@Mulac
I started triathlons this year, so the stuff here is from a newbie, but hopefully proves to be useful.
Open water swimming is quite different from pool swimming. Sighting to stay on track, waves, tidal flow (if swimming in ocean), getting used to the wetsuit (if applicable). I would suggest doing an open water swim at least once before your tri.
Transitions adds another dimension...straight cycling versus swim-to-bike and straight running vs bike-to-run are quite different. You'll want to do brick workouts to get used to the transitions. Particularly the bike-to-run can be rough if you go cold turkey - your legs will feel like bricks...hence the name brick workout.
My training isn't consistent, but when things are going smoothly, it's something like this:
Mon - Swim (recovery or 1-2km)
Tue - Bike (turbo trainer, intervals)
Wed - Run (speed drills)
Thu - Swim (speed drills)
Fri - Run (recovery)
Sat - Bike (local or solo 20-40km ride)
Sun - Swim (once a month in San Francisco Bay with swim group) or rest day
I also commute by bike occasionally, so I will do a bike to swim transition after I get home...24k ride, followed by a 2k run. Swim to bike is a little more difficult to practice unless you have someone watching your bike.
I also substitute strength training regularly as well.
I think I spend the least time on the bike, though, as sitting on a turbo trainer inside the house is boring as fuck and I like to sleep in on weekends...if I leave too late, there is too much cycling, auto, and motorcycle traffic for it to be safe in a lot of cycle friendly locations.
Also recommend having a checklist of stuff to bring for races as it can be quite long...
- Tri suit
- Body glide (to prevent chafing)
- Wetsuit
- Astroglide or KYJelly (to help put on wetsuit fast)
- Plastic bag (to put on wetsuit)
- Swim cap
- Skullcap (if too cold)
- Goggles (x2 in case strap snaps)
- Earplugs
- Goggle spray
- Helmet
- Bike shoes
- Socks (optional)
- Bike
- Pump
- Spare tubes
- Tire lever
- Sunglasses
- Running shoes
- Hat or visor
- Sunscreen
- Race belt
- Bib
- Timing chit
- Number stickers
- Number tattoos
- Water or electrolyte drink
- Energy food
- Transition bag
- Transition mat
- Towels
- Heart rate monitor
Love my Garmin Fenix 3