My First Triathlon - Sunday, 5/22/16

If it's an open water swim, I would advise getting in the open water, no matter how well you're doing in the pool.

I learned that one the hard way last weekend.

Best of luck, you'll do great!

Remember to keep it simple. Swim a little, bike a little, run a little. Nothing to it. Enjoy it! Also, make sure to thank the volunteers along the way.

It is open water - out and back. I did a little open water practice last summer, but haven't been in open water since. Might get the opportunity on Saturday for a quick swim.

I'm so happy for you! I hope you enjoy it
Do not set up any crazy goals: just enjoy it. It is fun.
Definitely thank the volunteers. They are extremely helpful. One thing I'll add: the feeling you may have once you jump of the bike and cannot figure out if your legs are made from wood or jelly... That feeling will eventually go away

I'm having half-marathon on the 22nd, I'll think of you and your race
HAVE FUN!

Is this JerseyMan sprint ?

1. Get there early enough to get set up and figure out the layout. Be sure you know where the bike in/out and run in/out locations are. Make sure you know how to find your bike when you come out of the swim.

2. Plan your transition setup so you don't have to do any mental gymnastics...keep it simple ... separate run items from bike items when you setup.

3. Don't eat anything spicy the day before (don't ask me how I know this).

4. Enjoy it...it's a hoot. I made plenty of mistakes in my first one but had a blast and learned a lot.

One idea would be to write a 'To-Do / To-Bring' checklist

Have fun, and good luck!

Definitely plan your transition items. Do it at home and imagine you're coming from swim/bike. Practice what you will need and how you would grab it ----> make it accessible.
there will be so many bikes in the transition you may put something with bright colors so you can spot it easily. Last year I placed screaming-pink towel on my bike. This year I put screaming-orange bag under the bike.

Practice transitions. although it won't be exactly the same as race day. try it once. you will feel more Confident on the day and may remember to take off your helmet at T2 and avoid having to run back....

You've gotten lots of great advice, I don't really have much to add. But yes, most importantly have fun!

Just remember.....everybody pees in their wetsuit.

When the gun goes off, let a few seconds pass and essentially give everyone a few feet of a head start to give yourself some free space to get swimming. You'll avoid getting kicked by other swimmers and you aren't there to win so lets face it... 5 more seconds on your time is worth not getting kicked in the face on your first few swim strokes! Best of luck and have fun!

Assuming this is in NJ. Water will be cold, probably 55-60°F, if you are not used to that kind of water it can be a shock when you get in.

Many people will tell you to get in and do a swim warm up, I always pass when the water temps are cold. For me its worse to stand around wet and freeze for 20 minutes before the race starts.

Line up for he swim on the outside middle to back of pack depending on how good of a swimmer you are. Start the swim at an easier pace and remember to sight. (this is your first, many people start out swimming way to fast and blow up)

Transitions are confusing take your time and make sure you have everything, slow transitions are only a minute slower than fast transition. If you go fast and forget something it could cost you big time.

Enjoy the race!

If it is, Round Valley is cold year round, as it is very deep. If you do not have a wet suit, rent one, you will need it.

Otherwise, just have fun.

Congrats on all your training and hard work!

Have fun
Talk to people. It helps settle your nerves and you will be surprised to find lots of other people new to the sport. Many veterans are very helpful.
Pack your bag a couple days before, and then recheck it
Remember extra lube/body glide ect, remember sunscreen
Try to attend the pre-race meeting.
Don't stress to much on transitions, you can improve them later.
Take pictures
Do a race report
Plan your next triathlon!

Yes, it is the JerseyMan Sprint. Anyone else going to be there?

I rented a wetsuit - though silly enough, I opted for a sleeveless one. Thinking maybe I should've gone with the full sleeves.

Here's my noob advice....as I'm still a noob...a seasoned noob, but a noob nonetheless. I'll always be a noob.
Also, take it FWIW....I'm a completer, not a competer.

-there will be porta potties (maybe not on the course for that distance. Hopefully there's some right outside transition. But there will be some around.
There will be lines right before the race. If it's an open water swim, no worries....don't bother standing in line.
-high five at least one stranger on the course
-thank the volunteers
-look around several times and take it in, it should be fun....even if you're competing for a placing

Oh, and read the rules if you haven't. For me, it's 'comforting' (not sure if that's the right word...more like de-anxieifying...which isn't a word, but sums it up) to know the rules in general. Then I won't feel like I'm "getting in someone's way", etc. It's your race too. In the end it's 99.9% common sense and general safety.

Also, not a bad idea to read up on how to rack your bike. Or simply ask someone with a "Heya....I'm new to this. Is my bike OK like this?"

Thank you all, great tips all around! I'm also going out to complete, not necessarily compete...though that would be a nice bit of icing on the cake.

I'm excited, but also a little anxious.

I'm so excited for you I cannot wait haha
Good luck and have plenty of fun!!! I'm sure you're gonna love it!

Well, in a sense you will be competing - against the clock, against self-doubt, against fear, and if you choose, against all those new best friends toeing the start line alongside you.
Compete...complete...either way, it will be the attitude you carry with you on Sunday that will determine your level of success, not the number beside your name on the results page.

Enjoy every minute, and grin like many of us did while doing the first tri, thinking "I am now a Triathlete"

So , how was your day??

It was F U N ! I definitely didn't set any land speed records, but I managed to surprise myself in the swim with a 1:40 pace - faster than my expected 2:00 ish. The bike was hilly and so was the run. I went into the race with two goals: 1. to finish and 2. to run the entire way. Mission accomplished!

I had a moment on the bike where I was thinking...hmmm, I could probably push harder, but I don't know how much harder, because I still have to run. I still need to work out that threshold on the bike. When I finished (and the day after) I didn't feel worked or exhausted or sore.

I'd like to get one more sprint under my belt and tackle an olympic before the end of the summer, and maybe...just maybe Timberman in August.