The Big Question
The Big Question:
If you could go back and change one thing about your first multisport race, what would it be?
I would learn how to un-clip from my bike, so I wouldn’t fall over and take down the entire transition
fence...pre-race. — Andrew Shanks, 27, Atlanta, Ga.
I would not wear my mesh running shorts and non-moisture wicking shirt underneath my wetsuit. After all, soaking up water like a sponge while flailing/swimming like an injured seal isn’t much fun. Not to mention the fact that my first race was the Chicago Triathlon. — Josh Mohr, 25, Chicago, Ill.
Bring the correct tool to take my back tire off. Ran 6 miles with my bike. — Terri Adams, 44, San Antonio, Texas
Actually go for a swim in the ocean before the day of the race for my first triathlon. Boy, that was a big surprise. Salt! Waves! People! Feet! No wall to push off! Phew, it was rough.
— Adriana Albornoz, 24, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Lost my timing chip and did not realize it until a buddy pointed it out 5 minutes before the gun. Ran back to the transition area, rifled through all my meticulously placed items — gone. Would I be allowed to race? Sprinted back to swim ‘Start’ and dived in. Found the timing chip under my bed at home AFTER the race. — John Ebersole, 39, Portage, Mich.
I wish I would have practiced running after riding my bike. Needless to say I quickly learned why they called it a brick — my legs felt like they were as heavy as bricks. I puked four times. I was a mess. — Nicole Weidensaul, 33, Locust Grove, Va.
I would have not worn a Speedo. It was
1983...be like Dave. — Gary Wallesen, 50, Portland, Ore.
I wouldn’t change a thing. The feeling I
experienced when I crossed the finish line in my first triathlon is what got me addicted to the sport. Always been a cyclist. Hated running and now I love it. Never could swim
farther than 25 meters without stopping. Now I can swim over a mile. Life-changing! — Mike Orton, 32, Mahomet, Ill.
I would have paid better attention while putting on my new rear tire before my sprint triathlon. At mile 4 on the bike leg... ppsssssssshhhh! The tire had a pinch flat. I stared in disbelief for probably two full minutes, contemplating whether to quit or change it and keep going. I changed it and have been hooked on triathlons ever since. — Michael Arabia, 44, Costa Mesa, Calif.
I wish I wouldn’t have been so cautious. I was afraid of pushing myself too hard on the bike and my time suffered a little bit. It was still a great race!
— Blaise Dillman, 23, Auburndale, Fla.
I would have started earlier in life. Last year, at 67, I completed my first three sprint triathlons. I finished second in my age group in all. I love to say I’m a triathlete on Medicare. You can do it, too. — Kathie Horsman, 68, Issaquah, Wash.
THE NEXT BIG QUESTION: What’s the biggest issue facing the sport of triathlon? Send your response (60 words or fewer) to
communications@usatriathlon.org by Oct. 24, 2011. Remember to include your name, age, hometown and put “Big Question” in the subject line.
110 USA TRIATHLON FALL 2011
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