I’ve just signed up for my first triathlon - help!

[BaronessOrczy]

What on earth possessed me?! Am I going to be outrun, outswum and told to get off the course for being too slow? Will other people laugh at me?

it’s a sprint triathlon in 8 weeks time.

I’m fairly fit (can run 10k, Swim a mile and yesterday cycled 35k) but have I bitten off more than I should have? I’m not fast, I’m a plodder. The red wine took hold of me and before I knew it I’d booked!

Any hints or tips on what I need to know to not make a fool of myself very gratefully received.

Well done, you will grand. I'd love to do a triathlon but I'm 55 fat and unfit!

Practice transition.

So when I get out the pool I take hat and goggles off as I'm running to transition. chuck them on the floor by bike

Rub towel over my head and face and then stand on it.

My socks are ready inside my trainers or bike shoes. with talc inside them. Socks on. Shoes on. Get some tri laces.

If it's cold I'll put t shirt over top of tri suit. May make you feel less conscious.

You will dry very quick

Race belt on

Helmet on ( don't touch bike until you have helmet on) glasses on.

Gloves on if you wear them

Grab bike and do that funny waddle ( cycling shoes) to the mount line.

Drink will be ready on your bike. If you need some gels etc have them either at transition or first mile on your bike.

Ride

Back into transition. Remember where to put bike. Hook bike. Take helmet off. Swap shoes. Cap on? Turn race belt round.

Go for it.

You'll be fine, you really will. With a pool based tri they send the fast people off first so you don't overlap on any of the parts.
When I did my first tri I was riding a hybrid bike, had only just got up to swimming 400m, and it was great fun

With a pool based tri they send the fast people off first so you don't overlap on any of the parts

The one I did had multiple heats/waves with the slowest swimmers starting first. It meant I was the last to finish as I was in the fastest heat but my running is rubbish. I actually finished top third timewise.

Thanks so much for all your advice and pointers - I’m thrilled to say I DID IT!!

1hr 49. Delighted - was hoping for under 2 but never thought I’d be that far ahead.

I have a feeling I have a new and expensive hobby…!

Amazing well done 👏

Well done on your performance and time @BaronessOrczy.

Congratulations! You are a triathlete!!

Well done. How amazing you are!

What exactly were the distances you swam-cycled-ran, OP?