What do I do with the spare pair of goggles during my Triathlon?

Question

A lot of triathlon checklists say to bring a spare pair of goggles. Am I supposed to somehow bring these along with me during the swim.

Answer 1

well the extra pair of goggles is just a precaution in case your original pair brakes before the race, you don't need to swim with two pairs

Answer 2

I think it has more to do with making sure you have a working pair at the event.

Answer 3

Nope. You leave it in your transition area.

Hopefully this is something you aren't going to need, but you never know what is going to happen before a race. A friend was doing a triathlon recently and just as the race was getting ready to start, her goggles broke in a way we couldn't fix. She ran back to grab her spare pair in time for the start. That's why you bring a spare pair! Make sure they are already adjusted (straps, nosepiece) to fit your head beforehand.

Answer 4

All of my races have been ocean swims and I don't even bother with goggles for the reasons stated and more. It's just one more thing to have to worry about and I haven't found a great benefit in those conditions.

If that's the case for you, you may want to try it without goggles during a practice and make your own decision.

Note: I always wear them in the pool

Answer 5

Sounds like you've got a good list!

Yes, a spare pair of goggles is a good idea.  Just have them in your transition bag.  That way if you pull your goggles on as you're getting ready to start, and you hear a "crack" or "snap", you've got another pair close-by.  You'd hate for your race to be over before you even get in the water!  Believe me, this happens!!!

I also recommend bringing goggles with a couple of different tints.  You never really know what race morning will bring, and it's nice to be able to choose between clear and tinted goggles according to conditions.  I personally HATE swimming with the sun in my eyes, so I almost always wear tinted ones, but if it's a cloudly morning I go with my clear pair to give me a little extra visibility.

Good luck at your race!

Answer 6

Depending on the light conditions you may want to have a dark tint and a light tint pair of goggles. You leave the pair you don't want that day at the transition area