Prez Corner:
Thoughtful notes from a fearless LVTC leader.
Challenges
Taking on the challenge of training and competing in a sprint, Olympic, 70.3, or Iron distance event is something many of us enjoy doing. Early morning swims, late evening track workouts, long bike rides in the hot summer days … there is something appealing to the training process to prepare for a triathlon.
Then there’s race day … the day to bring all the pieces together. But there is so much more to having a successful race day then relying on the training. There is the logistics of race day … How are you transporting your bike? Where to park? What time to get to transition to set up? When is packet pick up? Where do I put that race number sticker?
If you enjoy traveling to races, you have increased the logistics of having a successful day ten fold … passports, rental cars, hotel, food … lots of things to manage. All of the logistic issues can get in the way of enjoying the race – so what to do? Make lists!:
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List out all the equipment you need for the swim, bike, and run segments.
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List out tools you’ll need to bring.
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List out all the nutrition supplies you’ll need pre-race, during the bike and run segments (and transitions too).
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List out all the extra gear you’ll need in case of weather (e.g., cold, rain, etc.).
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Print out all your travel documents, check and make sure passports are up to date (if traveling internationally).
These lists can seem a bit over-doing it … but it really does help. The end-goal is to try to make your race day less stressful due to logistics.
If you can get to that start line healthy and have the least stress due to logistics, you are giving yourself a great opportunity to enjoy the benefits of training and have a successful race.
~John Mercer
