I got another topic suggestion from a reader - love those! Keep them coming. He suggested that I post tips for people who are thinking of doing their first triathlon. A couple of my very best friends have decided to compete in their first tri this summer so I decided to go back and find an e-mail that I had sent to someone prior to one of their first races. I recall that I wrote it by just thinking through random aspects of race day so it's a bit scattered:
Chris,
It's OK (and sometimes even a good idea) to eat what you would normally eat for breakfast. A lot of people think that they need to pack in the protein and carbs the morning of a race but if your body isn't used to having that much that early then it can react in a negative way. Which leads me to another tip: get in line for the porta potties well before the race start, even if you don't think you have to go. The lines can take FOREVER and you don't want to figure out 5 min before the start that you need to go wait in the 10 min long line of spectators who need to pee.
Also, if you are going to have any shot bloks or bars or anything in your transition area, you might want to open them ahead of time. Make sure that your sneakers are untied. I personally like to have an extra water bottle in transition that I use to squirt my feet clean with (you'll see people filling up buckets and dishes and stuff for this purpose but I think that just sort of gets in the way). You'll want to have a small towel to wipe them off with then.
If you're using spray sunscreen put it on before they write with sharpy on your body.
If you're worried about getting kicked, start towards the back of your swim wave. If you close your eyes when your head is under water then you can't see the monsters/sharks even if they're there! If you freak out at all, try flipping onto your back for a few seconds. Don't forget to sight so you don't end up way off course. Take the top half of your wet suit off while you're running to the transition area, then worry about the bottom half (usually easier if you're sitting down, but that depends on personal preference) when you get to the transition area.
Shift before you coast. I couldn't really remember what I do when you asked this the other day, but I find that it's a lot easier to get to a harder gear, then do any coasting. This should also help you build more momentum for your coasting.
If it's really hot during the run and you feel like you need to take a walking break, wait to do it when you're in the shade.
Most importantly, just have fun and be prepared to laugh at yourself when you swallow salt water, get passed by old women on the bike, and feel like your legs are going to give out when you start running.
:)
Kat
I always love re-reading advice I give, just to make sure that I would still give it today. Good news! I would. Those are some time-honored tips that will hold true as long as triathlon remains a sport that people enjoy!
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