Doing my first triathlon...any tips?

chickky311

I just signed up for my first triathlon! Actually its a "Super Sprint" Triathlon, which basically means its shorter than a traditional Sprint Triathlon. Any tips or suggestions? I'm especially nervous about the transitions....I have so many questions!

-The Swim: I don't want to splurge on a nice swimsuit until I'm sure I even like doing a tri. Is it acceptable for me to swim in my sports bra and swimsuit bottoms?
-During T1: Socks or no socks? (The biking portion is 10K and the run is 2.5K) I think for such short distances I can probably survive with no socks...but what are some tips maybe to dry my feet quickly, and then get them in my shoes quickly? I plan on wearing my running shoes during the biking portion. This is also the point where I would throw on shorts and my singlet, with the race bib already pinned on?
-The Bike: I have a hybrid bike (made for street and mountain biking). I know most people there will have either tri or street bikes, and I'm ok with that. Also not going to spend $$ on a new bike just yet...
T2: Since I will already be wearing my running shoes, top, and shorts, I can pretty much dismount, take off my helmet, and start running? I can't think of much else I would need to do during this transition.

Any other tips or tricks you guys can share with me? I know this is not the first time someone has asked these questions, so I'm sorry if I'm being redundant on the message board.

ka97

I just signed up for my first triathlon! Actually its a "Super Sprint" Triathlon, which basically means its shorter than a traditional Sprint Triathlon. Any tips or suggestions? I'm especially nervous about the transitions....I have so many questions!

-The Swim: I don't want to splurge on a nice swimsuit until I'm sure I even like doing a tri. Is it acceptable for me to swim in my sports bra and swimsuit bottoms?
-During T1: Socks or no socks? (The biking portion is 10K and the run is 2.5K) I think for such short distances I can probably survive with no socks...but what are some tips maybe to dry my feet quickly, and then get them in my shoes quickly? I plan on wearing my running shoes during the biking portion. This is also the point where I would throw on shorts and my singlet, with the race bib already pinned on?
-The Bike: I have a hybrid bike (made for street and mountain biking). I know most people there will have either tri or street bikes, and I'm ok with that. Also not going to spend $$ on a new bike just yet...
T2: Since I will already be wearing my running shoes, top, and shorts, I can pretty much dismount, take off my helmet, and start running? I can't think of much else I would need to do during this transition.

Any other tips or tricks you guys can share with me? I know this is not the first time someone has asked these questions, so I'm sorry if I'm being redundant on the message board.

Congrats on taking the plunge! You're going to love it!
-The swim - you're going to need a swimsuit to train in. Might as well get yourself a speedo/tyr type swimsuit. They do make them in 2 piece varieties if you prefer.
-T1 - the key to quick transitions is to practice transitions. If you do a google search, you can probably find some pics of how to set up a transition, or check youtube. Set all your gear on a colorful towel. Practice drying your feet quickly. I prefer a large towel to stand on, then I have a small hand towel for drying. I always wear socks. I figure I'm not in the race to win, so if it takes me an extra minute to put on socks, so be it. Practice both with and without socks and decide what you are comfortable with. If you go for no socks, invest in some bodyglide to avoid blisters. Yes, at this point throw on your shorts and top. Don't forget to put on your bike helmet. Don't laugh - it happens!
-There will be others with hybrids. I did my first on a borrowed hybrid. The following year I bought a road bike.
-T2 - yep, pretty much helmet off and hit the run.

Make sure in your training to do some bike/run workouts and some swim/bike workouts. This would be a good time to practice your transitions. If your race is in open water, be sure to get in some open water swims. Unlike the pool, there's no nice black line on the bottom to keep you going straight. You need to practice looking up and swimming towards a landmark. I'm thinking for a "supersprint" no need to experiment with your nutrition, other than planning your prerace meal. Be sure to practice with all the gear you will use on race day. I know it sounds repetitive, but you don't want any surprises day of your race.

Good luck, and have fun!!!!!
-

chickky311

Thanks for the tips! I do actually have a 1 piece swimsuit, its just not exactly a "sports" type of suit. I may just start out with buying an inexpensive Speedo-type suit for now.

You do have a point about the socks. I'm definitely not in this one to win it, or break any records, so I may just take the extra time to put on socks. I run pretty regularly and never go without socks, so I guess this would be the best approach.

As far as training goes, I'm not too concerned about the physical aspect of biking or running, although I don't get the chance to go swimming all that often. It is an open water swim, so I will definitely have to find some time to practice that. I have easy access to swimming pools, but it might be a little harder to find time to go to the lake to swim. I guess I'll just have to see how that goes.

I will definitely practice the transitions too...thats what I'm most nervous about! Thanks again for all the tips!