Equipment for first triathlon

Followup to last message.
I had recieved the June 2005 issue of "Experience Life" and it has a
very nice article on preapring for a Triathlon and dealing with T1 and
T2 (transitions).

The actual articles are not available online, but some of the issue is
http://www.lifetimefitness.com/magazine/index.cfm?
strWebAction=editors_letter

Watch the line wrap above, not sure ofthe newstand price, but propbably
worth it for the tips prior to your first race.

Steph <[email hidden]_CUT> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

"delfi4" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Hi, I'm planning to do my first (mini-)triathlon this july and need
some advice regarding equipment.
I only have a MTB. Can I run the race (20km bike) with it? I'm
planning to change the tyres for some with no profiles (better for
the road). What else do I need? Wetsuit? When to change clothes and
what to wear? Thanks

There is a triathlon newsgroup where you might find better answers.
I did my first Tri in 1986. My most recent was way back in 1992; I am
hoping to get in the game again as soon as my schedule permits, I have
been training (well bike and swim at least).

Anyway, are you thinking you are going to enter your first-ever
triathlon and win the overall or age group? Probably not, so go with
the bike you usually ride and don't worry about the transitions. You
are out to finish and drive home without keeling over; a nap after
getting home is okay <g>.

What type of swim, open-water, lake, pool? Bear in mind when I used
to compete wetsuits were unheard of, while now they are the norm. I am
somewhat of a purist and figure if I could do a 1/2 mile in 56-degree
water back in 1988 then I don't need a wetsuit for any races this
summer.

Normally the swim is first (some sprint have the swim last), and you
will usually have a bit of a run to and from the water entry and exit
points, so plan accordingly.

I found having a small bucket of water, or a squirt bottle to spray my
feet off with was handy. Also practice your clothes layering and
riding with whatever layers you will have.

I would swim in a suit, then optionally add either running shorts or
biking shorts. Use biking shoes if you have them or at least pedal
straps.

Have fun and race to beat your own clock; remember there are those
behind you and the hundreds that didn't even start the race.