Kahne wrote...

Athens is a good first tri. It was my first effort. There was something comforting about knowing it was "just" Athens (!)--sort of like our back yard.

I don't know how much you've read or what your background is--strengths, weaknesses. Like Kami, my biggest concerns were not getting disqualified for something stupid.

(1) Helmet....don't forget the helmet! :) Before you even touch your bike after the swim, put on your helmet, and keep it on until your bike is racked during T2.

(2) A race belt is a good investment. I put it on during T1, wear it backwards during the ride, then I just have to turn it to the front during the run. You can order that (and just about anything else) online at Trisports.com or all3sports.com.

(3) Don't litter on the bike portion. Some people eat gels, but don't toss the empty packet or you could get a penalty. if necessary, just tuck it under the leg of your shorts until you get to T2. On the run, only toss trash in the designated areas (drink stations). (Good advice: drink and hydrate well on the bike. Practice and see if you need an energy source to make it the estimated 1:30--2 hours. I do because I'm slow, so I have an energy drink or a gel on the bike.)

(4) Know the drafting rules: 2 bike lengths minimum between riders. Ride to the right unless you plan to pass a rider, and then you have 15 seconds to pass. when your front wheel advances past the front wheel of the rider you're passing, they must drop back two bike lengths. (If you are the one being passed, just pull up a second or two and the distance issue will take care of itself.) Don't cross the center line--shouldn't be an issue on the Athens course as you get to ride the shoulder for most of the race.

(5) Don't impede anyone in the transition area. That means racking your bike in the proper place and not leaving your stuff outside your area (usually a towel spread out beside your bike on the ground with your shoes, etc., laid out.)

(6) Don't accept assistance from anyone not designated as a race official or volunteer. (This shouldn't be a problem.)

Some things that might help your nerves: get a buddy (or two, or three!) to swim with, all in the same lane! Get used to people swimming up your...um, back, or swimming on someone else's heels. I'm a decent swimmer, but that first swim was an experience to say the least. It's SO different swimming alone in a calm pool land versus swimming in a virtual washing machine. Otherwise, I think the rest of it won't be much different than practice (certainly not frightening). ironically--for me, since running is my worst event--running is the "funnest" part because it has the least restrictions. Want to run with a buddy? No problem! Everyone is always so nice and supportive. Total strangers will say "Good job!" and you marvel at the sheer diversity of people doing the race (you can finally see them without goggles or bike helmets!). (But be prepared for Robbins Rd. hill on the run back!)
 

Kami wrote:

Athens 2007 was my first triathlon. I think it's a great first triathlon. A couple of us newcomers were able to go over to the Athens Y with an experienced triathlete a couple of weeks before the race and swim, ride the bike course, (we opted out of the run) and get a walk-through to learn details about which I was clueless, like the mount and dismount line on the bike and the importance of not forgetting to put on your helmet. I learned things like you can get penalties or get disqualified for things. I had borrowed my running buddy's road bike in January and learned to ride. I used her bike until September & raced with it every month. Sounds to me like you have everything, if you also have goggles and a swim cap. You might need a race belt, too. A tri-suit is good. I got mine at D&J's in Dallas.

 

Bonny wrote:

I am new as well to triathlons! I'll just add to Kami and Kahne's suggestions...they didn't mention it, so I hope I'm not the only person like this, but make sure at your first event to step back from transition, and REALLY understand where your bike is from the entrance areas from the pool and road. This is something you will not think of as you are practicing transitions at home - since there will not be rows and rows of bikes. My very first tri I wasted time looping around the transition area trying to remember where my rack was. (I won't be a good source of what to do, but I can give a lot on what NOT to do.)