Time to Get Organized!
Well it happened. Winter ended. Now the trees are blooming, the air is warming and pretty soon you’ll be digging through your gear the morning of a race or a workout wondering where you put your wetsuit/race belt/C02 cartridges/gels/swim caps and the rest of the gear you neglected for around 2 years at this point. Before you have a minor panic attack just thinking about standing around on race morning without your wetsuit let me introduce you to Mission Multisport member and guest blog writer, Dave Dammer. Dave has been in the area and involved in the triathlon scene for as long as I can remember and he brings his years of knowledge to this blog so you can rest easy on race day!
“Take it away Dave! ”
"Where's my ...." - Said most endurance athletes at some time or another. Thinking about and applying the concept of mise en place does not have to be the exclusive domain of chefs. Having everything in its place is a discipline that can not only save time during busy periods of training and life, but it also can reduce wasted mental energy. This preservation is quite valuable and has the guaranteed effect of allowing focus to be applied where it's needed.
“How can it work? The first premise is: Carving out space(s) for your stuff. ”
In my case, that looks like:
Clothes: Dedicated drawers in my bedroom for workout gear. A dedicated spot by our washing machine for my kit waiting to be cleaned.
Gear Bookcase: Top Shelf: Big Day Bin (more later)
Hanging on nails on the side of the bookcase are string bags: One winter hats and gloves, one summer hats
Top shelf: Headlamps, reflective vest, water bottles
Next shelf: Fuel, electolytes and buffs
Easy to grab on the way out the door
Within this structure, I use clear plastic bins for keeping things together / for when I'm driving to a workout.
Run bin: will have fuel, specific hats/gloves/buffs depending on time of year, handheld water bottle holder, RaceID bracelet, Phone belt, first-aid items, sunscreen and bug spray during summer months*
Bike Bin - also the “Big Day Bin”: If I'm driving somewhere to go ride, this will hold bike shoes, helmet, assorted tools, tubes, CO2, fuel, bottles. It may also hold some running stuff if I'm going for a Big Day of training.
Swim bag and swim bin: If I'm driving to an OWS the bag will have wetsuit, goggles, body glide, sunscreen, foggies and tri slide. The small bin will have fuel, extra goggles, swim caps and the like.
Flex bin: May essentially be a mobile first aid/comfort bin to take to a workout depending on conditions. Usually more things needed in the summer, including sunscreen, sting stuff, bug spray.
Inside the house, I try to charge my watch Friday or Saturday night. My charger is in a specific place so I always know where it is. I also keep bluetooth headphones in a specific location next to where they are charged since I don't like keeping them in the garage. A final point: Also set aside a space where you can reliably leave things to air dry. Whether a sweaty hat or your wetsuit, getting those babies dried out can save a world of funk later.
Twice a year I go through my fuel to purge out things that are way expired.
Knowing where your stuff is can bring peace of mind, ease of preparation and execution, and application of energy in the most effective places. Carve out your space, figure out what might work for you, and try it. Bonus is that the bins are great places for stickers to keep memories and express who you are. and where you've been.
Dave Dammer
Mission Multisport
Thanks to Dave’s influence I decided that my own bike room was getting a bit out of control. Not only do I need to fit bikes, wheels, tools, equipment, etc but I also need space for hoodies, tee shirts, hats and other Mission Multisport paraphernalia . After getting a few shelves, storage bins and bike racks I was able to get it together just in time for race season! Now I’ll be able to reap the benefits of the orderly system he described; enabling me to get ready quicker without stress, lose things less often, and appreciate what I have more. Thanks to Dave for all your help!
Ben Rotherham
Head Coach, Mission Multisport
