48 Hours after SI Flat as a Pancake...

What a day! First, thanks to all those that came out to support me at the race Monica, Jeff, Julie, Nick, Matt and Jocelyn... We could not have done it without your support. Next, thanks to Brian and Christine and baby Em' that came after to celebrate with us... Lastly, thanks to Eddie who came up with this crazy idea and finished the race with me...

Also, thanks to the Sandy Hookers Tri Club for helping to prep me with some real experiences, good training, countless tips and fun people to work out with. Thanks to Christine at Shore Runner for starting her Tri Clinic and Coach Tom Manzi for his words of encouragement as well as training tips and tricks.

My finish was 1:23 and I placed 346 out of 598. I am extremely pleased with this first race... I know I can do better, but here are some thoughts...

1. Make a list and prep and pack the night before.
2. Get there early and set up... I can't tell you how good it felt to be all ready and not wondering if I missed anything.
3. Walk the transition area and know where the entrances and exits are... Ask questions! The volunteers are there to help and don't mind.
4. Be patient. When getting started, if it's your first time, don't rush just move at your pace, whatever that may be. At your pace you will look, feel and be confident... You will finish.
5. Respect the other competitors... Some are stronger than you others are weaker. Remember this is a race so strive to stay with the strong, but don't get in their way nor should you attack, insult or holler at a weaker competitor...
6. Move in and out of the transition area as quickly as you can. Don't meander or take it as a coffee break. You are still on the clock.
7. Watch your nutrient intake... Don't get hooked on the gels and other foods especially those that have caffeine. While it is a great addition to a race, too much caffeine will get your heart going and make it tough to breath. Trust me, when my bpm was spiked at 101% I had to walk for 50yds. to catch my breath and slow my heart rate... I felt like I was hyperventilating...
8. Respect the other people in the transition area. You need your space, but so do the people on your sides. Try to keep your stuff on your mat and stay out of the lanes when changing.
9. When you are looking at the water and the race director hollers 1 minute to start, take a second to appreciate what you are about to do... Then remember bullet point number 4 above.
10. Say thanks... I have volunteered at a number of these events while preparing to compete this weekend and nothing is nicer than hearing a competitor say thanks for the water, or for cleaning up or for just volunteering and being there. Without them we don't race and to me that is important - so say thanks...

My next race is July 19th. It is the second of the Long Branch Tri Series put on by the Sandy Hookers Triathlon Club. It is an awesome, fun race in a beautiful location. Hopefully the waves won't be so big this time, but regardless I will be ready...