Do you run with toilet paper?

Being prepared in life is an important ingredient to success, and the same holds true for triathlon.

While we can never exactly predict what is going to happen, we can anticipate that certain situations might arise, and know how to deal with them.

So what does that have to do with toilet paper?

Well toilet paper is my simple yet powerful reminder about being prepared.

First, if you've ever been on a ride or a run when Mother Nature pays an unexpected visit, ever notice how you are always at the furthest point away from home and/or there is no gas station, restaurant, or coffee shop in sight.

Or have you ever been to race, visited the Porto-Potty, and realized (too late of course) that there is no toilet paper.

Now whenever I plan on going for a long session, or an early session I bring a few squares of TP along.

Or when I go to a race I bring a roll of TP Easy way to make friends, and build up some positive race day Karma.

Sounds strange but for whatever reason I don't run into these problems any more. And I don't have to wake up a friend with an early knock on the front door to use their facilities (true story).

So when heading out for a training session be prepared bring along the water bottle, or rain jacket, or the $20 bill, or the spare tube. While it may seem inconvenient at the time, you'll be kicking yourself while you are wet and cold, drinking water out of puddle, or walking your bike/hitch hiking home.

Oh these things happen, and will happen again. Just don't let it happen to you.

Bring the toilet paper, and keep tri'n.