Nebraska's largest triathlon ever is this Sunday with more than 676 athletes swimming, biking and running through Omaha. Most of the participants aren't elite athletes, just those looking for a new challenge to help stay in shape.

Ready to jump into a triathlon? It takes a lot of training and knowledge. As they prepare to swim, bike and run their way to the finish line, Paul Crisman, Leslie Murrell and Julianne Weiss share some of what works for them.

"It's important to have the experience of the distances,” says Weiss. “It's important to do brick workouts where you do two pieces at a time, a bike and a swim, a swim and a run.”

"The transition from the bike to the run you get jelly legs and once you get used to that it seems to be a little easier,” says Crisman.

"The main thing is making sure you're hydrated and have an energy source like a protein bar or gel,” says Murrell. “You need something to refuel."

Knowing what to expect is key for a newbie. Prairie Life Fitness offers triathlon training and seminars, breaking down all the details, such as how to transition from biking to running.

"The best thing you can do is network and find out the people who have done it and listen to them,” says Dayle Nervig of Prairie Life Fitness. “And find out what's the difference between a hybrid bike and a race bike. Why do shoes make a difference? Do you want a wet suit or not?"

Once you find out what works, practice. Paul, Leslie and Julianne struggle to make time for training, but it'll all pay off on race day, no matter what their finish time. "I think the big thing is just competing against yourself, the feeling, the sense of accomplishment,” says Weiss.

The adult triathlon is Sunday. Volunteers are still needed. To help out or for event information, go to omahatriathlon.com. There is also a children's triathlon on Saturday at 10 a.m. Kids can sign up on race day.