South Carolina Half

I'm toying with it. I need to get some revenge on this course. Last year the wind took it out of me and my bike and run times were crappy.

But, Clemson has 4 home games in September, which makes training interesting...

Last I know there wasn't anything posted about waves.  They have the age groups posted, but I'm sure they'll combine many.  May not know until the expo...

Usually they do:

elites

then ag men 34 an under

then ag men 35 & up

then Masters men, clydes, master clydes & relays

then women (all)

then novice

I am in Aiken SC, and just decided to switch over to Tri's instead of my half marathon on the 28th and the a full in October in Washington.  I had a little knee issue which just got shock waved and will be fine now.  Anyways my question is that I am a decent swimmer (going to Augusta Aquatic center this week-end for some coaching)  and should be able to finish the swim ok.  My tri bike should be here on the 16th (05 Fuji Alohoa was raced this summer)  and I have no experience biking, but should pick up quick though and have fit legs from logging in 50-70 miles weekly running and 30 mintues on the bike at the gym 4 days a week..  The running is no issue I was shooting for a 2:50 marathon time.    What Half Tri should I am for?  I am someone who would just head first into something without guidance.

Should I jump into this half and just finish it for the sake of doing it or train on the bike and swim more and try to be competitive? 

How bad could it really hurt pounding away at a race for 5+ hours without any tri specific training?  I say do it.  Pain is only temporary, right?  Only problem the SC Half is full.  Jump on the Olympic Distance Tri at Hickory Knob the second week-end of October.  There are enough hills at that race to bring a fair amount of pain.  Good luck!