Basic tips to get you ready to hit the dirt:

Mountain Bike

Invest in a decent mountain bike if you plan to do off-road races regularly. Full suspension will provide the most comfort and you will be able to handle any kind of terrain that you might encounter.

If you are used to doing road triathlons you will need to practice your off-road skills. It is best to practice your mountain biking when you are not tired so you can get the most out of it and help improve your confidence.

Run More Trails

Whenever possible do trail runs instead of road runs. This will help you adjust to running off-road and help strengthen your ankles for uneven terrain. Remember it is very important to stay focused on the trail ahead, so you won't be caught off guard with any surprises.

Swim

An Xterra swim is usually two-loops with a run in between each loop. Practice swimming in open waters, so you can get used to currents, swimming in a straight line and orientation to the shore. Don't just follow the person in front, as they might not be swimming to the buoy. Always look up to check you are swimming in a straight line to the buoy. Remember to take the run easy, as all the blood is in your arms.

Pre-ride the Race Course

Course familiarity is a tremendous advantage for off-road. It will boost your confidence and ease your mind to know what will be around the next bend.
 

Transitions

The key to a quick transition is to be organized and have a plan of attack.

Make sure your gear is laid out neat and in order of use. A good idea is to bring a bright color towel to lay your stuff on. This will help you recognize it when you run in.

After you have set your area up, go through to make sure you have everything. Make a mental check list: bike, helmet, bike shoes, water bottles or Camelback, GU's, spare bag (check in it), socks, sunglasses, gloves, number if it is not already on you, run shoes, hat and anything else you might use.

Organize your gear according to each leg of the race (i.e. put your wetsuit, swim cap and goggles together). To save time you can put your gloves on the ends of your handle bars. Ultimately, you want to be able to put them on while you are riding, but wait until you are on a good surface (It is a good idea to practice this at first). You can also save time with your running shoes by using elastic laces or lace locks. Lace locks with normal shoes laces are great, as you want to make sure your shoes are firmly on your feet with off-road terrain.

After your area is set up, walk yourself through the end of the swim so you know where to enter the transition area and make a mental note of where your gear is located (Do this for each leg). You don't want to run in and have to waste time looking for it.

A quick transition will come with practice and competing. Keep practicing and you will start to see time being shaved off your race.

Hydration

Xterra is more taxing then a road triathlon, given the terrain and time of day they start (most start around 10 AM). Make sure you begin hydrating a few days before the race. It is important to maintain this hydration before, during and after the race. It is a good idea to bring some nutrition with you on the course (i.e. sports drinks and GU's). You should always try out (in a training session) what you think you will use during a race to make sure it will work for YOU on race day.

Additional Tips on Improving your Xterra Performance
 

• Identify and work on minimizing your weaknesses.

• Swim in a master's squad to improve your speed.

• Do some open water swimming and work on your sighting, to help you swim in a straight line.

• Do plenty of mountain biking, including single track to improve your skills.

• Increase hill interval training on trails.

• Make sure you know which direction you ride and run, in and out of the transition area.

• Be organized on race day and have plenty of time to set up, get numbered and warm up.