and you couldn't come to our pre-race prep meeting (or you want a reminder of what we talked about), here ya go:
So the day before the race, drink a lot of water. Not ridiculous, but clear to faint-yellow wee wee is a good thing. If you've read about "carb loading", don't worry about it. That's for longer races than this. Do what you would normally do on a Saturday night, unless your normal routine is Edward 40 hands and copious amounts of drugs.
All kidding aside, you don't want to be late to the race on Sunday morning. It starts at 8 am, by the way. 6:30-7 is the perfect time to be there. If you can pick up your packet (get your race numbers and timing chip) on Fri or Sat before the race, you'll save a little time on the morning of. Don't eat a Cracker Barrel buffet in the morning before the race, but do eat a little something. Oatmeal/banana(s)/cereal are pretty common. Maybe a little less than you normally eat for breakfast. I'd bring a water bottle to have on the bike (if you have a bottle holder on your bike, if not it's not a huge deal) and one to have just to sip from before the race starts.
In terms of what to wear, it's a little different for guys and girls. I wore compression shorts from WalMart during the Trideltathon two years ago, and those were great. I've seen girls wear one piece swimsuits during an entire race. There really aren't any "dress code" rules, but you should probably refrain from getting nakey in transition. If you can, wear some form-fitting clothes during the swim. You'll save some energy by not being dragged down by normal swimtrunks/floaties. Remember that bike seats can hurt your butt if you have to sit on them for too long, but that shouldn't be a problem in this race.
Ok, so you're getting your personal transition area set up. Your transition area is just the place where you go to after each event is done. Everything you need to bike and run is there. Don't forget goggles, swimcap (if you need it), bike (with pumped up tires; if you don't have a pump, there will be people with them you can ask nicely to borrow), bike helment is MANDATORY, bike shoes (if you have them, if not it's not a big deal), running shoes...there are some other accessories that can be helpful, but this stuff is essential.
So imagine you're about to jump in the pool to start your race. You will be nervous, and I'd say unless you feel like a pro at swimming, start swimming slower than you think you should. You will have so much adrenaline for the first minute, and if you swim too hard at first the last few minutes will not be enjoyable. When you're done swimming, if you want, take your time getting out on your bike. Put socks on, shoes, helment, drink a little water if you want. This is a race, but you are supposed to enjoy it. So eventually you'll be out on the bike. Always remember that you have to run after you stop biking. There is a big hill or two on the bike couse, so pace yourself. When you're about finished with the bike, you'll experience a feeling unique to triathlons. When you put your bike up and start running, I'm not gonna lie, your legs will feel like concrete blocks. Don't be discouraged; everyone feels like this, and the feeling goes away after a few minutes of running. If y they have water stops along the way, definitely drink some water or gatorade. Eventually, you'll make your way all the way to the finish line and realize that triathlons aren't for freaks or physical specimens. You will see more older moms and dads than you will people that look like professional athletes. You'll meet some encouraging people, both spectators and racers, along the way. Hopefully by the end you'll think as much of this sport as we all do.
