What should I eat and drink?

Carbohydrates are your primary fuel source. The best way to get these, and electrolytes, is to use a sports drink that includes six to eight per cent carbohydrate. Drinking one bottle every hour, along with a gel or something similar (chews, for example), is a good start to fueling during training and racing. Keep it simple.

What can I expect? What do I focus on?

KEEP AN OPEN MIND Grit, laughter and determination gets you through it.

KEEP IT SIMPLE Don’t overthink and get caught up in the details. Don’t let all the fancy bikes, wetsuits, etc. overwhelm you. Just race within yourself and, most importantly, have fun.

BE COMFORTABLE Enjoy it.

HAVE FUN Hopefully your first tri is a sprint. Focus on any aspects you are nervous or unsure about. For instance, if you don’t consider yourself a swimmer, make sure you do an open water swim. Possibly an indoor tri might be your best bet for your first race – even less equipment is needed and there is less chance of there being issues in the pool or falling on a stationary bike.

ALL OF US CONTINUE TO LEARN Triathlon is an ever-evolving sport.

YOUR FIRST TRI WILL BE UNFORGETTABLE Find a person or group to train and race with to enjoy the experience with others.

• There is no shame in walking, but if you’re doing a longer race, make sure some of your training has included some walking.

• If your first race takes place in open water, get in the water before the race with your wetsuit. It will fit tight and you need to learn how to breath in race conditions. Also consider starting a bit back, if it’s a wave start. Let the seasoned, fast swimmers go and then get yourself underway in less crowded water. Set yourself up to have a good race- day experience so you want to do it again. And remember, almost everyone gets nervous or uncomfortable in the swim at some point.

• It’s easy to get intimidated, but don’t be. Most triathletes are pretty friendly.

• Remember that everyone was a newbie at some point. Your first triathlon will always be a personal best, so go have fun. If you like it, you’ll also figure out what you need to do to make the next one even better.

Professional triathlete Angela Naeth runs iracelikeagirl. Find out more at iracelikeagirl.com.