Oops...I Did it Again!

I think many of us can relate to having a few embarrassing moments related to triathlon.  As I've looked back on my years in the sport I have collected my fair share of awkward, or just plain stupid, experiences-with only one person to blame- ME.  You would think over time the number of blunders would decrease for me as learning should occur with mistakes.  But...I guess I'm a hard student to reach who continues to daydream out the window.  The following is a list of things I've done (triathlon related mistakes only) that I'm not particularly proud of but I can laugh about it now.

1.  Wearing my helmet backwards. Now...I only did this once and I was new to cycling/triathlon.  Tuxedo Brothers may still have the photo.
2.  Misplacing my timing chip the day before the race.  The nerves got the best of me and I struggled to keep my thoughts in check.  Luckily, a few deep breaths and a thorough dissection of the hotel room gave me the strength to look in the most obvious of places- the side pocket of my transition bag (duh...)
3.  Leaving my timing chip at the hotel race morning.  I literally had an anxiety attack and needed a mini intervention from my husband and two friends (Batt and Leanne).  Luckily, I was able to get a new timing chip at the swim start.  But...I wasted so much energy in my frantic state (argh!!!!!!).
4.  Losing my timing chip during the swim.  You'd think I was suffering a life threatening injury as I emerged from the lake screaming and arms waving.  Bless the volunteers who put up with my antics that morning.
5.Getting passed on the bike and not falling back soon enough- the rider who passed blessed me with a huge loogie that landed on my face.  He then yelled something in French or German and sped away.
6. Failing to properly store feminine supplies in transition bag race morning.  Who knew I'd be greeted with the monthly curse before the start of the race?  I methodically asked every female in the vicinity if a Tampax could be donated to this poor, unprepared fool that I felt I was.  Luckily, I struck gold with lucky lady number 34!
7.  Knocking over a bike rack at transition. The adrenaline must have been high as I racked the bike and prepared to run.  Unfortunately, my over-zealous nature cost me a lot of time as I deliriously tried to get the rack back up again.  Have I mentioned how blessed I am for the volunteers who, again, helped me?
8.  Forgetting to properly lube all chafe-prone areas....ouch...details not necessary.
9.  Waiting until the last minute to get a hotel room for a race.  I ended up booking a room at a great price- I'm all about saving a dollar!  Unfortunately,  my procrastination and thriftiness rewarded me with a top-notch room:  a blood-stained mattress and bugs.  Did I mention the distinct odor of pot accentuated the atmosphere in a most excellent way?!
10.  Making a wrong turn on the bike/swimming in wrong direction.  This has happened to many a triathlete and I now know to at least become somewhat familiar with the race course- just in case.

Needless to say, I can admit I haven't yet had "the perfect race"- but who has??  Part of what I love about triathlon is that many of us can somewhat relate to the above faux pas.  I am sure I will continue to make mistakes, but my goal is do everything I can to not make them again!