Tips for new triathletes

Couple of days ago, someone asked for a couple of tips that a new triathlete should keep in mind during his/her fist race. I provided my insight and compiled a list for this user; but after re-reading my tips, I believe these are probably useful for more people. So without further ado, here they are:

- Stay away from the crowd during the swim, specially the start, if you don't want to lose your goggles, get hit, push, drowned. Give the big group a 15 second lead and then take the plunge.
- Stay on your right during the bike. Look back to check for other riders if you are going to venture into the left lane to make a pass.
- On the run portion, just go at the pace you have trained for and are comfortable with. Do not try to keep up with faster people, you will burn yourself out. Once you get to the 2.75 mile mark of the run, let everything you got left go...sprint to the finish (for what is worth, it feels great).
- Transition, keep your area tidy. Do not let your equipment spill over other competitors area...it is just common curtesy. Even if the others don't follow suit, you will just feel good for doing the right thing.
- Do not leave your gel/bars/candy wrappers and bottles on the track, take them back with you to the next trash can or transition area; dispose accordingly.
I guess that is a lot a tips for the first race. Ahhh just one more.... ENJOY YOURSELF, have fun, smile for the pictures, wave back to spectators if they are waving at you, high five the kids kids next to the track (usually they are looking for a high five).

Here is the link to the original threat in the forum I originally commented with these tips.