What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

Samantha McGlone is a Canadian Triathlon Olympian and Ironman triathlete.  She wrote an article in the May 2012 edition of Triathlete magazine entitled, "What would you tell your younger self when just starting out in triathlon?"  I thought the question was interesting and included a few of her suggestions:

• Don't wear underwear under your bike shorts.
• If you don't sleep enough, you get sick.  If you over-train, you get sick.  Rest and recovery is as important as any workout.
• Buy new running shoes regularly.  Don't try to eke out a few extra months in worn-down shoes.  
• Make sure your shoes fit properly--black toenails are not a badge of honor--they are simply a mark of someone who bought their shoes too small.
• Don't spend months grinding yourself into the ground training for one event. The best way to prepare for a race is by racing.
• Be open to learning from more experienced athletes and coaches.
• Wear sunscreen.  Always.