Yet another...

For an off-road tri, train off road. Running and biking off road takes more technical skill then on the road. You have to go fast while you watchout for abnromal ground in front of you. I just got a mtn bike for hill training. I figure that if I can get up a hill of sand, the road hills will be easy.
A pool membership is important. I live near lakes, but even in the summer I go to the pool for some of my swim training.

Good luck,

Charles

welcome the site!  i second what rober said...train for your racing conditions.  may have to be a little more skilled on 'on-the-fly' bike repair.  at least get a few open water swims in a month before your race...have somebody wathcing u though...its a lot different.

Thanks for the tips! I'm real excited...I've done a couple off road races (mt. biking, trail runs and an adventure sprint). Swimming will be my biggest challenge, however I'm going in with the attitude that I just want to finish and have fun.

Kind of a silly question, but I've always wondered - is it "gross" swimming open water. The race I want to do is out in Richmond and the swim portion is on the James River - which I think isn't the cleanest...

Welcome Marissa! I saw the Xterra championships on TV about a month ago and was so inspired, I practically signed up for an offroad tri that day! Then I remembered that I don't have a mountain bike and my sense returned!!

It's great that you are getting the pool membership, but you should really try to do a few open water swims if you can. It will really help you to not need to wonder about those 'gross' waters!!

Best to you,

Dana

I really suggest that you try to get comfortable with the swim.  If you can come out of the water and not be exhausted, it will make the rest of the race a little easier!