One ironman race morning I watched in awe as an industrious triathlete attempted to tape a full size foot pump to his bike. Air cartridges were available at the time and I estimate his pump weighed about the same as 150 of those. I never stayed around to see how that episode ended, but hopefully he didn't get it to fit and went to plan B. Whatever that was.

During another race, on the bike course, I passed a rider who had a pack the size of a small country on his back. It sort of made the aerodynamic brake pads on his $6000 bike a waste of technology. All I could think was that he was planning a picnic along the way and was packing a blanket, a bottle of wine and food for two.

For most, the goal is to just finish the race and in that case its not necessary to worry about every ounce of weight. However, it is counter productive to go overboard. Too much weight will cause you to expend energy you can't afford to lose. Normally, I would take four water bottles. One for water and three for my replacement drink. My drink of choice isn't available at ironman aid stations. I would leave another three bottles at special needs. I picked up a fresh water bottle at every aid station. If you are happy with what the aid staions are providing, then you can go super light and just take one bottle for water and one for gatorade or whatever else the stations are supplying and replace them both at every station.

Also, be inventive when it comes to carrying food on your bike. Try and put it where it is least likely to get in the way or cause a lot of drag. Gels are a great choice because they are light, easily taped to the frame and take up little room.

Two spare tires should be sufficient or in case of "really" bad luck, you can take a small patch kit as well. Air cartridges are a great choice and will fit into a small pouch along with your two spares and a tire lever. This small pouch will fit behind or under your seat.

Be aware of your clothing as well. Especially in races like Penticton where it is often cool in the early morning as you exit the swim, and hot for most of the late morning and afternoon. Overdress and you will pay for it later as it heats up. Too many clothes will cause you to overheat and you will soon have to get rid of long sleeve shirts and jackets somewhere. Keep in mind that you most likely will never see them again. A tri-suit or swimsuit for women or swimsuit with top for men are better options, with armwarmers to ward off the early morning cold. Don't use your expensive armwarmers. Use a pair of long sports socks with the toes cut off and just discard them at an aid station when no longer needed. Leave an old sweater in special needs in case the weather turns nasty. Again, remember, you won't see your special needs items after the race. Clothes are normally given to charity.

If ever you want to travel light, its in the run. Every single spare ounce will weigh a proverbial ton over the course of the marathon. Water bottles will drive you to distraction. As mentioned in "run equipment" an ironman fuel belt is a great choice. The distribution of weight makes so much more sense than a single water bottle. Three or four gels in the back of a jersey will feel like they are wearing a hole in your back if they keep banging against you every step you take. A single energy bar will soon increase from 10 ounces to 10 pounds. Mark my words. You will find enough bars, clothes and water bottles along the marathon course to open your own store. Its all because of the weight.

Have a plan in place before the big day arrives and think light to ensure as much comfort as possible on race day.

Visit "Ironstruck"......a site for beginner trathletes and novice ironmen.

http://triathlon-ironman-myfirstironman-ironstruck.com