Swim - Bike - Run - Smile

During my nearly 17-hour Ironman triathlon, I remember the athletes who smiled. Seriously.

A smile during an event is powerful:
- If I'm in a foggy zone, a smile helps me wake up.
- If I'm barely moving, a smile helps me move a little faster.
- If I'm tense, a smile helps me relax and bike/run more naturally.
- If I'm annoyed, a smile helps me shake it off.
- If I'm happy, a smile makes it all even better.

Triathlon is known for its camaraderie. Triathletes encourage well. I think it's part of triathlon's massive appeal.

A study recently published by a British medical journal shows happiness is contagious, and that being around other happy people is a major boost! I agree, a smile on the bike or run segment of a race certainly helps carry me to the finish.

Tell me:
- As you swim, bike and run, do you smile? Or are you too serious?
- Do other athletes smile back?
- Are triathletes happy people?

My smile is biggest when I'm reading your comments.

Picture: Me, on a bridge near our village. I'm smiling as I almost bike right into my husband, who is taking my picture. Look out!

You Know You're a Triathlete When...

For a little fun, on a cold drizzly afternoon.

You know you're a triathlete when...

• You have a rain bike.


• Your laundry bin is always full.


• You love the smell of sharpie on race morning.


• You hoard safety pins just in case.


• You've taken an ice bath.


• When you hear a canon fire, you automatically want to start swimming.


• You can run farther than your dog.


• You compete with your spouse for the lowest resting heart rate.


• Your coat closet is filled with bright yellow jackets, vests and jerseys.


• You shout "on your left" when passing other After Thanksgiving Day shoppers.

With thanks to my husband for helping me create this list and for introducing me to triathlon 13 years ago! Thanks also to Sherpa, our lab, who basically walks next to me as I jog.

What's your favorite? What would you add?

Head to this iamtri.com group for more unique attributes!

And, for even more list-reading fun find a list of race-day checklists here.

Check It Off - Your Tri Race Day Checklist

As a triathlete and mom of three, a great race day checklist is a lifesaver.

My list includes columns with items like:

pre-race: directions, confirmation letter, warm clothes, money photo ID

swim: wetsuit, swim cap, goggles, bodyglide

bike: helmet, bike shoes, socks, sunglasses, spare tubes, electrical tape

run: running shoes, hat, gels/nutrition

post-race: dry clean clothes, plastic bag for wet stuff, recovery food, massager or rolling pin

How do you organize for an event? Do you also love the checklist? Have you ever had to buy something on site? What's top on your list?

Here is a list of lists to help you prepare for your next event. Pick the list that works best for you.

Have a better list? Send me the link and I'll add it.

Enjoy!
Ironmom's Triathlon Checklist
Sprint Tri Checklist from Active.com
Triathlon Checklist from Amateur Endurance
Race Day Checklist from WhenBigBoysTri.com
Racechecklist.com
Triathlon Packing Checklist
Grant's Grunts Triathlon Checklist