[1Topodope]

<p>Hi Kicksters!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>After months and months of questions (thank you) I finally put on my big girl pants and registered for my first sprint triathlon.  It's this Sunday <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad5.gif" style="width:17px;height:16px;" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think I am more nervous for this than I was for my first 50-miler!  Any last-minute advice or pearls of wisdom for a newbie?</p>

 

[slow_n_steady]

<p>Just relax and enjoy your day!</p>

 

[Stitcher]

<p>Have fun!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Remember, too, that even though each of the disciplines is considered a sprint ....</p>
<p>The entire race is likely still anywhere from 90-120 minutes of effort (depending on your fitness and ability level), so plan accordingly.</p>
<p> </p>

 

[niemsco]

<p>Focus on yourself and not everyone around you.  You'll see a lot of things, fancy bikes, tough looking wannabees, etc., forget it.  You focus on swim then ride then run, each on its own terms, then you'll have a goot time.  </p>

 

[4boysmom]

<p>Have fun!</p>

 

[melistic]

<p>eat something breathe deep and sleep really really well Friday night</p>
<p> </p>
<p>IDK how prepared you are so forgive me... Did you practice transitions? You're bucket list?  I know this comes in very handy. </p>

 

[mrscoby78]

<p>Enjoy the atmosphere, but don't get sucked into it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Focus on you.  Relax.  Don't panic.  Just be.</p>

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

<p>Chances are you won't make the Olympic team. So put your time out of your mind and have fun.</p>

 

[theia]

<p>Relax.</p>
<p>Smile.</p>
<p>Have fun.</p>
<p>Give yourself lots of extra time to set up before the race starts.</p>
<p>Enjoy every minute!</p>
<p>Soak in the atmosphere.</p>
<p>Don't be afraid to tell people (before the race) that it's your first one.   You'll find that most triathletes are very welcoming and inclusive.</p>
<p>If you're nervous about the swim, start out toward the side or near the back in your wave to avoid most of the thrashing.</p>
<p>Smile again.</p>
<p>Write or download a list of everything you'll need, and triple check your race bag the night before.</p>
<p>Don't be a slave to your watch.  Just have fun out there.  NEXT one can be a PR attempt.  </p>
<p>Smile some more.</p>
<p>Have fun and SMILE as you cross that finish line! </p>

 

[ericd256]

<p>HAVE FUN!!!!!!</p>

 

[Dougie Fresh]

<p>Relax. Rotate. Breathe.</p>

 

[Tri-Tammy]

<p>You only get to have your first Tri, once.  So just have fun and enjoy your day. </p>
<p> </p>

 

[ksurp]

<p>Have Fun! (and what everyone else said)</p>
<p>Be prepared to get hooked.</p>

 

[Thor]

<p>The general theme found here is, really, what it's all about: Have fun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have fun, you will be back. So whatever you do, don't put so much pressure on yourself to be anything other than who you are. Sure, you will try hard. But you don't have to qualify yourself as a success or failure by labeling or lopping on your shoulders time goals or anything like that. Get out there and have fun. I won't wish you luck because, well, you're going to have fun, so you don't need luck or good vibes. Fun pushes that out of the way for you. Can't lose.</p>

 

[1Topodope]

<p>Thanks guys!  Have fun, smile, relax....have fun, smile, relax.... <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/shock.gif" style="width:15px;height:15px;" title=""></p>

 

[mrscoby78]

<p>Totally!!!<br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ksurp</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69164/my-first-tri-last-minute-advice#post_1928015"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p>Be prepared to get hooked.</p>
</div>
</div>
<br><br>

 

[theia]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>ksurp</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69164/my-first-tri-last-minute-advice#post_1928015"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><p> </p>
<p>Be prepared to get hooked.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Dude.<br>
 </p>

 

[1Topodope]

<p>I did it... I did it  <img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wav.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My first triathlon was more fun than I could have imagined.  The swim was the hardest part for me.  Considering it was my first open water swim and first mass start - not too bad.  I kept repeating, "Have fun, relax, smile..."!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You all were right...I am hooked!  I have already picked my next triathlon.  It's in September.  I wanted to give myself some time to work on a few things - swim efficiency, transitions, etc. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Will I need a wet suit in the midwest in mid-September?  Oh jeez...<img alt="" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/rolleyes.gif" title=""></p>
<p> </p>

 

[MBannon]

<p>Yay!!!  Congratulations, triathlete!  Now write that race report (with phots and breakfast report)!</p>

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

<p><br>
It is for most of us. You'll soon observe that most triathletes "survive" the swim so they can relax on their bike and then suffer through the run that they know they can finish. It's all good!  Congrats on popping the cherry!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>1Topodope</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/69164/my-first-tri-last-minute-advice#post_1930655"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>The swim was the hardest part for me.</p>
</div>
</div>