First Tri Saturday

[btchance]

Okay, I wasn't too nervous until today. I just received the email from the race organizers giving the final directions and it finally hit me that I'm actually doing it. Now, I'm starting to freak out. This is nothing new for me, as I always got extremely nervous before horse shows, but there I always could find something to keep me occupied and I had tons of people to talk to. However, I have no idea what I can do at the tri to keep myself distracted after I get body marked and get my transition area set up. I definately can't warm up for an hour plus like I did at horse shows I might be pretty tired then. I know I can do the course with no problems, I mean I've biked it twice with no problems making what for me is good time, the swim is in the pool, and the run, well, I'll just have to push through it knowing that one of my friends is there watching who likes to run marathons and I don't want to look like an idiot in front of her (like she would care anyways, she's one of the most supportive people out there, this is just me freaking out).

Now I'm off to study for boards again, double check my check list, and attempt to lay everything out before putting it in my bags. If I can just make sure my cat doesn't steal any of it. I'm still missing socks and head bands that she has stolen when I'm folding laundry. Hey, if I forget anything, I can just use the excuse that my cat ate it, right

[Pyannyplayer]

I was nervous WEEKS before my first tri. I then decided that I would have the attitude of just doing my best, don't drown, fall off the bike, or trip, and finish, which is what I did. That's actually my attitude all this summer...NO PRESSURE. I'm saving that for next year!

I have a checklist for things to take with me and I check it twice, sometimes three times. I also practice my transitions just to make sure I have everything.

After getting checked in and marked, I like to check out where the entrances/exits are for biking and running, check out the pool, that sort of thing. You will want to do some warmup; some people like to ride their bikes to the race, some jog "around the block", others do jumping jacks. For me, just checking exits and warming up keeps my mind occupied. You can also strike up a conversation with the person next to you in the rack. The majority of racers are really, REALLY nice people.

Good luck! Triathlons are a ton of fun and I'm thankful that a dear friend of mine introduced me to this cool sport!

Lorie

[KSH]

GOOD LUCK!!!!

You will do great!

And the time from when you get there and setup... until the start... will FLY by. I personally use the time to get in the pool to warm up. I can't just sprint 300 yards early in the morning.

If you do have extra time... why not put on some music and focus on finishing the race with all your goals accomplished? Get inspired and visualize success.

I hope you have fun! Make sure you give us a detailed report when it's done!

[Lise]

Have a great time! I find it helps a lot to talk to someone more nervous than I am. By helping her (or him) relax and enjoy themself, I do, too! Looking forward to the report. L.

[lnewv5]

Good luck this weekend!!! You will do wonderfully, I'm sure.

Like KSH said, the time FLIES by. By the time you lay all your stuff out, rearrange it a few times, do a quick warmup, you'll wonder where all the time went. The biggest wait time for me was waiting to start the swim as the 200 people in front of me went. But, to kill time, you talk to everyone waiting with you, and they're all super nice. I got a little intimidated when they started saying - oh, this is my nth triathlon. But when I told them it was my first, they were really supportive. I would recommend as you're sitting there waiting to think about workouts you've had in the past few weeks where you felt awesome, and that adds to the confidence level.

It's a little late now, but for anyone else who is new, I would recommend going to a triathlon before yours. Even if it's a different length, it's great to get a feel for the "triathlon atmosphere" and take a look at the transition areas so you know what to expect.

btchance - As a sidenote, you rock since you are able to train and go to med school at the same time. My boyfriend is starting this coming fall, and the application process has not been a good time.

[Tri Girl]

You'll do great!!!
I was scared the whole week before my first race. Before the race began, I was talking to a girl in my tri club, and she said something to me that really helped me relax. She told me to enjoy every minute: the scenery, the sounds, the atmosphere, the feelings. She said not to look at my watch and worry about times. You can't ever get back your first triathlon, and it's a very special day.
All throughout the race I kept thinking about that. I never looked at my watch and really enjoyed the experience. And I actually did better than I thought I would. I think it's because I was so relaxed and had fun. Doesn't mean I wasn't nervous as all heck, but I had a great time.

Also, I'm seriously OC (obsessive/compulsive) when it comes to checking my gear before a race. I lay everything out, then check the list twice, pack each sport into a separate bag, then finally put it in my car. At the race site, I set up my transition area, listen to music that gets me pumped up, and warm up in the water. Then "it's on."
I always pack way more than I need because if I have it, I won't need it.

You'll do GREAT!!!!! Please let us know all about the race when you finish!!! And post pics if you get any!!! Good luck!

[Grog]

btchance - As a sidenote, you rock since you are able to train and go to med school at the same time. My boyfriend is starting this coming fall, and the application process has not been a good time.

I hope you don't expect things to change dramatically for the next... hum... at least six years?

My partner is finishing second year as we speak (and studying his head off at this very moment) and whereas normally he has the same sort of schedule as btchance (study until fed up, work out, study again until late late late), he's not even training at this moment (which doesn't help with keeping things in perspective, I'm afraid). The coming years will probably be very trying on your relationship at times, but it certainly is an important dream for him and I am sure the two of you will become stronger in the process. Good luck!