Packing for an Ironman
Aah, there is a trick to this my friends. Let's say you are the support crew, name of Lowly, or Mrs. Lowly as the case might be. Your athlete, the King or Queen, who is participating in the race, might be under some stress, which is totally understandable.
It is up to you, Lowly, to be calm, cool and collected. Yes, an impossible task given your natural disposition, but still, it must be done for the athlete. Obviously packing your own clothes is necessary. But, use as little room as possible. More than one suitcase is not allowed! How could we ever fit the triathlon bag, wetsuit, bike, bike gear, cooler, bag of special triathlon foods, and running gear with us?
Oh, who packs all this stuff you ask? Well, Lowly, your job is make sure the vehicle is prepared. Fill the gas tank, check the oil, the tires, clean it inside and out. You are the nutrition specialist. Wash the water and electrolyte bottles, gather all the gels, Hammer bars and special nutrition supplements.
Lowly, you get to squeeze everything into the suv. Bungee cords are allowed. Borrow a bike rack, get the roof rack ready for emergency storage. Get the morning coffee ready to take on the road. Do you have the maps? What about the 3-ring Ironman binder you made with all the race information, restaurants, phone numbers, maps?
Did you bring necessary spectator supplies for race day? Remember, Lowly, you are going to have 17 hour day too. Think about breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, clothing, a portable chair, drinks, camera, video camera, cell phones. How about a book or magazine or puzzle? You can never have enough crossword puzzles. Please don't forget the cowbells, signs or other support group items. It is physically impossible to clap for all of those hours.
Good job. Now maybe you can sleep a few hours before the 9 hour drive.
It is up to you, Lowly, to be calm, cool and collected. Yes, an impossible task given your natural disposition, but still, it must be done for the athlete. Obviously packing your own clothes is necessary. But, use as little room as possible. More than one suitcase is not allowed! How could we ever fit the triathlon bag, wetsuit, bike, bike gear, cooler, bag of special triathlon foods, and running gear with us?
Oh, who packs all this stuff you ask? Well, Lowly, your job is make sure the vehicle is prepared. Fill the gas tank, check the oil, the tires, clean it inside and out. You are the nutrition specialist. Wash the water and electrolyte bottles, gather all the gels, Hammer bars and special nutrition supplements.
Lowly, you get to squeeze everything into the suv. Bungee cords are allowed. Borrow a bike rack, get the roof rack ready for emergency storage. Get the morning coffee ready to take on the road. Do you have the maps? What about the 3-ring Ironman binder you made with all the race information, restaurants, phone numbers, maps?
Did you bring necessary spectator supplies for race day? Remember, Lowly, you are going to have 17 hour day too. Think about breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, clothing, a portable chair, drinks, camera, video camera, cell phones. How about a book or magazine or puzzle? You can never have enough crossword puzzles. Please don't forget the cowbells, signs or other support group items. It is physically impossible to clap for all of those hours.
Good job. Now maybe you can sleep a few hours before the 9 hour drive.
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