Recommended Bike and Run Equipment

Tracking Device: Garmin, Suunto, Polar, or other smartwatches to monitor metrics.

Heart rate monitor: Chest straps tend to be the most accurate, but you can use a forearm sensor or your smartwatch as well. (Garmin and Wahoo make quality models.)

Indoor Bike Trainer: While not required, having a way to ride indoors is highly beneficial. There are three options for this: a smart trainer, basic trainer, or spin bike (like a Peloton). Wahoo, Tacx, and Cycleops/Saris all make great smart and basic trainers. If we had to pick one, the Wahoo Kickr or Kickr Core would be our favorite: we use Wahoo Kickrs at the Purple Patch Center in San Francisco.

Comfortable Shoes: Shoes that minimize your muscular fatigue and damage and are most comfortable are best. Lighter, trendier, and carbon plate-ier isn't always better: just because a Kenyan can run a 2-hour marathon wearing a certain shoe, doesn’t make it the correct one for you. Brooks, Hoka, and Asics are just a few brands that work well for athletes.

Comfortable apparel: Don't underestimate how miserable chafing can make you. If you're committing to training for an endurance event, consider investing in high-quality gear including bike shorts/bibs (and don't forget that chamois cream!).

Recommended Strength Equipment

Set of kettlebells or dumbbells: ideally two to three different weights (one for single-arm exercises with like a row, one for two-arm exercises like a goblet squat)

Large resistance bands like Rogue Monster Bands

Mini resistance bands like this set from Gaiam

Foam Roller: A foam roller is a fantastic tool for self-care and tissue health.

Optional - Padded flooring: If you typically do your strength work in a garage or basement with a concrete floor, you might want to get a yoga mat, some interlocking gym flooring, or other padding to make exercises more comfortable to execute (especially when kneeling)

Optional - Handled Bands: We occasionally use these, though you can generally do those exercises with a large resistance band instead.

Recommended Swim Equipment

Swimming is the place where we utilize the most additional tools.  These come in handy and are integrated into many of your Purple Patch swim sessions. For more information on swim workouts and the use of the recommended equipment, make sure to check out our Swim Glossary.  

Swim Buoy: Any foam buoy will work

Snorkel: Finis is a popular choice

Power Paddles: Strokemaker Hand Paddles: (unless you are an elite swimmer, we recommend the SMALL or EXTRA SMALL size)

Ankle-Strap/Band: Ankle Strap on Amazon

Fins: ROKA Sports Classic Silicone Short Fins or TYR Crossblade Training Fin

Optional - Stretch Cordz: While not required, these are a great option for supplemental work on dry land or to use for warming up pre-swim: StrechCordz with Paddles