Hi Gary,

Welcome to the family!

It is great you are looking to add Xterra to your schedule next year. The strength and endurance you build by racing this discipline is guaranteed to make you a better overall triathlete.

Regarding descending, there is no substitute for practice. You need to ride your mountainbike a lot to get comfortable descending with more speed. Depending on where you live, you will encounter different challenges when riding downhill. In the Northwest, it is usually wet, slippery and rooty, so mostly slower descending. In Southern California, it is fast, sandy or rocky descending. Wherever you are, paying attention to your tire pressure, your tire choices and practicing a LOT are what is important.

It is amazing how quickly you can improve when you first start. The only requirement is tenacity. So make sure whenever you do that uphill workout that the downhill is as high quality.

Good luck!