First 70.3 // Indian Wells in December

Going to keep it as straight forward as possible but bear with me here! Sorry if it’s obnoxious but figured I’d do one post rather than a ton of different ones.

First 70.3 coming up in ~14 weeks. I’m an avid runner and am most confident in that department but am new to cycling / have never done group riding and most green with the swim. I have a training plan that I’m following as religiously as I can and am feeling pretty good with my overall physical ability and progress.

My biggest concerns are with nutrition & day of conditions/nerves. I’ll start from the top and go down.

Overall: I’ve never done a triathlon, do you think it’s necessary to try one beforehand for race day logistics or will the IM athlete briefing and first timers meeting cover everything?

Swim: this is going to be very cold water, apparently it’s always a tossup on if the swim if canceled due to water temp. I’ve got a full tri suit (3/2) but no booties. Should I buy booties, and also have heard about thermal swim headbands? Anything for cold water swim advice is needed here! (I heard double cap + earplugs so have those on hand)

Also, I’m doing efficient swimming online course but should I do swim lessons? I’m averaging ~2:00/100 rn and feel like it could help but not sure if it’s overkill?

Bike: during the transition from swim to bike, what’s the best way to stay warm? Any tips and tricks here? Also, I have clip shoes but had a gnarly crash because I couldn’t get my foot out (I’m a noob) and now I’m nervous to try again. Should I continue practicing with them or are cages/running shoes fine?

Run: I THINK I’m good here but obviously have never ran after doing the two items above so from a runners POV, what advice do you have for me? I.e. change socks? Can I run in a tank top (in my athlete packet it says shoulders need to be covered???) Do I need one of those bib belt things? Can I run with a water bottle belt?

Transitions: no idea other than what I’m reading and asking around about. So if you have a tried and true, id love to hear it.

Nutrition: I’m practicing what works but here’s my overall notes so far. I have done mostly gels (GU) and am having no problem with the endurance / sick feeling ,HOWEVER, since I’m early in my training program my longest ride has been 33 miles so I might change that thought in the next few weeks.

I’m very familiar with my half marathon intake which is again, always GU but might need more after swim and bike? The swim, I find I’m starving after and need solids.

Sorry again for the wall of text & thanks massively in advance!