First Duathlon - Lighter than Air

[NJWheelBuilder]

Hi there!
I'm doing my first duathlon in about 2 weeks. It's the "Lighter Than Air" in Lakehurst, NJ. I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips that will keep me from making too many beginner mistakes.
Thanks.

[Jaybird]

I would just say, "Have a good time...enjoy yourself."

[jrennie]

after the first run, take a couple extra seconds to open your shoes up(loosen the laces and pull the tounge) to make it easier to put them back on the second time

[rplong]

Don't blow yourself out on the first run. In the 3 Du's I have done this year, I finished the first run WAY back in around 20-30th place. I usually finish the bike near the front of the pack. Sure you can run 5:50 - 6:20 miles for the first part, and maybe 2:30 - 2:45 miles on the bike, but it is what you can do on the second run that gets you to the finish line ahead. And like Jaybird said, just have fun.

What makes this Lighter than Air BTW? There some elevation in NJ?

[NJWheelBuilder]

What makes this Lighter than Air BTW? There some elevation in NJ?

It takes place on the Lakehurst Naval Air Station grounds. In the 1930's, this was a landing point for airships. It's the location of the Hindenburg disaster. More Info, click here. (http://www.lakehurst.navy.mil/nlweb/chronology.asp)

Contrary to popular belief, NJ is not all flat. The NW part of the state is quite mountainous.
Thanks for your advice.

[NJWheelBuilder]

I did well in the event. I ended up with a 1:45. The odd thing is I did much better in the 2 runs than I would have guessed. I had some serious lower leg cramps on the bike. Anyone know how to avoid that?

[Triguy]

Check you pedal stroke. Are your toes pointed down? I got a cramp in my first duathlon, lowered my seat after and concentrated on being more flat footed in my pedaling and didn't get close to another cramp troughout the year.