Hello! My name is....

Race sites are similar to airports in that they are fully functioning locations that have hundreds, and thousands of people milling around, all intent on getting somewhere in the quickest way possible.

And if you are a people watcher these are great places to be. And if you are a social animal you'll meet tons of great people. I think that as part of race kits we should all receive "Hello my name is " stickers.

Wouldn't be nice to know the name of the people around you while waiting in the line-up at the porto-potty. And what about your rack mates? They are really close so you should at least know their names. It's also a great way to let other know who the tri-holes are - the ones that hog space in transition, have swollen heads, and make you feel inadequate because you didn't win your age group.

But the other reason is that you will meet some really amazing people at these race sites that you'll stay in contact with for a long time.

My wife and I have been very fortunate in this regard. Here are some of the highlights.

While at the Corner Brook, Newfoundland (Olympic Distance Race) we met Kym and Darren, who lived in Ontario at the time. They now live in BC, but we still stay in touch, and Kym put me in touch with her former Aussie neighbour Donna.

Donna is a great athlete, and better person. We met up with her, her boyfriend Peter, and their racing buddies at IM Australia last year. They made us feel so welcome, and I look forward to doing another race with them.

At my first Ironman (Canada) one of my training buddies (Jason) introduced me to Fox. Jason met Fox at Ironman Canada the previous year. Fox is a retired pilot, who is a great athlete. A ton of fun, he keeps us in the loop about his training activities in Georgia.

And while in Florida at the Disney 70.3 Fox and I met up again, and this time he brought along his friend Kona George. Another retired athlete who has qualified for Kona a few times.

And finally, not even at a race I met Deirdre. While walking our dog I noticed a woman wearing an Ironman Florida shirt. I asked her about the race, we chatted a bit and exchanged e-mails. I subsequently lost the e-mail, but when my wife was wetsuit shopping we were helped by a familiar face. (Kismet I guess). Deirdre eventually became my coach for a season or two, and really helped me progress.

So next time you are at a race, don't be afraid to say, "Hello, my name is...."

Until next time, keep tri'n.