So you drank the koolaid? A Guide to what to bring to your first race

A good friend of mine has been following along on my journey via facebook and recently reached out to let me know she signed up for a mini pool tri this coming weekend. In our conversations I have a million ideas for blogs to help newbee triathletes so I will be starting a little "You Drank the Koolaid" blog series for the newbees.

I signed up, I'm going to swim in a pool, get on my bike and then run now what the heck do I bring with me? Everyone is different but I am going to try and give you a pretty comprehensive list of everything you might need for a small mini-sprint tri (your list for a longer race will be different, we can get into that at another time).

YOU- getting to the start line of any race uninjured, healthy, and rested is extremely important. Properly fuel with a morning breakfast that you have used prior to training before

*Nothing new that you have not tested out in training in some way shape or form

Clothing

• Tri Kit- you will wear this the morning of, I recommend a two piece because it makes bathroom breaks far easier for but for a shorter distance you could get away with a one piece
• Tri bra- if your kit doesn't have a bra you will need a separate bra but you need a tri specific one or you will stay wet all day
• Light Bike Jacket- if the weather is cool you will want to wear a light jacket in the morning while getting ready and leave it with your bike in transition for the ride
• Throw away flip flops in case you don't get them back; don't wear your running shoes that morning

Swim

• Swim cap- normally given to you by the race in a certain color
• goggles- I recommend bringing two pairs just in case you have any issues race morning

Bike

• HELMET
• BIKE
• Bike shoes- if you are not doing clips you can just use your sneakers
• Water bottle in water bottle cage on bike
• Race numbers applied to the bike
• Flat repair kit
• Sunglasses

Run

• Socks- make sure you have used them before
• running shoes
• Race belt with the race number on it
• Hat
• Sunglasses

Odds and Ends

• Glide-apply to any area that can rub, chafe (for me that is anywhere that a seam can move on your limbs, bottom of shorts around thighs, arms where sports bra rubs) This should go back in your bag not stay in transition at this distance. 
• Baby powder- put this in your bike shoes directly if you don't wear socks, put it in your socks for the run (it will help dry your feet) This should go back in your bag not stay in transition at this distance.
• Nutrition-bring something that you have worked with before depending on the total distance.  Don't eat on the bike if you have not practiced it
• Tire Pump- you should check your tires before every single ride and add air as needed but this does not need to stay in your transition area
• Towel- Some people will bring a towel for when they come out of the pool and arrive at the transition area
• Sunscreen

Setting Up Transition

• Bring a small mat or towel to place your items
• place next to your front tire (this is what they do at longer races) or under your back wheel (I have seen this at shorter local races) You really just want to make sure to take up as small a place as possible, less is more here
• Helmet goes on handle bars or mat and should be unbuckled and MUST go on your head and be latched prior to unracking bike
• Pay attention to the rules of your transition area to make sure your bike faces the right way (try to get on the end for easy access
• Unbuckle your race belt and place it across your sneakers
• Roll your socks so they can roll on your foot easily (after you have placed powder) then put them in each shoe

DO NOT DO

• Bring a bucket- some people will advise this to wash off your feet, in reality it ends up knocked over and water everywhere. if you are concerned about your feet being dirty have an extra bottle of water at your spot
• Take up a ton of space- there are so many people trying to fit in a small space the more area you take the more likely your stuff gets tossed around, heck your stuff will probably get thrown around regardless
• Forget your race number!!

The most important things to bring are ENTHUSIASM, ENERGY, PRIDE and SMILES.  

I apologize this will be LONG- First Triathlon!

April 12, 2014 was a Saturday like no other a day that forever changed my life.  The Power of a Woman Triathlon could not have been more aptly named for what happened that day.  Our group had over 30 women from all backgrounds and fitness levels participating.

The forecast called for rain all week but that morning when Joanne and I left Brooklyn it was beautiful.  We loaded the bikes in the back of her car with a blanket between them to protect them.  We arrived to Eisenhower Park about 6am and it was much colder there than it had been in Brooklyn.  We were some of the first to arrive and the nerves really set in at that point.  Luckily our support system was already there and that really calmed me down.  This was supposed to be a dress rehearsal for Eagleman so I could basically learn how to be a triathlete and do transitions.  Jacky helped set up my stuff with my bike and after much back and forth with a few volunteers we finally got things situated. Who knew there was a specific direction your bike had to be pointing depending on what side held the X.  Well the more you know the better you are I guess.

The really good part about our group is that we know how to party.  The event power folks were playing music and of course we all started dancing to get the nerves out.  After our big team photo we headed to the pool area and Dereka and I got in two practice laps.  It felt great to get some laps down to get the nerves out but when I got out of the pool I was pretty freezing.  Jacky recommended I do a couple more laps to keep warm.  Then it was time to line up for the National Anthem.

SWIM
 I lined up in the 10 minute group and felt nervous but pretty confident.  Well confident until the moment they told me, "Once she pushes off the wall you go."  I said, "Ok!." then promptly jumped into the pool with my goggles on top of my head.  I pulled them down quickly but of course they were filled with water.  Now back in January I did the same thing at the Chelsea pool and that time I immediately got out of the pool, freaked out and didn't go back in that day.  On Saturday I told myself, get to the other end, you MUST get to the other end.  I couldn't see much of anything just light and some shapes but I made it the 50 meters to the side of the pool, quickly fixed the goggles and then got to moving.

The pool set up was awkward as you swam down a length and then under the rope and back the opposite way.  I found it hard getting towards the middle as some people were taking rests and it was hard to figure out to navigate, I also felt every time I got into a rhythm it was time to stop and turn.  At the end I tried to sprint to the end but ended up boxed in between several other swimmers, I brought my head up and heard someone yell "Keep going KATRINA"  I have never put my head down so fast, I had no idea where I was going to keep going but I went back to swimming.  When I got out of the pool I didn't feel out of breath and I was really proud but things weren't over, time to run up to transition!

BIKE
I always tell myself just don't fall when getting on and off,  I was successful!  I did not try to eat or drink on the bike though and I think that was a questionable move. Looking back I also didn't push myself at all for those 6 miles, I was busy thinking I better hold back for the run.  Our friends were on the side  line as I came back into transition which was a really good energy boost and also pressure not to fall off when I unclipped!

RUN
Coming out for the run all I could hear was Jacky saying "FASTER KATRINA".  I felt like I couldn't go any faster, it felt like the longest mile of my life.  Once I finally hit that mile marker I sucked down that water took a couple beans and got back to running.  It honestly felt I was running backwards at one point.  Once I saw that finish line though I started an all out sprint.  I realized I had SO much energy left.  I definitely did not leave it all out there on the course but for a first time effort I was HAPPY.  52:52, 8th in my age group

AFTER

WOW is pretty much all I can say about our team.  The energy, team support and over all excitment really made the experience so much more than just a race.  We cheered for every single person and made sure no one was left out on that course.  I am so proud and honored to know these women who faced their fears and gave it their all to finish their first triathlon.  Many of them mothers who had their children there to witness such a spectacular display of human spirit and determination.  Setting such a positive example of not only health and fitness but also the never give up spirit.  I can not wait to see how much they continue to grow this year as many will tackle their  first open water triathlons.