3 Things you should know about racing... (Page 2)

You get to check out my butt....cuz I R Slow!!!!  And it is nothing that you should feel excited about!!!

Whoa. How does that work? Did you just go fill it in and they'll print em up? Were they already made?

And it's driving me nuts, so be sure to print it like this: Slow Girls Checking Out Many Hot Chick's Butts In Spandex

or Chicks'

Oops. Good call. Dontcha hate it when you make typos whilst calling out other people's typos?

Niver hoppens to me!

Niver Hoppins.... doesn't that sound like some sort of food....

I think I'm just hungry.

Sorry, Karl. Your lovely thread is now officially, completely hijacked and it's at least partially my fault. (Chucky started it).

Hey Will, do they make those shirts in Spandex CoolMax?

Awesome thread...great to think about racing again...as I shovel my driveway...

1)  Open water swimming...the pool just doesn't cut it...different animal when you can't see the bottom

2)  Force your way through the first 800m of the run...your legs will loosen up

3)  Eat whatever they have on the table after the race...and have a couple beers, too...today is a guilt free day!! you have earned it...

have a good season all

d

1. Attend pre-race briefing whether it's day before or morning of the race.  The head referee will discuss the rules, and answer any questions you might have.  Even though I've been in the sport since 1983, I continue to learn new things about how rules are enforced.
2. Make a check list of everything you possibly will need for the race.  If you follow your list you won't forget anything.
3. Arrive at the race venue at least 1 1/2 hours ahead of time.  You'd be amazed how quickly that time goes.  Between setting up transition, checking out the exits and entrances, proper warm-up, porta-potty stops, and talking to people the time goes quickly.  (You got several extra tips in that last sentance.)

This is a great light-hearted article about the exact attitute and preparation needed for a tri:

http://www.transitiontimes.com/viewstory.cfm?ID=5644

I'll add a few things, although I've only done two triathlons:

1. Thank every single race volunteer you can. They are there keeping you safe, cheering you on, and backing you up!
2. Don't just do many OW swims, do at least one in the water you will be swimming in on race day, if possible. My first one, I didn't do that. I panicked and was DFL out of the water. (But I did not end up DFL as I did passably in the bike and really well in the run.) My second one I did just a quick lap out to the edge of a dock and back right before my wave entered the water and it made a HUGE difference.
3. Build yourself a "calming mantra" or song. I use the song "There's Something About That Name" which I find very soothing and when I panic in the water, I start that song in my head. Practice it in the pool, in open water, etc.
4. Do whatever YOU need to do to feel good. If you need a good luck charm, to wear the same socks you wore on your first tri, to hum a specific song...do it. Don't worry that someone else might think less of you because of it. Wear makeup, don't wear makeup. Wear your favorite shorts from high school. Wear your lucky underwear. Just do whatever you need to do to feel comfortable.
5. Remember your support team! Who trained with you? Who rode alongside you? Who stood at the expo taking pictures, and waited for you at the finish line to cheer you on? No on gets to the finish line alone. My first tri I ordered a triathlon medal and when I did my bike to run transition I grabbed it. As I crossed the finish line I got my medal and then I ran right up to my husband and put HIS medal on his neck. He has it hanging behind his desk at work. Your "team" needs to feel an appreciated part of the program. (I can't tell you how many women I heard complaining that their (expletive deleted) husband wouldn't come to watch them or were complaining because they "had" to come. Mine wouldn't imagine being anywhere else!