Mike's Tri Adventure

Hey Discomfort Zone Tri Team!

With the World Triathlon Championships in Vancouver coming up in a few short weeks, I wanted to provide everyone with a few reminders and resources to help you make the experience as enjoyable as possible. As you complete the final buildup phase of your physical preparation, it is a very good idea to review the technical and logistical aspects of your preparation as well.

Since this is an Olympic year, the World Championships are held earlier than normal. For us, that means this important race is one of the first we will do all season. Therefore, many of the equipment issues that figure themselves out over the course of a normal early season need to be addressed more formally. In particular, it is important to make sure that you have well functioning equipment for the swim and bike.

Wetsuits: It will be a cold swim in Vancouver. Full sleeve wetsuits are recommended. Make sure yours is in good working order.

Bike: If you haven't arranged for a pre-race tune-up, now is the time. Race week in Vancouver will be crazy enough without you having to worry about the mechanical fitness of your bike. Bialkowski Trysport is now accepting bikes for pre-Worlds tuneups, and asks that all bikes be brought in prior to May 22 (next Thursday) - this will give them time to order parts if required. Call David Bialkowski at 705-746-8179 to book a tune-up.

Race Wheels: If you are interested in renting race wheels for this event, Bialkowski Trysport has a limited number available. Call David Bialkowski at 705-746-8179 for details.

Bike Boxes: If you need a bike box to fly your precious bike, Bialkowski Trysport has a limited number available for rent. Call David Bialkowski at 705-746-8179 for details.

Mental Preparation: I find that a great way to feel prepared for a key event is to take a little time each evening to visualize race week and race day. What will the travel be like? Where and what will I eat during race week? How will my pre-race practice sessions go? How will I deal with heat/cold/wind/rain both prior to and during the race? How will I deal with a flat tire during the race?

In addition to benefitting race performance, these visualization exercises can help remind us of things we need to pick up and prepare for the trip, such as nutritional products, bike tools, poor weather clothing and travel arrangements.

Be Prepared!

Mike