A rant: When business mixes with pleasure (ie triathlon)

So I found out on Friday that I leave August 6 for my first business trip with this company. Coincidentally, my first Olymic Tri is on August 6. That's right, the SAME DAY. I accept full responsibilty for not telling my boss I was racing that day when I first started, but I'd already requested a day off for Hood to Coast, so I didn't want to push it. Besides, what were the odds they would book me for a trip that day, on a SUNDAY no less?

That being said, I race at 9, hopefully finish up by around 12, and fly out at 4:30 (arrive at the airport, fortunately nearby, at 3). It can be done, but I am REALLY sad I won't get to celebrate my accomplishment with my friends. I've been working for months--maybe even more--toward this. My boyfriend is also racing, as well as a couple of people from my swim team. Me being the emotional, sentimental type, not being able to bask in the glory of my success over microbrews with friends hit hard.

My plan is this: to celebrate immediately after (keeping the imbibing to a minimum, both for hydration purposes and to not sick out the person next to me on the plane), and to plan a get-together with my fellow athletes the following weekend.

Whew, just had to get that off my chest. Anyone else ever have the same problem, or am I the only one dumb enough to not schedule time off in advance? Any tips for my insane day?

Thanks,
Meg