Denise,
Go get the new issue of bicycling magazine. There is an article in there on starting triathlon. Also Her Sports Magazine should have an article on line about beginning triathlon.

Quick tip: practice the transition and walk the transition area before the race, count bike racks and steps to find your bike. Navigate your exit from the transition area on the run.

Wash your feet before putting on running shoes. Wear socks unless you are a contending champion; blisters not worth it.

race belts are great but you can just use a piece of elastic and safety pins too.

Don't be afraid to bike in a swim suit for a sprint tri; people are not looking at your body. you don't need a big pad in a sprint tri.

Don't go too hard the first 50m of the swim and get anaerobic. Stay aerobic the whole swim. If you panic, Breastroke!