What a New TRIATHLETE Learned Today

I did my first triathlon today (race report forthcoming - I'm waiting for the groovy split time information...and I barely know my finishing time (see note below)).

I AM A TRIATHLETE and a lot smarter than I was this morning. Here's what I learned (or maybe not) - if nothing else, I want to share the post-adrenaline rantings of a newbie.

1. I love this sport.
2. I like Blueberry Bliss Cliff bars better than Banana Nut Cliff bars.
3. A purple bike may not be as fast as a red bike, but it's easier to find in transition.
4. I'm not afraid of my bike.
5. I'm a lousy swimmer. (I can fix this.)
6. I had no idea there could be 6-8 people in one swim lane.
7. I don't like to swim with 6-8 other people. Come to think of it, I don't really like other people, although triathlon people are on the whole better than most.
8. I've come a long way, considering in December, I couldn't swim 25 m.
9. I can do anything I put my mind too.
10. The only thing I like saying better than "On your left" is "Thank you"
11. Diet Pepsi is a wholly appropriate pre-race drink, but nothing will ever taste better than orange soda when you finish.
12. I will always have more in my transition bag than necessary, but I will always forget something I need. (Note to self - add sunscreen to checklist.)
13. Volunteers ROCK. Policemen who cheer ROCK. Volunteer policemen who cheer are freakin' awesome.
14. Did I mention I love this sport.
15. Even some of the fast guys don't do flip turns. Some slow people do.
16. I will always cheer on the folks coming behind me on out-and-back run courses.
17. Little kids swim fast, but I can beat them on the bike.
18. Make sure you know how to do emergency repairs to your tri-suit. (My front zipper got a little funky on each of the gazillion times I used the bathroom.)
19. Things to keep your mind occupied on the bike: 1) Is it possible to get a paper cut from your bike number flapping up against your leg? 2) Why haven't I read any groovy tricks on BT to keep from getting said paper cut? 3) Thank god for granny gears. 4) I can get up any hill in front of me. 5) Is that a paper cut?
20. I don't like wet socks.
21. I love this sport. I'm going to go sign up for 2 other sprints this summer and maybe some more swim lessons while I'm at it.
22. I can do anything I put my mind to.
23. I love this sport.

Oh, I guess rather than waiting for the race report, I can tell y'all that I even brought home some hardware (as it were) - I took 3rd in the Athena division & got a wholly-weather-inappropriate sweatshirt. HOORAY.

EDITED to add: Oh, yeah - I forgot to mention: 24. If you get an award, don't get so excited at hearing your name that you forget to hear your time. (and 25. Of course, I love this sport.)

Thanks to everyone who gave me the advice to get here.

Kristen

Edited by enders_shadow 2007-03-24 5:38 PM