I thought I'd share some things that I've picked up after doing triathlons for almost 10 ( TEN! ) years from people who are a whooooole lot smarter than I am: 1. Bring your own bike pump to transition. Not only will you not have to stress about running around like a beggar or stand in line waiting to use one, but also you automatically become the most popular person at the race. I was Saint Katie, bringer of the air , at Ironman Santa Rosa. Also, they always say you won't get it back...I've always gotten mine back. Just use one of your extra race number stickers to stick on it! 2. Check for a landmark when you rack your bike. Look for banners hanging on the fencing, a tree, a tent...something that doesn't move. I can't tell you the number of races I've done that I thought "Meh, I'll remember." or "They have numbers on the signs" When you're flying through transition with a massive swim PR feeling like a pro, AIN'T NOBODY G...
I like geography best because mountains & rivers know the secret: Pay no attention to boundaries.