Minimize, Minimize, Minimize
Shrink your transition area as small as it will go. And then cut it in half. There's a tiny amount of real estate in the transition area on race day, and your goal is to be organized and take as little of it as possible. That means using a hand towel under your things, not a beach towel and laying out only exactly what you need, in the order you'll need it. "Be a minimalist. Think through what you'll need and test it months before the race," Edwards says.
Plan, but not for the Apocalypse
"Some people think they're going to starve to death because they're out on the course so long," Edwards says. By race day, you'll have practiced your nutrition and will know exactly what you need. Leave the extra energy bars, cookies, hankies, clothing options, balloons, water buckets, hair ties, camera parts and other clutter at home.
More: How to Train for a Triathlon (From Scratch)
If you do bring anything extra, it needs to fit in your transition bag in your transition area. Putting it anywhere else creates obstacles for other racers (not cool, not fair, and, in fact, dangerous).
Rack Your Bike by the Seat
Put the front or "nose" of your bike seat over the metal bar on the rack. The front wheel faces you. That way, you can grab your bike by the back of the seat and the handlebars and run out to the "mount/dismount" line. Your transition area goes right by your front wheel.
Wear your Bib Number Proudly (and Properly)
Don't wear your race belt or bib number for the swim. Put it on and wear the bib number in back for the bike, in front for the run. What's a race belt? An elastic waistband that your race number attaches to. It takes a second to clip on and it eliminates the need to safety pin anything when you're rushing on race day.
More: A Swim Training Plan for Beginning Triathletes
Ride to the Side Unless You're Passing
In training, beginner triathletes are often tempted to ride right next to a training partner, but that blocks other riders from being able to pass you. Stay to the side (usually the right, but some parks and venues have different rules) and go single file unless you're passing someone.
Keep Going if Something Crazy Happens
If you get a flat, your shoe comes untied, or your goggles fill with water, fix the problem and keep going. Triathlon success isn't just about crossing the finish line in a certain amount of time. It's also about managing everything race day throws at you, whether that's people making contact with you in the swim or unexpected delays. Getting through that teaches you more about who you are as a person and as an athlete than a PR on the run.