With all the hoopla about my toe, I haven't written what else I learned (Besides pick up your feet when you walk) during this triathlon. Some are repeats but I want to remember for later.
* Need a smaller Tri Bag. The bag I packed was just too big for the space. I did learn, At Monday Night's Tri 101 class, that I can use the same brand (Thirty One) bag but a smaller version that I own.
* Towels for a Transition Area Work... but I saw a yoga mat cut that I loved better! PLUS, as I have learned for experienced Tri-ers, if it does start raining, your towel can stay dry and your space is still ready to be set up.
*If there is a hit of rain - put everything in ziploc bags.
*Set up your Tri Area the way you practiced. Quick transition time and you know where your stuff is.
*Pack the extras (sun hat, ice water, sun glasses, number belt, snack bag, etc) be willing to forget or leave what isn't going to work for that day. Saw a momma running with a backpack- it was way to big- way to hot!
*Goggles - Smoke Goggles saved me at the outdoor pool. I happened to have a pair of each since I struggled to find goggles that fit and don't leak. Invest and practice with both. As a beginner, I am so glad I did. I hear people complaining about the sun hitting the water and throwing them off when they came up for a breath.
*Swim Cap - Silicon - just put the $$ into Silicon... Even with lots of hair. I think of it as putting on my superwoman cape for Tri. I didn't put it on for the Great Escape and I missed on the peace and focus that comes when I follow the tradition of wearing my cap in training. If you practice with a cap - use a cap. If they give one to you for the race- put it on top of your silicon cap. No Hair ripping that way.
*Being at the end is not so bad. There isn't so much "fight" with other competitors to get going. Even if people are faster at swim, they might not be on bike or run. You may only pass one person but I promise, it feels GREAT!
*When you get a chance, purchase a pair of tri shoes... my running shoes will never be the same.
*Underwear - Not granny cotton, but Running underwear... There is a thing called the Sliding Door Effect That happens when your ride your bike and don't have coverage... Just do it.
*Bras - No matter your size, biking and then running with no or little support isn't worth it. Plus, when someone passes you, all they can think about is how much you must be hurting... Just do it.
*Tri Suit - Whether you do a kit or one piece, totally worth the cash. Shop around and get one with pockets. Any longer of a Tri and I would have needed a pocket for a snack, gu or treat.
*Peppermint gum for the run. Helps you with your breath and breathing. I'm in!
*Be helpful. We've all be new to something before. If you can help someone - do it.
*Embrace the positive that comes with a race. Strangers will cheer you on. Friendly faces will pass you by. Be your encouragement and be the voice of encouragement to others. Whether they receive it well (mostlikely) or don't, you'll still be their fuel for a few steps towards the goal.
*Flip Flops - while on accident I packed 2 pairs, it was totally worth it. You'll need flip flops before the swim and after the run. I was informed that as I do longer races, I'll want the best flip flop for my foot- so if you need arch support, purchase Chacos or Merrell barefoots (or even more fancy more advanced flip flops) so that your feet can immediately heal, relax but with proper support.
*Extra Hair Ties - These things pop and break like crazy. Pack extras. If you don't need them, someone else will.
*French Braid or Low Pony Tails - You don't want to mess with your hair from start to finish. I'm told a French Braid holds well but since I don't have those skills I settled on a low pony tail. I thought I might have to mess with it after the ride but nope - it stayed put. One less thing to worry about.
*Helmet Safety - I'll be the first to admit I think it's hooey.... until this training. So first - wear it properly. covering your forehead = not tilted back. You can die smacking the pavement. Enough said.
*Sunscreen, Sun block - If you believe in it - wear it. For our little Tri - I didn't but I still got some sun. I can't imagine what a longer tri would do to me.
* Bug Spray - I didn't notice until the run... but it would have been handy...
*Sunglasses- I don't have a pair - but it would have been nice during the bike. between the wind & the sun, my eyes were hurting... and I biked in my every day glasses......
*Change of Clothes - Pack extra. You may find you want to wear your race shirt or maybe something completely different. Pack a small shower kit JUST in case there are showers. You'll love to at least wash the dirt off your feet before you go home.
*Ice - We were told this trick and it was wonderful. Freeze water in your bottles 1/3-1/2 - then in the morning, fill with cold drinking water. By the race it's all been melted and is still cold. Next time I'll freeze the whole bottle - it was so hot my water was turning room temp by the time it was done.. and I wanted more to drink.I'm informed that the insulated bottles are totally worth it!
*Electrolyte tabs - Pack them. You don't need to use them unless you feel you need to - but worth it. I really needed something on the bike. I hadn't eaten and the nerves settled mid-bike. I could have used a shot of something. By the run, I was just thirsty. I grabbed the Nuun (warm) water and it wasn't good. I just wanted water. Lesson Learned.
*Join local run groups for pictures - I'm lucky enough to have done a local race and had joined our local running community fb group. They took wonderful pictures that I will cherish forever! they had no idea who I was. So if you travel for races, grab a volunteer or organizer and ask where pictures will be posted. This is a very welcoming and sharing community!
*Finishing Protocol - No matter first or last - Sprint to the end, raise those arms and hoot & holler! You did it! Other people will not leave you hangin' in a cheer either! Be Your Own Best Cheerleader!
*Camera - Have someone snap pictures of you at Transition & at the finish-line. At the end of the race, take a picture with your friends and family.
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