White said the October 14 Queensland Tri Series event was ideal because it incorporated several shorter courses for competitors not ready for the sprint distance.

“It is a great one to start with because it has different levels,’’ White said.

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The Super Sprint course, one down from a full triathlon, incorporated a 400m swim, 15km bike and 4km run, but there is also the Enticer distance of 200m, 5km and 2km.

For children aged 7-14, there is the Kool Kids course of 100m swim, 2km bike and 500m run.

White said the swim leg in the Raby Bay harbour was perfect and she fondly recalled it being her introduction to triathlons.

“It is an ideal one for starters because the water is calm and you can see the markers,’’ White said. “They also have people in the water with you in kayaks and canoes.’’

When it came to the hectic transition area in the train station carpark, White said it was important to set-up near a landmark so “you know where your station is’’.

“That might be a lamp post, a sign, a tree. It might even be a crack in the ground.’’

White said it can be daunting for newcomers when confronted with the packs of people jostling in the water and transition areas.

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However, White said the key was to simply concentrate on yourself.

“You can only control what you control,’’ she said.

“I also focus on two little things that are not complicated.

“When I am swimming it is kicking and pulling, when biking it is pedalling hard, head down, and in the run it is lean forward and stand tall.’’

Raby Bay Triathlon

When: October 14.

Race types: Kool Kids (years 7-14) 6.45am

Enticer (year 12s+) 7.05am

Long course start: 7.25am.

Super Sprint: 8.10am

Visit: http://www.qldtriseries.com.au/r2-raby-bay/

Annabel White’s key tips

Swimming: Raby Bay is calm so easier to look out for markers

The packs: Don’t panic, just concentrate on yourself. “You can only control what you control.’’

Transition: Set-up near a landmark so “you know where your station is’’.

“That might be a lamp post, a sign, a tree. It might even be a crack in the ground.’’