My top-tips

Try before you buy:

If you can enter using a mtb or borrow a friends then do so. Try it out and see if it's for you before spending loads of dosh on flash bikes and specialised kit.

Like it - then go cheap or secondhand

So you've entered a race and thought I'd like to do more. Then buy cheaply but get the size of the bike frame correct.

Get you're bike fitted

You may see an amazing bargin...but if the frame is the wrong size then it's as good as useless. Get fitted at your local bike shop before hunting down you're dream machine

Join a club

Like running, this is where you'll pick up the best advice

To swim faster / better get lessons

Doing loads of laps incorrectly will only make it harder to learn to swim correctly, so try and get some 1-on-1 lessons

Whatever you buy now, you'll want to replace next year

So again buy cheaply then upgrade as you can.

Have fun!!

If you are worried about being last it doesn't matter. Most pool based tris are seeded with the slowest starting first.

I went along to watch my first one and it really changed my views.

__________________
I'm a bit tubby.

Another top tip (maybe unlikely for a running thread) but if you are a strong swimmer but weak at running and cycling then let the organiser know. As gumps says you might get a late start due to your swim time but take a while over the rest of the course. If theorganiser knows this they'll amend your swim start.

Gumps there seems to be a theme with your posts

"Im a bit Tubby"

Is that some kind of reminder to keep you away from the cake shop?

Any top tips about which type of race to start at?

I started at the London Triathlon (sprint distance) last year.

It was good in that there was always plenty of company, but then I'm OK (but nto outstanding) at all 3 events.

I know a few other people got quite bashed about in the swim at London (and certainly that dock did put me off!)

I do know that open water swimming terrifies quite a lot of people - down at Heron Lake last year you could see lots of people panic on their first dips. My advice - take it slow and easy - you can always stay near the pontoon to start with. Also don't worry about what anyone else thinks - chances are they won't even notice you!

Get yourself a trisuit - they're not too expensive, but so much more comfortable than soggy tshirt and shorts on top of your wet swim suit.

Except if you're wearing a trisuit then people think you must know what you're doing!

Don't worry about having flash gear and being slow. I reckon triathlon is the least snobbish and clique sport I have ever come across. There really isn't any issue with being really rather bad.

Equally there is no shame is having exceptionally flash gear and being slow. Go to any race and you'll see a lot of mountain bikes, the occasional shopper mixed in with amazing carbon TT bikes.

The main thing is to do the race, enjoy it, and come out wanting more. That is where the addiction and kit buying starts!!!!

And if you're normally built, then actually putting on a trisuit can make you feel a little like an overweight superhero...

No thanks.
I can't swim!