Almost time...to start packing!

So, with four  one day until I leave for the LPC triathlon training camp, mentally my brain is turned to “What do I need to bring?”

Okay, technically I leave for camp on Saturday, but I am headed to Windsor after work tomorrow since I am flying out of Detroit. Wish I could've left earlier, but with a few projects underway, it wasn't in the cards.

No comment on the fact work decided to go crazy this week...which was good because it meant I had less time to worry, but was bad because I am now afraid I’ll forget something.

My friends laugh and say, "It's not like you need to bring much. Aren't you just exercising for a week?"

 

Well, technically yes. Although training and exercise are different in my mind (some might say that's semantics). A post for another day, perhaps.

 

But, since I am worried about it, I decided to post on what I actually am planning to bring for 7 days in Florida filled with training for swimming, biking and running. Exciting stuff, right?

The biggest thing of course is my bike (hard to ride without it). Fortunately, I sent that to Guelph last weekend for shipping down to camp with the Coaches. Heard yesterday that the van (and the bikes) arrived safe and sound. That means everything I sent with my bike also arrived safely…including my bike helmet (never ride without one!), wetsuit (which I bought in the fall and haven’t tried out yet – except to make sure it still fits), and a handful of CO2 cartridges to change tubes if/when needed  (Haven’t ever used one, but my brother recommended not trying until I get there in case I do something and screw it up).

So, the big things are gone. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot I could forget. So, here’s my current packing list in case you’re wondering:

·         Bike shoes – I’ve been using them inside on my bike trainer all winter, and used them at spin class this week. I am extraordinarily anxious about trying them outside…but it’ll be an adventure. And if I don’t practice now – when would I start?

·         Running shoes – I won’t be packing these until after my last run…probably tonight or tomorrow.

·         Bathing cap/goggles – My swim cap broke the other day, which is good timing since it gave me time to buy a new one. Also have my normal clear goggles and a new pair of tinted ones. 

·         Swimsuits – I was happily surprised to find a suit I’ve had for a long time but had never worn (it was always too small) now fits me! So it’ll be coming along with a second suit (just in case).

·       Bike clothes – have a couple of pairs of bike shorts and a pair of tri shorts (happily purchased at the bike show for $20!). Also have exactly two bike shirts (also purchased at the bike show), but figure I can also just wear any of my run shirts while biking, and may well do so. We'll see.

·         Run clothes – I’ll pretty much be bringing everything I own that isn’t winter-related.

·         Other clothes – can’t forget a few things that aren’t specific to swim/bike/run.  Like slightly warmer clothes in case it gets cool or windy.

·         Other shoes – flip flops and sandals are both coming along in addition to my regular shoes.

·        Socks – yes, they get their own spot on my list because  I don’t actually have that many pairs of running/biking socks. I need to find them all since I expect to be changing them frequently.

·        Sunglasses – yikes. Almost forgot these. I have two pairs I’ll be bringing, in case one pair breaks or gets lost.

·        Fuel belt – no idea if I’ll actually use it while I am there, but I did buy one (it came on the recommended list and I figure since I was going to buy one for marathon training anyways, I might as well buy it early).

·        Food – I really don’t know how much I might need for this kind of training schedule. Bringing the stuff I know (meaning some Chocolate and Peanut Butter Gu, and my staple Kashi 7 grain granola bars). I’ll have a few protein bars as well, but I generally prefer real food. I expect my first purchase when I arrive will be Greek yogurt and peanut butter… powerhouse of protein and darned tasty. I was also debating bringing my cereal (Wheetabix), but looks like there will be a lot of brunch opportunities after morning sessions – and I do love brunch, so the cereal is staying behind.

·        Various watches/plugs/computer stuff – Yes, the Garmin, Garmin Swim, my iPad and my laptop are all coming with me, in addition to all of their cords, plug-ins and accessories. I have to record what I do after all, and I’ll need the computer for updating you on all the fun adventures I am having.

Wow, that seems like a lot of stuff…and I am sure I’ll forget something. I just hope it isn’t anything important – or I that I can buy it in Florida (which I will do with sunscreen since I prefer the spray on variety).

Here’s hoping it all fits in my bag! Thank goodness exercise clothes are generally light.