I use the laminated checklist card sent by USAT and it hasn't failed me yet.

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DFL > DNF > DNS

Can I find that on a website or can you get me a copy???

Something that may help you as well is do a "transition practice" where you lay out everything you think you might need, (but keeping in mind that the simpler you can make it, the easier your life will be.) Start with pre-race and mentally go through the steps in order: put on your bodyglide, wetsuit, swimcap, goggles, etc. Write those things down. Then move on to TI - take off wetsuit, put on bike shoes, and so forth. Run through this either with the physical objects or do it all in your head. Either way, you should end up with a pretty good list and feel a bit more prepared for race day.

M

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The beatings will continue until morale improves

Oh, and here's the link to the checklist Sally mentioned: http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/6889

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The beatings will continue until morale improves

this is my go-to list: http://www.sbrshop.com/Hottub/?page_id=673

cut and paste from my IM list last year.

Chip strap Race belt Sun screen
Goggles Cap Zantac
Swim suits X 2 Wet suit
Black flip flops Towel
Bodyglide Aquaphor

Helmet Shoes lipbalm
Sunglasses Socks X 5 waterbottles/straps
Trishorts X 3 Sportsbras X 5 gloves
purple Zoot Top Arm warmers
Knee warmers Yellow wind breaker
Fleece cap

Running shoes Asics and Saucony
Visor and Cap Clip on pocket
Reflective squares Xantusia Race kit/400 mile shorts
Double layer socks X 2 Lipbalm
Small Sunglasses

Nutrition
Hammer gel flasks and singles
Hammer gel big ones
Endurolytes
Race caps
Gu

Other Stuff
Pillow Sheets/blanket Book Games
Glasses
Cereal/nuts/cranberries Wine Camp chairs
Camera and cord
Cow Bell Scrabble Binoculars Ipod Camera
Laptop/power cords Camera cable Prescription meds

That is exactly what I was referencing; thank you for finishing my thoughts.

Also, thanks again for helping me with my photos at last year's womens' camp.

One more thing; I love your signature line!

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DFL > DNF > DNS

Speaking from experience, bring an extra set of goggles in case the pair you're using decides to break on you that morning.

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http://smallfoodbiz.com
</blatent self-marketing>

TO EVERYONE THAT REPLIED

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

There were lots of things that I have heard but still hadn't remembered on my list....extra goggles
good idea.

Any opinions on clear or shaded for a bay swim in June???

I'd bring one of each, but I live in the Pacific NW where there is a wide range of possible light conditions. Generally, I like shaded goggles for open water but if it's overcast they make it hard to see.

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The beatings will continue until morale improves

Electrical tape, scissors, and a multi-bike tool are always a good idea in case you need to do some last minute adjustment to any gear or tape any nutrition to your bike.

Also bring a big fat black magic marker so you can do your own body marking, or have your SO do it for you. That can save you 15 minutes in race setup.

I'd also bring a few extra plastic bags of various sizes. If it's pouring rain early in morning, you can tuck your running shoes (and run gear) into a half open plastic bag to keep them dry. Many early morning rains clear out quickly. Would be nice to have dry running shoes rather than soggy wet ones.

Extra safety pins are always good. And bring some masking tape (easier to tear than electrical) to help secure your number to your bike.

BrokenSpoke

I will try to combine all these list....didn't I already say I feel nutty.

Thanks you again...there are many things I never thought of and now have on my "to worry about list" along with my friend telling me how she was pulled under water by her feet during the swim and almost drowned. Oh yeh, the bike crash stories and most of all the craffing/blistering of all different body parts.

Does everyone use body glide and sunblock???

body glide, sunblock and chamois butt'r (or equivalent) are always good to have. remembering to put them on is even better (guess what i forgot in one of my races last year?)..

cheers!

-mistress k

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ill advised racing inc.

i also have a pair of the "disposable ultra thin spa flip flops they give you after a pedi" stuffed in my bag ....it has saved me a couple times having to walk down to a swim start that is a bit aways from transition ...or having to go into a portapotty at the last minute (no shoes - BLECH).

Nothing worse than waiting a long time in the porta-john line to get there and find out they are out of toilet paper. Happens a lot.
I always bring some baby wipes and/or roll of TP.