cost much.
When you do invest in a good road bike for yourself get a good pair of shoes also. You will love it.