Congratulations for jumping right in! It depends if your wearing a wet suit or not. I typically where a one piece tri suit... You can get them pretty cheap online... And either wear that under the wetsuit so after the swim your ready to go (it's got a thin pad like bike shorts but won't get full of water if you were to wear the bike shorts them self in the water). Then from the bike to the run you use dot have to change a all. Black is a bit more flattering and can be bought online or some rei stores if you have one by you.

Good luck and let us know how you do!

I say don´t worry about how you look and wear whatever you feel is more comfortable. You will be amazed at the variety of people competing at the event. People come in all different shapes and sizes and triathlon is no different. Believe me, not everyone out there is going to look like a pro. Get comfortable clothes, if you opt for a trisuit, you will find that most people out there are wearing one. No one sticks out like a sore thumb.

As for transitions, remember this is your first event. Practice the transitions, but do not worry too much about them. Is just changing clothes, who cares if you take 1 minute or 10 to go through them. Enjoy your first time out!

Just my two cents..

Yeah I agree with above comments. Don't worry about looks. One thing I noticed when I started training is that no one really cares how you look. That's what I like about the Tri community.
To get a better idea of what's going on in transition area why don't you visit some triathlon and watch what people do and what they wear and so on. There are lots of different races before September and I'm sure you can find one to spectate.
Another good tip is to race in whatever you were training in. You don't want your brand new shorts or jersey to rub you the wrong way.
I usually race in shorts and Tri or bike jersey for long distance.
You have time so try different options.

Welcome to trifuel!

Another thought...depending on the length of the bike leg and the saddle you have on your bike. I have seen people;
1) swim in a "jammer" and then slip on a pair of bike shorts over the jammer in the transition area. Then once they are back in transition from bike to run, slip off the bike shorts (keep jammers on!..nudity is a disqualification) and slip on some running shorts over the top of the jammers. The jammers end up feeling like a a pair of compression shorts on the run.
2) If you have a shorter ride and a decent saddle you can actually following #1 above, except slip on the running shorts after the swim and ride and run in those...again, make sure your saddle is comfortable enough for "no pad".
3) Tri suit throughout and realize you are a "triathlete" and deserving of the tri-suit!!

Good luck and welcome to the community!

Keep in mind small, local sprint tri's rarely have a changing tent, and as stated above, nudity is a disqualification. If you don't want to invest in a pair of tri shorts/suit, you'd be wise to make sure your change of clothes doesn't require stripping down. Unless you like the idea of changing in a porta potty.

I wore a pair of tri shorts and a tight fighting tech shirt for my first tri. It wasn't as ideal as a tri-specific top, but it got me through my first race without any mishaps.

If you do invest in a pair of tri shorts or suit, just make sure you train a few times wearing them, so you know where to apply body glide :)

Good luck in your race!

I like Tri-Monty's suggestion of just swimming in a pair of jammers and then slipping your bike shorts and run shorts on top. I did this at a half ironman and it worked fine.

Personally, I would recommend staying away from a trisuit. It's much easier to find sizing that works for you by just getting a pair of tri shorts at this point. Some people love the idea of a single trisuit. I just find it unnecessary, and it provides less flexibility (not to mention access). But that's just me.

Thanks for joining, posting, and good luck on your first race. It's great to see new folks here.

Welcome! When I did my first sprint I practiced the transitions by doing a mock tri the week before. If your distances aren't too long you can comfortably do them no problem. It will also build your confidence. I did the whole thing...laid out my gear on a towel not far from the beach. It was fun even though I wasn't exactly as efficient as I am now 8) Good luck and hope it goes well.

The only thing I would add to all the good advice above is that I have always found it very difficult to pull a top over my wet torso under the best of circumstances, much less when I'm catching my breath from a swim, pulling socks and shoes on, and scrambling to get onto my bike. The first few times I tried it I wound up wasting inordinate amounts of time and biking with my shirt scrunched and bunched and uncomfortable until I could finally wrangle it in to place. Now I only race in a tri singlet or tri shorts and top, never having to pull something on besides socks (optional for shorter distances like sprint or oly), shoes and helmet. Wet suit is an interesting question: they can be rented if cost is an issue, but you definitely need to swim a few times in one b/c the feeling of constriction takes getting used to for a lot of people. Over a sprint distance swim any gain in efficiency will almost assuredly be lost in getting out of the suit, so as long as the water temp is tolerable it's probably a toss up. And finally, you cannot practice transitions too many times! Even if you just set your gear up on your lawn and hose yourself down as practice you will find much greater piece of mind on race day knowing your routine. Remember on race day to slow down, take a few breaths, and enjoy what you're doing. You will be among many doing their first race so have fun and good luck!

Thnks a lot tarheels2 and wannakona, Same thing for me here, I'm planning to join an event this coming September. What kind of pants do I need if my height is 5'9 and aI'm a bit chubby too. I know it doesn't really matter how you look and it's just our performance that matters. I just need a starting up suggestion. :-)

a_small_coyote:
I think you've got a plan that's close, here are just a few add'l things to consider:

You Wrote: Swim - Just wearing jammers, I've heard a swim cap is required but they are provided already? I don't know if I should buy one to bring just incase or if it matters. Goggles of course.
{No need to get a swim cap. It is required, but you will receive one in your race packet.}

You Wrote: Bike - After I get out of the pool, towel off excess water? Throw on my bike shorts over top of my jammers, the fact that my jammers are wet shouldn't cause too much trouble chaffing? Or should something like vaseline or pro glide be applied to thighs before putting jammers on pre race? Then after bike shorts are on, dry off feet, throw on good socks, running shoes (dont have bike shoes anyway), dry wicking type shirt, and a helmet. Ride.
{A little body glide on the thighs before the race wouldn't be a bad idea}

You Wrote: Run - hop off bike, remove helmet, run. I can find out long before the race if I can run in bike shorts over top of jammers, or if I should run in jammers by themselves.
{I would definitely take off the bike shorts before running unless you like the feeling of running in a diaper. Depending on your modesty, you can either just run in the jammers, or slip a pair of running shorts over the jammers... It'll just look like you're wearing compression shorts under your run shorts}

Have fun!

Coyote,

First of all, welcome aboard. I completed my first sprint TRI fours years ago and I've loved it ever since. You have some very good and valid questions so I will try my best to help.
Equipment: Swim: If you are preparing for a Sprint TRI don't run out and a ton of money. You can use your swim trunks for the bike and run. I still do. When you get to T1 pull of the wet suit, put on your shoes, bike helmet, and glasses. Dont worry about arm warmers and gloves.
Bike: I've seen everykind of bike on a TRI. Inexpenisive bikes from Granny's garage to Suave Cervelo's costing as much as a car.

I've been a rather fluffy person myself and felt a bit intimidated that i wasn't one of the "beautiful people" but I learned very quickly the magazines and sport channels rarely show the "real people". The fact is you will see everything imaginable at a TRI; young, old, tall, short, skinny, not so skinny, etc.

There are several really good training tips and tools on You Tube. I've really learned alot from them. Also you may consider finding a TRI group in your area. It could be a private club or even at a local gym.

On race day, Have Fun, Smile and enjoy the moment. If you have a question ask anyone around you. The great thing about the TRI family is we love to help one another. Do worry about time, dont worry about placing. Just finish and think of it as a great work out with several hundred like minded people who you've never met.

Rob