My first tri was Jordanelle sprint distance 800m swim/10k bike/5k run. I left my house (45 min away) 2 hours before the race started. There was a lane closure up the canyon, it took me 1 hour to travel about 10 miles. I was almost 10 minutes late. I was so nervous on the shuttle bus, I didn't know if I would still be able to race. I got to transition, put on my suit and sprinted to the lake, it was about .25 miles away (it's called "the trail of tears"). I ended up starting with the olympic distance people. My heartrate was 20 bpm above my normal range for the entire race. I finished, exhausted. In spite of all the hassles, I had a blast. Things I learned..

1. practice transition
2. don't be late
3. pack a t-shirt to wear after the race. It was so hot and sunny, I didn't stay for the stuff after because all I had were my tri clothes.
4. I wish I had my family there, I didn't want my DH and babies to wait all morning with me before the race. But I really missed not having them there to cheer me across the finish line.

Jen