The Unknown...

While I have prepared myself well for everything that I can control - conditioning, nutrition, pacing, equipment - there are several key elements of the race over which I will have very little control, such as the weather, equipment malfuntion, or just plain bad luck. A key element of my race will be dealing with whatever unknown issues that arise in an efficient, positive, and effective way. Trying to anticipate and plan a little will help me do this.

First and foremost is the weather. While most triathletes spend their days leading up to a race endlessly studying the forecast, the weather is indeed out of their control. It is best to plan for every outcome by putting extra layers in my transition and special needs bags (which I will be able to access during the race) and planning extra hydration for possible heat. Whatever race day brings, I won't be able to change it. So, I need to accept it, plan for it, adapt to it, and not worry about it.

Another thing I'll worry about but not be able to control is possible equipment failure. My biggest worry would be on the bike with a flat tire or other malfunction quite possible. To prepare for this, I'll pack extra tire tubes and a pump on my bike. If I get a flat, I'll pull to the side and change the tire as quickly and calmly as I can. If I have a more difficult equipment failure, I will have to wait patiently for the service truck to come by and help me out. If this happens, I'll try to stay calm, accept the bad luck, and then adapt my race plan to this delay. This type of problem might ruin my chances at a fast race, but with the right attitude I should be able to finish with a smile on my face.

Sometimes other issues pop up, as even bad things happen to good triathletes. I may have digestion issues and not be able to get all of my nutrition down. If so, I will need to adjust my pacing to get back on track. Despite my best efforts, I may encounter some muscles cramps. If this happens, I will need to slow, stretch, hydrate, and overcome. I may get tangled into someone else's mess (a bike crash in front of me or a swimmer accidently knocking me), and I will have to accept this and then adapt and overcome.

While I will do all the planning I can for every contingency, the best way to plan is to keep a positive, open attitude and tackle every obstacle with an open mind. If I keep the right mindset, I should be able to take each issue in stride and continue on towards the finish.