First Decathlon, what can I expect?

Sorry nobody responded to you.

As you found the biggest surprise is that 30 minutes between events is not a lot of time, especially if the discus cage is spread out a long distance from the pole vault pit. You are sometimes lucky to get off the ground in the vault if the discus ring is a long way away.

Next, don't be afraid of doing some quality overdistance work. Without, it, your second day from the pole vault out you can expect a lot of mistakes and simple fatigue.

Out of season run 35-40 miles per week, in season run quality 12-15, hard. This will drop your 1500 time, your 400 time will improve, and you won't tire and fade on the second day.

Gary Bastien
http://www.youreonathletic.com

This depends on your age. First of all, safety is the obsolute first priority (pole vault, high jump, throwing events, hurdles). If you are competitive, try not to let previous events bother your current event. Don't set the bar too high so you won't be disappointed. Aim for 2000 points. After all, this is decathlon "2000".