Packing Heat

As a novice, I am completely unaware of what happens at a triathlon (other than the fact that I am going to swimming, biking and running in that order).  It should come as no surprise then, that I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to need. 

To remedy the situation, I've done some internet research and I've turned to some of my experienced tri-competitor friends. This is what I've come up with, God help me:

• 2 pairs of swim goggles (one pair to wear and one to have just in case the other breaks).  This works out perfectly because I can take my own mirrored pair and then Hub's regular, clear pair.  If it is sunny, I can wear mine and if it is cloudy, I can wear Hubs (after adjusting the size).  In case you are wondering, we own Speedo Vanquisher Swim Goggles. 
• Swim cap.  This is being supplied by the competition.  Each wave gets a different colored swim cap.  My age range, 26-30, is wearing yellow.  
• Watch.  This is not required, but it's a personal preference.  I need to be able to check the time and see how I'm pacing.  If I couldn't see the time, I'd go crazy.  I have a Timex T5K410 Ironman 30-Lap watch. It is water resistant to 330 feet and it's not too bulky.
•  Running shoes.  I am actually in the market for a new pair of running shoes, but I don't want to get them until after the triathlon.  So for now, I'm sticking with my Asics GEL- Nimbus.  They have been faithful shoes and we've been through a lot together.  
• Running socks.  I just bought some Thorlo Experia running socks at Sports Authority.  They were $18, buy one get one free.  I never thought I'd buy socks that were that expensive, but they came highly recommended.  I've run in them about 5 times and must say they are comfortable and they keep my feet dry.  Would I buy them again over my $5 Adidas running socks from T.J.Maxx, I don't know.
• Microfiber Towels.  The towels are essential to my transition between swimming and biking.  I don't care so much about drying off as I do about being able to wipe the sand off of my feet before I put on my socks and running shoes.  I do not want to be running a 5K with gritty feet.  
• Flip flops or sandals.  These are for after the race, when I will just want to take off my running shoes and fall over.
• Bike helmet.  This is essential and the race marshals won't let anyone compete without one (rightfully so).  I am borrowing my bike helmet for the race, but it is a Bell racing helmet.  Before the race, I'll stick my race number on the front of it.
• Bike.  Whoever forgets their bike will look totally stupid... Man, I hope I don't forget my bike.  Actually, it's not even my bike, it's my sister-in-law's bike.  She is letting me borrow it for the race.  It is a TREK mountain bike, but it has hybrid tires and foot cages.  She offered to let me ride her road bike, but seeing as how I've never ridden one before- we decided now wouldn't be the best time to start.  The bike will also get its own identifying stickers.
• Water bottle.  Water and Gatorade will be plentiful at the race, but there are no drink stations during the bike portion, so I need to pack 1-2 water bottles.  I am planning to have one full Nalgene on the bike and one at my transition area.  I tend to under-hydrate, so I want to fight that by surrounding myself with water.
• Fuel.  Last night, I went out and bought some Clif Shot Bloks- strawberry flavored chewies.  They are all natural, fat free, but pack the carbs and electrolytes needed.  According to the package, athletes should eat 3 to 6 blocks per hour. I am also packing a pb&j for after the race. 
• Tank top.  Again, this is a personal preference.  I wasn't going to bring one-- I was just going to race in my swimsuit and running shorts, but then I found out that I have to attach a number bib after the swim.  I don't want to be fiddling with safety pins during my first transition, so I am pre-attaching the bib to my tank top and throwing it on when I exit the water.
• Swimsuit.  Duh.  Well, I guess that isn't exactly a "duh" since people run in all kinds of things--shorts and a sports bra, a tri suit, shorts and a tank, just a swimsuit, etc.  I am going to be racing in my Nike swimsuit and red Nike running shorts.  When the swim portion is over, I'm going to throw on my Three Lakes, WI tank top (a gift from Mom) for good luck.
• Hair ties.  My hair is just getting long enough where hair ties are a must have item.  I also borrowed a Bondi Band from my friend (the one who was going to race with me, but is now pregnant).  The Bondi Band is good because it is wide enough to cover my ears during the cycling portion (the wind tends to give me an ear ache), it is moisture wicking, and it stays put on my oddly shaped head.  I've never tried a headband that would stay put on my head- until now.

I think that about covers it.  I am trying to keep it to the bare minimum to make my transitions as smooth and fast as possible.  A lot of racers will bring hydration belts, bike maintenance kits, bike pumps, dishes of water to wash feet, bike shoes in addition to running shoes, wet suits, and so on and so on.  I am no expert, I am just a beginner who wants as little fuss as possible.

Lessons from the Prairie Path

In preparation for this weekend’s SheROX Triathlon, I have been riding my sister-in-law’s TREK mountain bike to work.  It is a 6 mile ride one way or 12 miles roundtrip. 

Besides for honing my cycling skills and giving me a good cardio burn, I’ve picked up some important lessons from riding on the Prairie Path. 

Lesson #1:

 Keep my mouth shut.  This one is hard for me to do, even when I’m by myself.  Yet, it offers multiple benefits.  Such as, it prevents bugs from flying down my throat (I think I’ve swallowed about 20 so far).  And, it helps me tune in to the beautiful soundtrack of the path (i.e. frogs croaking, the wind in the trees, distant traffic, children playing, fellow travelers bidding me a good day).  There is a lot to hear, if one is willing to be quiet for a while.  And I haven’t even mentioned the spiritual implications of taking time for silence.  How many times have I accused God of not communicating with me, only to realize I haven’t taken the time to listen.

Lesson #2:

 Focus on the path ahead.  My first ride on the Prairie Path drove this lesson home.  I was riding along, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I came across a large (disgusting) snake slithering through the gravel.  I swerved last minute to avoid flattening the snake’s middle, but my front wheel caught in a pothole.  I almost flew over the handlebars and I thought I was finished, but I managed to recover and was able to continue on my way as if nothing happened.  It was a humbling experience, but now I know I need to keep my eyes focused on where I’m headed.  It is so easy to be distracted and wind up in treacherous situations. 

Lesson #3:

 I will only move as fast as I’m willing to pedal.  This seems obvious, but every once in a while I need a reminder…  If I want to excel at the triathlon for example, I need to put in the difficult, sweaty hours training.  If I want to get home in time to watch an entire episode of Chopped, I have to pedal in a lower gear at a faster pace.  A lot of people ask me what my weight loss secret is.  They seem to think I have some magic answer and I wish I did, but the truth of the matter is that it takes a lot of hard, tedious work.  You have to be willing to put in the effort.  If you do—The reward is great.

Lesson #4:

I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined.  This is a lesson that has been slowly revealing itself to me over the past year and a half.  As I’ve lost weight and been working out in new ways, I’ve discovered I can handle and finish a lot more than I ever thought I could.  I never thought I’d be able to run.  Now I run up to 4 miles at a time.  I never thought I’d be running up and down stadium stairs, but the other week I ran the equivalent of an 83 story building over my lunch hour.  I never thought I’d be riding my bike to work, let alone competing in a triathlon. 

I realize now that I tend to underestimate myself.  I’ve set my goals too low and I’ve missed out on a lot of experiences just because I didn’t believe in myself.  In other words, I can accomplish a heck of a lot more than I give myself credit for.  When I think about it—I’m pretty amazing.  I understand that may come across as pretty narcissistic, but it’s something I need to hear every once in a while.  I think we all do.  

…That is why the next time I pass someone on the Prairie Path, I am going to tell them they are amazing.

If it just so happens to be you that I pass on the Prairie Path, feel free to wish me luck this Sunday.  Just don’t expect me to take my eyes off of the trail.  I don’t want to run over any snakes.