The Anal-Retentive Guide to Preparing for Your First Triathlon

I'm so excited that I'm ready to jump out of my skin! As my children might ask, "How many more sleeps until [insert highly anticipated event]?" Four more sleeps until race day!  I have run a few marathons and several other races, but this triathlon feels much different.  Perhaps it's because it's been a whole year since I've last raced.  Perhaps it's because I am finally back on my feet after a rough year of injury, my first DNS, a surgery and two months off all exercise.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it's because this time around I am a total newbie, an absolute rookie, green as Kermit the Frog in the world of triathlons.  What do I do when my world seems to be spinning out of control and I have no power?  Why I plan, organize and obsess about the few things I actually can control, of course!  Here's a brief run-down on my last two weeks of uber-preparations:

Two weeks before:

• wore my tri-suit for a swim/bike brick. By golly, it does feel good!
• took a free bike maintenance course at REI and learned how to clean my bike, what tools I should have at home and on long rides, and how to change a flat 
• met with my tri-expert friend to pick her brain, freak-out and get excited
• looked over check-lists to see if I had all the clothing and equipment I would need
• crashed my bike trying to get my bare feet into my pre-clipped cycling shoes while riding.  Note to self: Put on shoes FIRST, then mount the bike. I'm still a beginner after all!
• did a race-simulation with a friend, had a ball, gained confidence, got an idea of what transitions will be like, got an accurate swim time for seeding purposes
• sent updated swim time to race director

My speedy shoes with lock-laces.  My first case of poison oak on the right leg

One week before:

• washed my bike
• broke my valve putting air in my tires prior to a ride (oops, it must've bent during my crash)
• to my bike to the shop to double check the fitting and get a tune-up
• discovered that I bent my chain ring when I crashed
• had my chain ring upgraded ($50 for that spiked circle of metal!) 
• bought a two new tubes (one for now, one for later)
• got my bike blessed
• had husband install lock-laces on my running shoes (Thanks Stevie!) Sweet! Love 'em!
• got my race number, start time, lane and position from the event website
• printed race day information and directions to the event
• studied and printed the bike course (I will also drive it the day of the race.)
• studied and printed the running course (I will also drive it the day of the race.)
• carefully laid out all my clothing and equipment head to toe by sport before carefully packing it into my pack
• watched video after youtube video of setting up transitions
• continued gentle daily workouts that didn't exceed more than 60 minutes

Final things I need to do:

• change tubes (I need Steve to babysit me while I do this. I'm petrified I'll break something again. One bike maintenance class, does not make me a bike mechanic.)
• see what the timing chip strap feels like while swimming, biking and running
• see how easy the bib belt is to put on and how it feels while running
• breathe, breathe, breathe and HAVE FUN!

What's in the bag (or what's spread across the table)?

SWIM STUFF

o   Tri-suit
o   Swim cap
o   Goggles
Timing chip ankle strap
o   

T1

BIKE 

• o   Bike loaded up with the following:
• GU strapped to frame
•  Water bottle filled with Gu Brew
• Pump
•  Tire change kit

• Towel (Do I really not take a towel into the pool with me?!)
• o   Helmet
• o   Sunglasses
• o   Heavy long sleeve (I froze last post swim bike.)
• o   Light long sleeve (This shirt might do too.)
• o   Wind breaker (It might rain or be windy.)
• o   Bib belt
• o  Running shoes
• o   Cycling gloves

T2

RUN

• o   Shoes with lock laces
• o   Short sleeve shirt (I don't know if I 'll wear it, but it's there just in case)
• o   Arm warmers (Another just in case item)
• o   Cap
• o   Garmin (I don't know if I want this. Hmmmm... Do I really want ONE more thing to put on?)

I have put in eight weeks of structured training and done my homework.  I am as ready as I'll ever be and yet I imagine I will learn a TON on race day and be humbled.  My goals are to have fun, meet new people, gain experience and complete the race in as smooth of a manner as possible.  I have a vague idea of what times I'm capable of, but this race is not about time.  Next time I blog, I will officially be a triathlete!  I certainly hope I like it as much as I think I will.  I've already signed up for another sprint tri and have my eyes set on an open water Olympic.  Wish me luck!  If it looks like I forgot anything, let me know!  I still have four sleeps until race day.  Plenty of time to buy, try out or pack additional items.

My kids' race day clothes