20 Favorite Swim Bike Run Things I LOVE

As the holidays are here and athletes; newbie and veteran alike are gearing up for their 2025 season, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Swim Bike Run essentials. I've included a short review about why I have come to love each one and why they could be a fan favorite for any athlete. Included are some pics as well as some discount codes to use when shopping as triathlon isn't a cheap sport.

SWIM

Speedo Vanquisher Goggles
I have worn Speedo goggles since my competitive swimming career started when I was a kid. I transitioned to these specific silicone gasket goggles towards the end of my high school swimming career. These goggles grip well around the eyes and don't fog up. They also come in fun colors, with clear or mirror lenses. I recommend these for pool and open water swimming.

Zone3 Volare Streamline Racing Goggles

I wear these goggles mostly when swimming outside; in the pool but primarily for anything open water swimming. These are Zone3's only option for a streamline/racing goggle. They come with a double silicone strap which are easy to adjust. The polarized/mirrored do really well when the sun is at its brightest. Use code MARCI20 at https://zone3.com/en-us

Sporti Mermaid Fancy Foil One Piece Swimsuit

Of all the swimsuit brands I've worn through the decades; the Sporti swimsuits are my favorite brand. Sporti is a Swimoutlet brand so they can't be found in your local swim shop. These suits are made of polyester material; which is chlorine resistant, so they last for many swims. I love the mermaid scales design as it's cute and colorful. You can always find a good deal on Sporti brand items.

TYR Bungee Goggle Straps

Transitioning from regular silicone goggle straps to Bungee straps is the easiest way to adjust goggle straps. The straps which are essentially bungee cords are easy to fit in the goggle strap holes and once you place the cord lock on the straps; it's an easy adjustment at any time. These bungee cords are fairly inexpensive and are long lasting. 

FINIS Agility Paddles

I'm honestly not a fan of swim paddles; but these FINIS paddles have helped improve my freestyle swim stroke a lot. These paddles don't have a strap anywhere, only a hole for the thumb. If you don't apply pressure correctly; the paddles will come off or shift while you use them. 

BIKE

SMITH Persist MIPS Road Bike Helmet

Out of the all the helmets I've ever worn; this is my favorite bike helmet. It comes in many sizes and there are many colors to choose from as well. The dial is easy to adjust so it fits your head and won't come loose. This helmet can be found online and at most bike retailers. 

Pearl Izumi Select Short Sleeve Jersey

This short sleeve bike jersey keeps me cool and comfortable. The zipper is the full length of the jersey so that's one way to keep cool on a warm or hot day. The material is light and breathable. It's an older jersey so it could be hard to find. Mine is hot pink; but it comes in other colors to be visible on the road.

Pearl Izumi Elite Knee Warmers and Arm Warmers

Both the knee and arm warmers are thermal so they come in good use on a cooler day when riding outside. Both knee and arm warmers are a convenient piece of cycling apparel to keep in a pocket as they can be put on but taken off at any time of a ride; especially when as it gets warmer. Each are made with a silicone gripper so they stay in place. An essential for outside riding.

Shimano SH-TR501 Bike Shoes

As a triathlete, I like these bike shoes as they have one velcro strap. I am the last person to have a quick transition from the swim to the bike, but I like many features of the shoe. It's very well ventilated, it's soft and cushy inside so when I don't want to wear socks my feet are comfortable, and I love the finger loop on the back of the shoe. The only downside; it's white which doesn't work well on a ride where there is mud and dirt. Easy to clean though; that's an upside. 

ENVE Road Handlebar Tape

This handlebar tape comes in various colors to match or mismatch my bikes. There is extra cushioning on the inside of the tape so the actual handlebar isn't felt. The price is affordable which means any cyclist or triathlete gets their money's worth. Side note; there are two rolls in the package so it covers both handlebars. 

RUN

Target All In Motion Seamless Tank Top

Normally I'd go with a running brand top; but this one from Target is super flowy and is very breathable. This sleeveless tank covers the shoulders so on the hot mornings (and days) so the shoulder area isn't as exposed. Speaking of exposed; there is a small opening in the back so extra sunscreen is always being put on.

New Balance Sport Essential Shorts 5" 

I've never been a fan of shorter running shorts as chafing on any run isn't cool; but the length is just right. I also like that it has an elastic waistband with a little string to tie just for added comfort. The New Balance running shorts come in longer lengths as well.  

Zensah Seamless Running Sports Bra

One of the best running bras I've ran in; though it's a good sports bra to wear for any type of physical activity. This Zensah bra is made to wear and not worry about chafing as it's seamless. There are many colors to choose from and the price can't be beat.

Zensah Running Socks

Whether looking for compression, athletic, or everyday use socks; these are my go-to socks. There are so many fun designs to choose from so everything can be color coordinated and matchy-matchy. The socks come in full length compression socks, compressions sleeves, no show ankle socks as well as mini crew. A favorite and not just of mine. 

SPI Running Belt

A favorite that has many uses. I use the original running belt to put my keys and gels in as it's just the right size. The belt is easy to adjust and expands but you'll never loose anything that is placed in it. SPI (Small Personal Item) Belt makes a variety of different size belts in single colors as well as fun designs.  

Other Swim Bike Run Essentials

MyRaceTatts Motivational Mantras Temporary Tatts

I don't have to say why these motivational mantra temporary tattoos are a favorite thing. It's nice going out for a training session and especially on race day to see the mantras which gives the extra something to keep going. The temporary tatts are easy to put on and come off easily as well but could also last for days. They also make custom tatts and stickers too.  Use code MARCI150 at checkout to save 25% on your favorite mantras at https://myracetatts.com/.

Crank Sports eGel Energy Gels

Until the last few seasons in the sport; I hadn't found an energy gel to use in training and on race day that settled well in my stomach. They come in fruity flavors only made with complex carbs and enough electrolytes to get through time sweating. They settle well in my stomach whether swimming, cycling, and/or running as the gel is thin. I've never had any issues and highly recommend them. Besides the e-Gels; Crank Sports also makes electrolyte powder to place in your water bottle called e-Fuel which I use as well as nutrition is a key component in the sport of triathlon.

Goodr Sunnies (Sunglasses)

I don't know why it took me so long to discover these no bounce sunnies but I'm glad I did. A wide variety of colors, designs, and frames to choose from. If you're like me and everything must be matchy-matchy and color coordinated; Goodr sunnies are the way to go. The price tag is affordable and within a year of purchase anything happens to the sunglasses; it's simple to return and replace. They don't bounce or slip so training and racing is stress free.

Garmin Forerunner 255

A Garmin; or any other sports watch to collect data isn't required but it's fun to see how training and racing goes. Garmin has many different series of swimming, running, and multisport watches to choose from but the price tag can be on the expensive side. I always look for a good sale when needing to purchase a new one. The Garmin Forerunner series; as well as others I'm sure let you customize the watch face and the widgets. I never thought I'd purchase one; especially when they first came out in my early years but it's something I'm happy I did.

USA Triathlon Annual or One Day Membership

When taking the plunge into this magnificent sport; a membership whether one day or annual (there are plenty of pricing options) is needed to sign up for your race(s). You can click on the link here to see the options and what perks come with each one.