First triathlon end of this month! And now I am getting nervous

I just about threw up from nerves the night before... then after the race, I had to laugh at myself.  It was not that bad.  Just plan, prepare, practice, and then let the auto pilot take over on race day...

Everyone (almost) is willing to help a noob, and there will be a million voulenteers around to ask too...

Just relax, focus on training for the next 2 weeks, then taper and relax.  it is a lot of fun! You just don't realize that until you are done!

I followed the advise I had seen on here---got to my first tri early and took the time to not only set-up my rack/transition area but also to walk around it to "map" out where I would come into T1/T2 and where to go out...was much easier then I imagined!!  As for getting lost---I drove the route before I pulled into the parking lot (since the race wasn't close to my house and I couldn't get there before race day...) so that I was familiar with the route but it didn't matter much as the routes are usually well marked and the turns will usually have at least one person there to tell you to turn---and you'll probably be out there with plenty of other racers (this part is just like your running races---know the route and stay with everyone else!!).  I layed a folded towel out to "mark" my transition area/as a transition "mat" and I just tucked my car keys in the middle of the folded towel......I guess it's taking a chance but when you are solo at a race what are you going to do?!  Relax and enjoy your first!!!

I'm only worried about making it out of the water!  LOL

I'm 3 weeks out from my first tri.  I have good days and bad days about it.  It all depends on what kind of a training day I had that day.

Hee hee...   I thought the same thing.  Running is SO MUCH EASIER!

My first Tri is this Sunday.  I was more nervous a month ago when I didn't think I'd be ready in time.  But with diligent planning and training, I now feel confident and EXCITED; not nervous. 

I bet your nervousness will turn to excitement as your event gets closer.

I hope at some point the nervousness turns to excitement. Last night I had a dream that I showed up on the wrong day. Urgh! This needs to stop--I need SLEEP!!

So you're not sleeping and I'm not working! 

I CANNOT seem to focus on my workday.  All I can think about it the Tri... training for Tri, planning for the Tri, buying what I need for the Tri , talking about the Tri, reading about Tri's...

I've run three races so far and never felt distracted by them.  Why is this Tri consuming my every thought???

Ah well, it's all good and I'm lovin it!

Now my curiosity is up.  I'm going to have to check back with you after your race to see how it went!  May I ask where you are (state/country?).

Hello

I am with you on this.  My first Sprint-tri is in 9 days.  I seem to have more energy but dont sleep much or well.  The twice a day workouts this week have gone well.   -Run-Bike in the morning and swim everynight.   Our neighborhood pool is just two blocks from the house and I go to swim around 7 pm so I am there by myself for the most part.

I am very excited about my first race but I am glad I signed up for Race 2 a month later.  That way I dont reach my first goal of finishing a Sprint-Tri and stop training. Plus race 2 will be an out-of-town event and that will turn everything up a notch.

We can do this!

Kevin

There was a lady (thankfully on the same row as me) that put a bright pink balloon on the end of our bike rack. It was super easy to find with that.

I would get there early so you can plan. Think about how you will enter for each transition, how you will take your bike off the rack, how and where you will put your shoes on. etc. It will ease your mind and save you seconds. I racked my bike the wrong way and the other bikes were so close I had to run all the way around so I could get my bike out haha.

+1 on the couldn't sleep/work/etc before my first race this May.

The race was nearby so I actually rode the bike course twice - highly recommend doing this if possible - even if you just drive it.

I made sure to get there early to setup.

I have also found in the 4 races I've done - most, if not all, the racers are very helpful and friendly especially to newbies.

Lastly - I'd offer that my sole goal for the first one was to finish.  And have fun.  (Yes to both).

Have fun - I bet you all will be hooked.  Let us know how you do !!!

Exactly!  My first one is this Sunday in a pool, and I've already signed up for a second one on September 12 in a lake!  Gotta do open water to feel like I've truly Tri-ed!  Next will be Ocean!!!




Yep!  Finish with no stops.  My first goals:

No stopping
No walking
No pushing the bike up hills (not that I've ever had to to that, <ahem>
Don't finish last
Don't vomit and...
HAVE FUN!!!