Triathlon - I just registered for my first triathlon!

I posted this in the women's forum, but thought it might reach a wider audience here.

So...
I have ALWAYS wanted to do a triathlon, but have hesitated because I have some problems running (knee pain), and, though I have a swimming background, I'm uneasy about open-water swimming. But last week I saw an ad for the Zootown Triathlon (http://zootowntri.com/), and decided to do it. It's sprint distance, and the swim is in a pool (500m swim, 12.4mi bike, 3.3mi run).
It's on Aug 29th, so I don't have too long to train. I figure with the commuting and other riding (some road rides (which I'll try to do more often), and maybe some mtb-ing* soon), I'll be fine on the biking. Today I swam for the first time in about 2 years...I was a competitive distance swimmer in high school and swam a bit on my own in college... I did 1200m today, which certainly is not bad (in college I did about 2500 yards a couple times a week), but damn my triceps are killing me now! Also, the registration form asked for an estimated time for 500m, and now I'm kinda freaking out that I put a time that's way too fast. I put 8 minutes. So that's 1:30/100m plus 30 seconds... I'm guessing I can get close to after a month of training, though maybe I should be going for a more conservative time considering I'll have to bike and run after it. I probably should have gone with 9 or 10 to be safe. How closely do race organizers watch these estimated times? Will they expect me to make at least 8 minutes? and put me in a heat with people who put faster times? As for running, I should start doing a bit of that. Though I am a little concerned about my knees, I'm not too worried about it. My goal for the whole race is to finish not-last.
So I'm going to try to do something everyday, be it swim or bike or run, and at some point try to fit two into one workout session. I'm not following any prescribed plan, just trying to get comfortable enough with all three sports that I know I can finish solidly. Sound good?

So...got any tips? I'm most worried about the transitions (that they'll be awkward cus I don't know what they're like) and about equipment (I have the basics (swim suit/goggles/cap, road bike/bike shorts/shoes, running shoes), but is there anything else I need? what's up with these tri suits and tri shorts and tri-specific everything?? are they more comfortable? do they make transitions easier?).

...that's all I have for now...

*I think I'm gonna get a 29er soon!

I really don't think anybody cares about the times, usually waves go by age anyway.

In training you might want to add a rest day depending on the intensity of the workout, but seeing as it is just completion not speed, a workout a day should be fine.

as for transitions: PRACTICE YOUR TRANSITIONS!!!!!!! you definitely want at least one run through before the race. The trisuits do make a difference in transitions. you DO NOT want to pull anything over your wet body before the bike.(I learned that the hard way) The advantage of tri shorts is that they have a small chamois so they pad on the bike, but small enough so they do not interfere on the swim or run. You might want to consider buying tri shorts and putting them on before the swim and wearing a one piece swimsuit for the whole race. that pretty much equals a trisuit.

Other equipment that you need is definitely a helmet(probably were thinking that though) and sunglasses for the bike and run (bike definitely-wind and pebbles, run optional) You might also consider speed laces for your running shoes, they are just elastic laces so you can slip your feet in.
Also bring a towel, not to dry off but to dry your feet before putting on bike shoes. If you are running with socks, roll them up so you are not pulling them on your feet.

That's about it. Good luck!

Go have fun!

Heck..I spent a combined 9 minutes in transition during my first. I was racked at the edge of the transition area so my family was few feet from me... "Ohh look up so we can take a pic!" "Daddy, are you tired?" "Daddy, can I have some of your water?"

PS.... Bring multiple towels......DRY your feet off and PUT SOCKS ON!

Transition 1:

1. Remove goggles/cap on the way to your bike.
2. Put on helmet.
3. Put on shoes.
4. Run bike to mount line and go!

Transition 2:
1. Run bike to your rack.
2. Remove bike shoes.
3. Remove helmet.
4. Put on socks.
5. Put on shoes (either pre-tied, or using quick shoelaces like Yankz)
6. Grab your hat, race belt (if you have one) and go!

Transitions should be very simple, both to save time and to save logistical headaches :)

Tri-shorts are shorts meant to be worn for all three disciplines. They're a cross between swim jammers (for men) and bike shorts. They go most of the way down your leg and have a small chamois pad that adds comfort during the bike, but doesn't get in the way on the run (like a traditional bike short chamois would).

Other than tri-shorts, you don't really need much of the tri-specific stuff that's out there. Just nail your swim (you will be fine with an 8' estimated time even if you swim 11'), stay safe on the bike and have fun on the run!

Regarding your training, it sounds like you have a good plan. Do try to do at least one combination bike/run workout (called a "brick" workout). The sensation of running after cycling is unusual, and you should practice it so you are prepared for race day.

To avoid injury to your knees on the run, remember to keep a high cadence while you run (at least 90 left foot strikes per minute), which helps to minimize the downward force of each foot strike.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the tips guys!
Hopefully I can find a pair of tri shorts at a shop around here (damn is it hard to find some things in Montana sometimes!).
I'm excited!