Hi, and congrats on trying your first tri! I agree with Toby's response. For a sprint distance tri, you want to wear the same thing for all three sports is possible, especially since it's in a pool. For these types of events, I wear a one-piece tri suit (I am a female) which makes things really easy - no changing clothes at all. It looks a bit like bike shorts with a tight tank top attached, usually with a zipper in front. They have light padding for the bike portion and are made of stretchy, quick drying fabric (like a swimsuit). They are called tri suits, skin suits, speed suits (these are the names I've seen) and you can get a basic one for between $60 and $90, depending on the features. Good luck and have a great race!

Hi, snake fashion is where there is more than one person in each lane of the pool with you and you simply swim up and down the lanes (always staying to the right of the lane). Some races keep a specific group of people (determined by your estimated swim time -- did they ask you on your race application?) in the SAME lane, and some have you "snake" down each lane from one end of the pool to the other until your distance is complete. Don't worry, the volunteers will let each person know when they have finished - you don't have to worry about counting laps. As far as locking your bike -- DON"T! It will waste countless minutes in transition and there is probably less than zero chance of anything happening to it. Usually no one is allowed into the transition areas except the athletes, and there are volunteers all over the place to help you. You will just rack your bike inyour designated space or row (look around and see how others are racked - that can be helpful - you want to rack it in a way that it is easy to unrack and get going. Usually it is racked by the seat (if you look around, you'll see what I mean). Just get to the race early so you'll have plenty of time to set up and observe what other people are doing. It is a great way to pick up tips and techniques. Hope this helps!

Yes, that is easiest. If you dont want to wear the full tri-suit I described before, men can wear triathlon shorts (similar to bike shorts) and then pull on a shirt or singlet for the run and bike. There are special triathlon shorts that get you through all 3 without having to change bottoms. The bike pad in these is very thin, so it is not a bother on the run. Saves time...as well as saves the rest of the competitors from having to see you naked in transition!!! Seriously, this would probably earn you a DQ.

No, no, no, no,.......I can't say it enough times!

1. You'll be way too hot
2. It's NOT, I repeat NOT necessary (they are made for cold water - lakes, oceans)
3. They are VERY expensive.
4. You will get very strange looks from other competitors, and I mean looks that will make you think you were better off showing up naked instead!