First Impression

Photos

*update: Monday 11:32 pm

I haven't yet received any responses from the athletes, so I opted to visit a triathlon store in Manhattan and note all the products available to a triathlete. I found some triathlon oriented stores in the New York area: SBR (Swim Bike Run) and Jack Rabbit Sports. Both are reputable places that serve the triathlon communities in New York City.

JackRabbit observations:

~Shoe Area

-Treadmills are set up to allow for analysis of running gait. Cameras are used to record running gaits and allow the store employees to recommend a shoe style based on the analysis of the runner's gait.

-There are more than 50 styles of running shoes lined along the wall, ranging from models that are geared toward athletes who have unusual gaits to one that utilizes carbon fiber in the sole of the shoe. Leads me to believe that there are a variety of athletes with a wider variety of needs.

*NOTE: When I find a triathlete, ask how many pairs of shoes they use to train with.

-People who came in for a shoe consultation seemed to be given a personal touch, leaving me with the impression that this store wasn't adamant about a particular shoe, but seemed to have an idea that an runner should have a particular shoe

-Prices ranged from $70 to $140 per pair. Sidebar: the lightest shoe (made of carbon fiber and appearing to have the thinnest sole) was the most expensive.

~Swim Area

-Relatively small, area compared to the running area. The wall here was stacked with more than a dozen different style of goggles. Various tools to help improve swim form were on the wall (hand flippers, buoys to help with body balance, swim caps, competitive swim trunks).

~Cycling Area

-First thing I noticed about this area is that there are no bikes. Simply accessories: water bottle cages, water bottles, bike lights, chain cleaners, chain oils)

*NOTE: Find out if they sell bikes. They have another store in Brooklyn and I believe bikes are sold from there.

~Accessories and Nutrition

-There a number of different accessories available for triathletes. Compression socks were available for $40. Heart rate monitors in the form of watches starting at $30. Energy gels, bars and supplements advertising fitness improvement.

*NOTE: Next time check what kind of ingredients are used to make the food.

Goals for the week:

-Visit and observe SBR

-Check out local indoor triathlon in Prospect Park YMCA (observe, network, photos)

-Get in contact with outreach people from both JackRabbit and SBR

-Routine of a triathlete