Transition Area Set-Up

I've been using PAM for years, and my wetsuit is as good as new, FYI. But I do also use bodyglide to lube up neck, wrists and ankles.

Never bothered with a water bucket, and the people I see that have them, to be honest, it makes me laugh...transition should be about getting in, getting your stuff, and getting out as QUICK as possible.

Socks - for my sprint/oly distance races, I do not do socks...but I imagine next year, for my first 1/2 IM, I will wear socks (since I usually do for anything longer than an oly distance run), but it's important that if you're going to race that way, you need to train that way...get feet used to it.  If this is the case, then I ALWAYS put body glide on the outsides of both my biking and running shoes so they're able to slip on really easily.

Practice these, like another poster said, at home, as if you were in a race, to get the feel/flow of how it will go....I've gotten mine down to almost perfect, but I'm sure I will pick up something along the way from someone...I always do!

Good luck to you...and happy racing!!

I cannot thank you all enough!!!  Priceless information -- thank you for sharing your knowledge!

Remember everyone does this stuff different.   I'm assuming this is your first Tri?

Transition Do's:  If you want to do it, do it.  Do whatever you think will help the first time and pair down from there.    Do get there early and stake out your spot.  If you bring everything but the kitchen sink, you are going to need the room.  

Do a realistic mini-race and write down everything you use.  It's hard remembering what you need sitting on the couch.  I think forgetting goggles would be easy.

Transition Don't:  Don't get in others way.  If there is not a lot of room in transition, don't encroach on others space.  That's bad form.  Other than that it pretty much open.  

Sandy feet:  Many people will bring something to rinse their feet off with, and others who have worked on getting faster in transition will just brush the sand off and go.  I took a foot bath thingy my first tri, a gallon of water my second, and a towel on my third.  Now i use my hand or a rag.  So, do what you like, you will be in good company either way.

Lube: feet, ankles, wrists, neck, shoulders, lower neck.  Just go ahead and put it all over, better not to miss a spot.

Socks:  I don't wear socks on the bike because it's a pain getting them on wet feet.  I do wear them on any run over 3 miles.  Blisters are also a pain.  Do what you have practiced.  I roll my socks up and put baby power in them.  They just roll up my feet.

Watch:  Yes!  That's what I am racing, the clock.

GOOD LUCK.