1. I don't believe there should be any difference on a nutrition perspective for men/women except the obvious - amount. The smaller you are the less you need.

2. Tips for race day when hormones go array: ... I've had this happen a few times and dealt with it the same way I would have if I didn't race. If I'm having cramps, I would start the race by taking some pain-releivers (small amount). I never had this happen during an ironman but if it did, I'd be prepared with some goodies in a small bag if needed after the bike and during the run.

3. Female-specific equipment: size of bike matters. I'm 5'5 and fit my current bike (Scott Plasma) at a size small. Going with a brand that fits you in size is key. The biggest equipment I find that is important is bike seat. I tried a ton of these and love my current one. Nothing feels more crappy than a bad bike fit/seat. And the obvious is clothing and chamois. Personally, I love the male chamois in a tri kit because I get too much chaffing down under with a narrower one of the females. For training, the chamois in my bike shorts work awesome.

4. Hair ties! :-) I use to have really short hair and bangs and hated the wild strands. A good old png tail and or braids work awesome.