When racing the shorter distance triathlons, you can pretty much give it your all and not blow up if you are properly warmed up and trained to do so. Even the most highly trained triathlete would have a tough time doing this at the longer distances.
    I like to warm up for Ironman racing with a short run - 1-2 miles and a quick spin on the bike (10 minutes) with a few quick sprints. After that I hit the water for a short 200-300 yard warm up with some accelerations.
    When the gun goes off, I would recommend starting out slowly and finding your own 'space' in the water. If and when you do this, find a comfortable pace that you can maintain for the remainder of the race. I recommend staying at the middle of your aerobic effort - not too hard, not too easy. Its long day and going 1 minute faster will not make you r day but it could break it!
    Start to kick your legs when you are in the final meters of the swim in order to get some blood to the lower extremities so that when you stand up you want be so light headed. More...

Short Course Race Warm-Up
by USAT Level II Coach Mike Ricci

    When racing the shorter distance triathlons, proper transition set-up and warm-up are essential to having a successful race. Just by following the few simple steps below, you can have a more successful and enjoyable race.
    Make sure to arrive early on race morning. This will give you time to register, stretch, get numbered, and get to the bathroom. When you get into transition area, figure out where the swim exit and entrance to the transition area is, and then position your bike in the best rack possible. I would suggest being closer to the bike exit, so you don't have to run very far with your bike. Walk this once or twice to get orientated - and since everything will be at full speed during the race, my suggestion is to run it all full speed at least once before the race. More...

    Recently a training partner of mine picked me up on the way to a run. As I got settled into the passenger seat I noticed a note taped to the dashboard that read: THE BEST. At first I chuckled to myself then I thought about how it made sense. This athlete has been improving in the past few years using every tool that he has in the triathlon tool box. On top of the physical training he does, he works on his mental game. Isn't it said that the race is 90% mental? Having the mental wherewithal to achieve your goals is a considerable advantage.
    In his book, 'Magical Running', Bobby McGee writes about running affirmations. Before a tough workout such as a hill session, track session, tempo etc., and even 80% of the way into a race, Bobby preaches repeating your positive affirmations. He once took a 20th ranked runner and turned her into a world champion just by getting her to believe in herself. Believing in yourself and repeating your positive affirmations can really turn you into a mental monster.
    Some examples would be: I can do it. I can win. I can run the whole marathon. I am a mountain goat in the hills. I swim like a fish. In order to get the most out of your ability, it's imperative that you to have these mental tools at your disposal. Like once Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can or you can't, you are probably right”.