Cyclocross - Training for races

I am extremely competitive and need to set some cycling goals for myself. I want to continue to push myself, and I think cyclocross is something I want to try, and I know it will be a huge challenge. What kind of things should I do to get myself ready for my very first race? Is this something I should even be contemplating?

Number 1: Practice skills. Mounts and dismounts are everything, and races are won and lost in transitions.

Number 2: Short-recovery intervals with high-HR time trials. You won't get much opportunity to recover, so you have to train your body to recover where it can. A typical routine of mine is twelve two minute intervals at 90-95% maxHR, each followed by 45 seconds recovery, with two 10 km time trials @ 85% maxHR mixed in... often, but not always, like this: [6 intervals, time trial, 6 intervals, time trial].

Number 3: Run. There's a lot of running in this sport.

Well like any other sport, people will tell you what is absolutely the best/ most important thing for training.
Here are a couple links for you to research so you can decide for yourself:
Napa Valley CX-beginners tips (http://members.aol.com/napavelo/cross.htm)
Cyclocrossworld.com-pics and pro racing (http://members.aol.com/napavelo/cross.htm)
cyclingnews.com-intro to cross (http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross/?id=faq)

If you don't have a cross bike, you can go try with your mountain bike. Best way to learn is to watch so checking out some races in your area might be a good idea.

Thanks for the info.:beer: