Hey Bastardo. Welcome to multisport - you won't regret it other than it becomes REALLY addictive! Some key learning points from my experience (Not that it's much): 1) Nutrition is VITAL - your body does a lot of work and different work. It's totally different from just cycling, running or swimming. Remember that you don't take on anything during the swim, so I suggest getting some energy in in juice form prior to start. Especially when getting into anything close to olympic distance (1500m). This is not for the swim, but more for the first part of the bike. 2) Remember that the bike is the longest part of any tri. So don't neglect that. Most of your time will be lost or gained here. 3) Most people struggle with the swim to start with and put most if not all their focus into it. This is a mistake. Swim regularly and start stringing together the laps. Over time your swimming confidence and ability will improve. This doesn't happen over night. Get out and do some open water swims as these are vastly different to pool swimming. Try get out even in some not so nice weather as race day isn't always perfect. Especially get out when a bit windy to help you get used to swimming with some choppy water. There is a place out near the cradle where you can do this http://www.lake-heritage.co.za/ Take the bike and running togs with and do your own tri 4) Practice transition. Work out what you need and in what order. Prepare before the race so you know what to expect on race day. There are a ton of youtube videos that will help you fill in the stuff you probably haven't thought about yet. 5) Don't stress about transitions. You will get better and quicker at them the more events you do. I try to focus on getting my heart rate down between the swim and the bike. All the "chaos" of transition can push the HR up quite a bit. 6) Run off the bike, a lot... and then do it some more. Your legs are not used to this change so prepare them. Remember that on race day you work at least 10% harder than training so do some HARD runs off the bike too. 7) Wetsuits are needed for cold swims, anything below 18 degrees is wetsuit legal and it's generally necessary (Can't participate without one) under 14 degrees. I can handle anything to around 16 degrees, but the suit is definitely worth it. Wait till you need it though if cash is tight. 8) Do NOT feel like you need to get a TT bike, yet. A decent road bike is sufficient until you want to start really pushing your limits and maybe competing. I hope this helps a bit. Shout if you have any specific questions or want to get together for some training sessions. I live in Hyde park. Scrumpy out
