You're back!!!! Good to see you around, and congrats on signing up for your first tri!!! Sounds like you're going to do a FANTASTIC job- you've got it in the bag. The first one is just about going through the motions, figuring out the ins and outs of racing, and HAVING FUN, IMO. You're gonna do great!!!
Everytime I swim in cold water my first reaction is to gasp a few times, but if you can warm up a little in the water first, then that'll be taken away. If you can't warm up, then when you get started just do breast for a little way and you'll quickly warm up and can jump into free.

Woo hoo- so excited for you!!!