Triathlon - Biathlon Newbie

Alright so here's the deal, complete newbie at doing any type of race/event but have been running, biking, and swimming religiously. My swimming isn't up to par as it was back in highschool but I'm sure with a bit of pool time I can get up to par. My running and biking is another story, i've been at it for about 2 years now and can run a good 4M at a decent pace. 745-830/mile so i think i'm ok in terms of running. the biathlon is 2M run, 12M bike, 2M run.

My question is, what should I be doing to prepare for this? Am I taking it too seriously? I'm not trying to compete and place, I honestly just want to finish it. I'm not worried about the 2M run - 12M bike, the last leg of it I'm a bit worried about. Is there anything I should be doing? Is it more of a "just finish it at your own pace" mentality at that point? Again, I've never ran or biked a race, let alone done any of those types of events so I would appreciate any and all pointers regarding what to expect and how mentally strong you have to be to finish one.

Thanks in advance

Hmm. Well, first you need skis and a gun...

Actually I snowboard and own a bow and arrow, would that suffice?

:roflmao2: Well, it would certainly make for high entertainment.

Sorry about the wisecrack reply--couldn't resist. Can't answer your actual question...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biathlon

can someone at least say the word duathlon so s/he won't be so confused?

Hmm. Well, first you need skis and a gun...

You beat me to it...you ba$tard!!!!

OK...so we all know that he was referring to Dualthon but still...

So yeah, just regarding doing your first Duathlon, just get out there and do it. Don't be concerned with your time, just do what you think you can do, and set a benchmark for yourself. On my first Du, I cramped up and ended up walking half of the last run ;) .

Also, I think the best part about my first Duathlon was just meeting all the people, and getting to know them. Most people at the events are really friendly, and if you're going be doing more, its probably going be the same field of people for that area at every race. So its always nice to get to know them, set up some communications, and just talk in general.

Just get out there, have some fun, meet some people, and set a personal time. Then compete against yourself, and then in time against others.

And just regarding general workouts, one thing that has helped me out a lot in training was brick workouts. A brick workout is just a med/long bike followed by a moderate distance run. Gets your body used to the transitions and stuff.... can't forget the stuff.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Sounds like you have a good background to start.

Enjoy your first race!
~Plew

Thanks all, yea duathlon, sorry I was just going by the terminology on the triathlon site (it said biathlon, really it did). I think my only concern really is the bike to run end transition. I have a few more weeks to train for it so I'll probably just concentrate on handling the transitions between each.

As for clothes, simple running gear should suffice?