what did you learn in 2011? (Page 3)

I'm only an amazing mom because my husband's got my back. I struggle when he's gone, but I also learned that I CAN ask for help from my awesome support system that is family and friends.

Biking and swimming are hard! Can't just be fit to do these things. You have to be bike and swim fit (and knowledgeable!).

My husband cannot eat whatever he wants just because he's a skinny dude. We've been learning about proper nutrition for the blood pressure challenged.

My left foot turns outwards. When I try to straighten it to walk or run, it hurts not only the left leg, but my hips and right leg. Crazy! I'll just keep going with the crooked foot.

There's an amazing site for newbie triathletes that's welcoming, all knowing, and fun! 

Among some other eye opening things.

I learned:

    Starting the swim in the middle of the washing machine "for the experience" is not something I don't want to experience again.

    The importance of proper bike fit and finding the right saddle cannot be overemphasized.

    Asking BTers whether lower always means faster is a sure way to start a fight.

That 2012 is going to be an incredible year...

*You go a lot faster in a tri when you don't ride a mountain bike.

*It helps to actually train for the bike leg. But 2 hours around an industrial park is a long, long time.

*It's good to figure out where the finish line is in advance.

*Hydration really, really matters, esp. if racing in triple digit heat!

*The run more often thing doesn't really work for me. I'm sticking to 4X a week!

*ART really works and is worth the pain.

*It's possible to win overall, and not know it till the finish line (and then not believe it)!

Stretching is my friend. And that once injuries go away, they can come back just as quickly.

There is so much more to learn, and that this site rocks. 

I have always enjoyed cycling, but I am becoming more fond of running and swimming.

Pacing on the bike is your friend for a happy run.

Daughters with home made signs at the finish line is Priceless!

Daughter wanting to take off training wheels finally so she could do a triathlon like daddy...Priceless!

I learned that my body rejects some of this tri training but I'm trying to beat it into submission

I've also learned that the support of my bike shop is awesome and I'm very appreciative!

Patsy

- I learned that even though I come from a swimming and running background, cycling is my new love and most enjoyable aspect of tri training.

- I learned that the more hobbies i get the less my budget can buy for each one. 

- I learned limits don't exist when you are willing to push yourself to surpass them. (This is a lesson that goes far beyond triathlon)

- No one outside of triathlon, understands triathlon.

- I learned that I really need to consider purchasing an infinity pool considering the pee and feces infested water that is apparently in public pools.

- That spending lots of time swimming with bad shoulders leads to lots of pain and rapidly diminishing returns

- That even as a tri-noob in moderate condition and riding a road bike with drop bars, I can hang with guys who appear to be in better shape and with better equipment (at least on the ride)

- That the less time I spend thinking about how much I hate running because of how much it hurts, the less it hurts and the less I hate it

SYJ

At my first attempt at HIM I learned the meaning of Bonk and how it relates to proper food and liquid intake

I enjoy training more than racing

Even a 1/2 mary hurts if you didn't train for it

44 thousand people in the Las Vegas R&R marathon will help support your wobbly legs at the end

at over a 200 pound body, the few grams that a liner in both front and rear tires adds is well worth the reduced flat tires.

I have learned that older bikes can be expensive to maintain.

I have also learnt to train for specific race conditions - ie train hills when prepping for a hilly race (in a related note I have learned port macquarie is very hilly!)

I learned that I am much stronger and athletic than I ever thought

I learned that the tri community - and especially BT is very welcoming, helpful and fun

I learned that being in great shape is a great example for my 2 daughters

I learned that I can complete a triathlon, my first was in May. 

I really like to ride, turns out a well fitted bike makes all the difference.

Calf injuries are a royal pain, been dealing with one for almost 7 months now.

-That you can push through just about any level of pain.  It's just pain, it in itself ain't gonna kill you.

-That out loud self talk and the occasional scream help with the former

* That training for tri is more interesting than training for running

* That tri is addictive

* That tri is expensive

* That tri is becoming increasingly popular