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Shalom Meital, It's GREAT that you did the Women's Triathlon. A perfect setting to do your first triathlon! The triathlon in Eilat each year is also the אליפות ישראל בטריאתלון, so it has a special vibrant atmosphere. Almost everyone is away from home, so the hotel are filled with triathletes, with bikes, with energy. The expo there is bustling and caters to our every need! Routes: Roni spoke about the bike route - it's a challenge with the hills and head wind, but it's the same for everyone. Also as Roni wrote, it's certainly worthwhile practicing on hills!, such as those around Latrun and Nachshon, or if you live in the Galil - on the easier Golan routes, or in the center, even around Modi'in. The run is mostly on dirt, with some stones, so it's a good idea to practice some running on similar routes. The swim is WONDERFUL - the advantage of salt water, which floats you and makes the swim easier and faster, AND it's usually flat, no waves (unless it's windy, in which case there are some "rough ripples.") Hotels: It's never too early. The Igud (Israel Triathlon Association) offers a very good discount if you're a member of the Igud and you stay at the Isotel Sports Hotel, which also serves as the headquarters of the race. I'm not quite sure when registration starts, so I'm not sure if you should reserve a hotel now, or wait a month. You can call the Igud and ask Edna: 03 676-4008. A couple of the hotels offer full service for their price. Others offer breakfast only, or half pension. Most are within easy walking distance of the Sports Hotel, so you can park your car and get to the race on your bike or by walking. Many triathletes prefer the Royal Beach, or Isotel Royal, where the race directions are held. Families: That's an individual decision. If you come with them, they get a vacation and see their Emah conquering new worlds. You set an incredible role model for them, as young as they are they'll soak up the atmosphere and excitement! You're right though, that your attention is divided and you might not sleep as well... If you come without your family, it might be fun to come with a friend, to share a room, to have a personal cheering section for you! Transition area: The transition area is about 400 meters from the water - there are carpets for much of the way to run on. The area is divided into sections by race segment and each area has numbered spaces, so it's not a "first come, best place" situation. To equalize the placement of the bikes, one runs around the outer border of the transition area to start the run. Race instructions: Are given Thursday evening (for the Friday morning race) by the Race Director and staff of judges and technical route directors. Race directions are given in English after the Hebrew instructions. Goodie bags and race numbers: Should be picked up from the Sports Hotel from Thursday afternoon. Even if you are a member of the Igud, with a מספר ברזל, we don't use our regular numbers, but special numbers. They are listed on the "alphon" outside the registration area. You go into the registration area, to the table marked with your number and segment and pick up your packet, which includes race numbers and goodie bag, with shirt (in the size you stated). They are usually very organized! More hints: After you arrive in Eilat, it's a good idea to check your bike, to make sure that everything is working, after transporting it. You can also check out the water - lots of groups have short swims Thursday afternoon before the race directions. You can drive part of the run route, or walk part of it, but remember that you'll be in "taper," resting, so don't go all out to swim-bike-run any significant distance! It's more like getting to know the route and loosening muscles that have sat enroute to Eilat. Have fun!! Any more questions, I'll be happy to answer! Susie
