Lessons Learned

Reflecting back on the Danskin Triathlon 2009, I've learned a few lessons. I'm recording them mainly so I can look back on this next year and remember these things.

- Don't be afraid to get there early. Get there between 5 and 5:15 am. There will be no rush.

- Walk to the triathlon site. It really helped center me and calmed my soul. I had no idea how helpful it would be.

- Leave notes for friends. It was so much fun to do, and really set the tone for it to be a fun time instead of terrifying.

- The day of the triathlon... TAKE A NAP!!! I was so tired, but didn't want to poop out on anyone. It caught up with me and I'm still tired 3 days later.

- The night after the triathlon: the reality is I'm exhausted come 7:30 or 8pm. What I really want to do is have a nice dinner with Greg and the girls. That way we can visit and share stories from the race. It's good for my head, and relaxing. Going out on the town would be nice, but the reality is that I just can't stay up for it. I'm old... so sad, but true.

- If I want to paint the town red, then I need to show up on Friday night. I've realized after 2 times now, I'm off to Austin, TX for the triathlon... not to site see. If others want to go out (like Greg and Kari) they can do it. As I said earlier, I need to nap. I get grumpy when I'm too tired.

- Show up early on Saturday and I can go out in the afternoon to see some sites. It's a BEAUTIFUL town, and worth seeing.

- Figure out dinner plans for Sat night about a week early. Maybe go to a local Italian restaurant next year? Carrabbas was great though! Again, it's a way to see the local flavor.

- Lunch at the Thunder Cloud Deli on Sunday is PERFECT! Those sandwiches were AMAZING!

- Bring a more mobile cooler for Greg. Either lighter, or better wheels. Would a wagon do a better job?

- Bring Cliff Blocs with. They really helped keep my energy up. So nice!

- Bring a pillow for the car and airplane rides. I was EXHAUSTED. Have I said that enough yet?

- Watch the Chocolate Martini intake the Fri before. 2 are the max. The neighbors still remember, even if I don't.

- Bring thank you notes. So many people help out, and I forget to thank them. Not good on my part.