Is this your first Triathlon?
I'm thrilled your considering this triathlon. You'll probably become addicted. Don't be intimated by the distances. Most short or sprint triathlons are 500 yard swims, 12 to 17 miles of biking and finish with a 3.1 mile run. I know it sounds like a lot! A triathlon is not something to attempt without preparation and training, however you don't need to be a world class athlete for this race. You can either train and compete in this triathlon on your own or you can get together with two others and race as a team with each one competing in one leg of the event! That way you can just train in your specialty and still compete. Check out the "Looking for a Team" button under the entry fees link.
The highest percantage of competitors usually consist of those who only race 1 or 3 times a year with the remaining competitors being first timers or "newbies". Some folks I've spoken to have been concerned about the level of competition they will encounter in this race. There will be some very competitve athletes and they'll comprise a small percentage of the total competitors.
The good news is that you are only competing against those in your gender, in your age group. And since this is a time trail start each competitor will start about 5 seconds apart in the lake swim. You won't be dunked or trampled at the beginning of the swim as could happen in a "mass" start. In the pool swim there will be 3 to possible 4 people per lane swimming in a counter clockwise direction within each lane. If you've never competed in any open water swimming, then you might want to consider the pool course. If you choose the lake swim, then if your lucky enough to have access to a lake, then practice. If you don't have access to a lake but still want to try the open water swim, then practice swimming lengths of your local pool with your eyes shut. Try to swim in a straight line with your eyes shut. Attaching yourself with a swim tether is also a good way to practice open water swimming in a pool. The tether allows you to swim in place without going from end to end. This will simulate what it's like to swim in open water.
As for your bike, mountain, road or triathlon bikes are all acceptable. The road and triathlon bike will be lighter than the mountain bike whick will take less energy to get you through the bike course. Unless you've practiced on a triathlon bike, bring your road bike. The mountain bike is fine but you may notice that the folks on road bikes will be able to go faster. You might try borrowing or renting a road bike as well.
As for the run, it's a mostly flat course on sidewalks. And yes, you can stop and walk if you get too tired. Your not required to keep running if you need to catch your breath.
If this is your first triathlon and you'l like to know what to expect and how to prepare for race day, there will be a short(30-45 minutes) meeting/demo on Saturday 7/10/10 at 4:15pm near the Gazebo in Lion's Park. Don't need to bring anything, unless you want to take a few notes. Be there to get a few tips and to ease your race day jitters!!!