Colby's Danskin (LONG!)

[Lise]

YAY Colby! I've been waiting for your report! Congratulations! This was your first tri, right?! That is a big, big deal. Great job! Your times look good, you didn't fall, you managed to swim, and I'll bet you're hooked!

I know so well those night-before-heebie-jeebies. I had them two nights before, did I renew my USAT membership? Why didn't they send me confirmation of my registration? Do I have earplugs? What if I forget something? I actually left the house without my running shoes, remembered, and went and got them. Hmmm, do I run in my flip-flops or my bike shoes...?

Bask in the knowledge that you've accomplished something wonderful, that most people wouldn't dream of trying. How cool that your mom-in-law did it with you. So when are you doing it again? L.

[colby]

YAY Colby! I've been waiting for your report! Congratulations! This was your first tri, right?! That is a big, big deal. Great job! Your times look good, you didn't fall, you managed to swim, and I'll bet you're hooked!

I know so well those night-before-heebie-jeebies. I had them two nights before, did I renew my USAT membership? Why didn't they send me confirmation of my registration? Do I have earplugs? What if I forget something? I actually left the house without my running shoes, remembered, and went and got them. Hmmm, do I run in my flip-flops or my bike shoes...?

Bask in the knowledge that you've accomplished something wonderful, that most people wouldn't dream of trying. How cool that your mom-in-law did it with you. So when are you doing it again? L.

I had actually planned on doing several this summer, but because of my injury, I held out and just did the one. So, I am no longer a virgin!

And, I must say, despite the fact that I'm not the fastest out there by any means, I had a great time and will be back. I thought about doing the Subaru womens series in September, but I'm not sure I will be able to make it because of other planning and timing reasons.

One of the guys I work with asked what I thought, and despite my immense self-criticism, I still said it was awesome. (I was bummed to miss Jayne, as I mentioned... maybe we were too early)

Thanks, Lise!

[colby]

Also, I didn't post this stuff originally on equipment, but I know people do like to hear what works and what doesn't...

The Camelbak I used is the FlashFlo -- holds 1.8L and is a waist pack, not a backpack. The hose clips around the belt, which I found much easier than reaching for a bottle without having to use a backpack. I didn't have a clip to clip it to my chest area, so I had to leave it clipped in the waist pack and grab it when I needed, but I do want to add another clip near the valve like the backpacks have so I don't have to reach at all. I found it to be the best of both worlds, and plan on using it for running longer distances.

The googles I used were the Aqua Sphere "Seal" tinted model (http://www.aquasphereswim.com/products/seal_tinted.html) which I found to be a little big (and thus probably not aerodynamic) but comfortable. They didn't get water in them and didn't fog. I only used them for the tri, so I don't know how they will feel otherwise. Most of my swimming career when I was younger was done without goggles because they were frustrating when they filled with water or fogged, so I am somewhat of a google newb (I was using classic speedo goggles to practice).

I was taking Clif Shot Razz flavored gels, but I decided to try Hammer and really liked that one better, it tasted more like actual raspberry not just subtle raspberry. I have used a couple of the Gu flavors and liked them, but I opt out of any of the caffeinated flavors no matter who they come from. I didn't take the time to chew down the bloks or the sport beans, but I have used those before and thought they were both good.

No solid food for me, I was afraid it'd make me feel sick, especially with the heat.