Pre-Season Top 10

No not that list, though I am eagerly waiting for spring practice to end so that we can all engage in mindless banter about which college football team will be crowned the national champion. Instead, I am talking about the top 10 things triathlon to-do items before the season begins. With all the beautiful weather this weekend, I hope everyone found their way outside. I also hope you began thinking about what all you need to do to get ready for upcoming season.

Over the past few weeks I began spending a bit more wrench time on my bike. I began thinking about ordering some new shoes. And I have visited the bike shop on a few occasions for various purchases. All of this in the name of tuning up. Here are the top 10 things you should be doing to prepare yourself for the upcoming season

1. Bike Tune Up. Many of us spent more money than we would like to admit on our sleek bikes. With springs arrival, opt to give your bike a wash and wax job in the form of a tune-up. Take it to your local shop and ask them to clean and lube it. The reality is that most of us put the bike away after the last race so it is caked in gatorade, gel, etc. The rest of us who rode through the winter have bikes full of sand and grime. Brake calipers, rear deraileurs, shifts and bottom brackets collect junk faster than that the attic in your house.

2. Replace your Chain and Tires. Along with the first point, it is probably time to replace your worn chain. Bike guides say once a year or every 5000 miles. I personally find that I crush a chain every 4 months from intervals and heavy climbing. A new chain will improve shifting. Also examine your tires. Look for large cuts or gashes. Feel the tread and see how worn it is. I particularly like to put new tires on my bike to start the season. My old tires, in theory, become my trainer tires during the offseason.

3. Wetsuit. If you wait until race day to put on your wetsuit, you will wonder if you gained 10 pounds over the winter. Go ahead and get your suit out and soak it a few times in your tub. A wetsuit is like a sponge and when it sits all winter it shrinks. Allowing water to enter the 'pores' will allow it to expand a bit. You will be thankful when you put it on for the first time.

4. Replace the Batteries. This is a hard lesson to learn but one that always catches me. Go ahead and replace your Garmin or Powertap batteries to start the season. They WILL die on race day if you don't.

5. New Running Shoes. Check your running shoes and consider new ones. If you took the winter off, head down to your local running store and have them size you up. For those that did ING, it is likely that you put around 200-300 miles on your shoes. It might be time for new ones.

6. Throw out your old clothes. Sorry. I hate to be the one to tell you but you swim trunks are a little see through. Your tri shorts aren't baggy because you have lost weight. It is because they are stretched out. Please replace them before I have to ride behind you in a pace line. Thank you.

7. Nutrition. Time to remember how to fuel your body correctly. Those short winter rides were easy because you could just grab a bottle of gatorade. That won't cut it for a 3 hour ride. You don't need to bonk for a told you so moment. Go ahead and order some Infinit and buy a box of gels. Better to have them than need them.

8. Don't ramp up too quickly. Yes, the weather is beautiful. Yes, you will want to ride forever. Be smart about it. Stick with your training plan or make modest adjustments to your schedule. Don't take on a century when you aren't in shape yet. It is too early for an injury.

9. Plan your season and goals. You need to have an idea of what you want to accomplish this season. You need to lay it out on a 4-6 month calendar and see how it fits in with your other obligations. I don't think your spouse will take to the idea of racing a HIM when the in-laws are visiting. Consult your family, loved ones, friends and even co-workers. Make sure your goals aren't in direct conflict with your other commitments.

10. Check your ego. It is too early in the season to try to smoke everyone on the initial group rides. Keep in mind that beginners are everywhere and that at some point, you too were just starting out. No need to be that guy in April.