I'm not sure I have a lot of specific advice - other than have fun. One difference you will have is the swim being in the sea (Christchurch had a pool swim). Becasue there could be 80 or more swim waves, unless you are in the first wave and very quick or in the last wave and quite slow nobody is really going to know how you are going once you get on the bike.

One thing I would suggest is take a flag or a helium balloon or something to help you find your spot in transition (because if there are as many entrants as last year in Auckland there will be over 4500 bikes there). I didn't do this but was lucky enough to get a spot right next to somebody who had marked their transition with a bright yellow balloon.

I've entered the Special K but my little brother has gone and got himself engaged and his wedding might be in Auckland that weekend - after living together for more than five years they have decided to take the plunge and they want to do it this summer.