Day 232: Race Prep and Anticiaption

One of the clinics we went to for our first race, handed out little equipment check lists to participants. It was awesome to have a ready reference for what I needed to pack today. So, I'll share:

Swim:
Anti fog for goggles
Tri-slide
Swim cap
Goggles
Tri or swim suit
Wet suit

Bike:
Bike
Helmet
Sunglasses
Bike shoes
Socks
Bike gloves
Tire pump
Spare tire/tube
CO2/mini pump
Water bottles

Run
Running shoes
Hat/Visor
Race bib
Race number belt
Socks
Orthotics
Fuel Belt

Miscellaneous:
USAT card
Photo ID
Timing Chip
Registration confirmation
Directions to race
Head lamp or flashlight (Not sure why this is on here--unless it is for a really long race!)
Transition mat or towel
Water bucket/pan
Flip flops/sandals
Warm clothing
Sunblock
Nutrition (bars, gels, drink)
Watch or HR monitor and chest strap
Advil/pain relief
Post race clothing
Victory speech

This morning, after we checked in and got our numbers (I am lucky number 400!), we went to Transition area 2 to plant our running shoes at the bike rack. I love the volunteers at events, they are always so kind and happy--totally cool!

When we got back to the car, we heard an engine on the street rev and rev. Apparently the kid's transmission melted down in the middle of the road. He was stuck trying to go up a hill in the middle of a 6 lane road. JE and I turned to go help push him into the parking lot, but before we could figure out how to climb down a 12 foot retaining wall, a guy on a motorcycle, a bicyclist (in his cleats), a couple of men is a car, and some passersby stopped and started pushing the truck up the hill. All within a minute. As I watched, a little turquoise and white Baja bug came up behind with hazard lights flashing and escorted the crew into the parking lot up the hill (like a whole block). So cool. If you think everything is going to hell, that's what you will see. Look for the goodness and you will find it.

As I took this photo, I met a woman named Heather, who is competing in my age group. We chatted for a while and she told me about a local women's tri club called trilavie I think I will look into going there. How cool to ride with more people who don't think I'm crazy for my long rides, swims, runs; and who challenge me. The people I have met in this sphere are so inspiring. Heather learned to swim four years ago and last year competed in Vineman. It was a really difficult swim, she got punched and elbowed and passed out in the water. She was told to quit but continued on and finished the race. Mental toughness. I hope to have that fortitude; but I hope I won't need it.