1 Week til First Race!!

You should browse the beginner sprint plans in the programs to see what their last week is like. It's generally no more than 20-30 minutes per sport and not anything more than recovery pace,. Basically you're just tapering and keeping your muscles moving a bit. For a Saturday race I'd guess it ends up like:
M - Bike 30m
T - Swim 20m, Run 20m
W - Bike 20m
R - Off
F- Run 20m
S- Race

Edit: It all depends on your current level of fitness and any plan you're using though. The above is just a rough estimate.

For my first sprint I arrived right when transition opened. I didn't want to be nervous waiting in lines to get my body marked, etc. I showed up, got marked, set up transition, made sure I knew where bike swim bike run entrance and exits were, adequate time to use the bathroom, adequate time to use the bathroom AGAIN, etc...

I'd say at least 30 minutes before transition closes and as a first timer, probably better to arrive as near to transition open as possible to get used to the lay of the land.

Have fun and be sure to submit a race report here afterwards!

Edited by Beej 2010-07-17 1:48 PM

Good Luck...  Have a great time!!!

Congrats!!  What a great feeling.  Soak it all in!  You never forget your first time. 

I would plan to get there 15 minutes before transition opens. 
Reasons: You get a good parking place 
               Being late will make you more nervous
               Just in case you happen to lose 15 minutes you'll still be fine