Not to sound trite, but just swim bike and run for a while and see if you enjoy how it makes you feel and if you would like to spend time doing the sports. You train to become a triathlete, then you go race somewhere, you don't focus on doing a race right out of the box.

I was where you are a few short months ago and am now looking at my first one on August 5. I read lots and lots of posts here and learned so much good stuff. I also got a couple of books from the library about triathlon. Check out "The Complete Book of Triathlons" by Sally Edwards.... some good info there.

Find a race you are interested in entering (I found mine by talking to someone at the running store) and sign up so you have a goal. Then start swimming and biking more!

There is a lot to learn and there is good info and lots of inspiration on this board. I love the race reports especially cause it makes it all very real! I'm sure there will be great advice headed your way! Good luck.
Carrie

edited to add .... I've been running for about 4 years and grew up swimming competitively and still swim laps just for fun. Since I enjoy biking too, I just figured it would be fun to put it all together.

http://This message has been edited by cocarrie (edited Jun-07-2007).

I guess you are where I was a few months ago. A runner with no swim or bike experience. I'd say... just start going to the pool, get a bike (if you don't have one) and start riding it. Very soon, you'll see where your weaknesses are.

Best advice I was given - Find a tri, sign up and tell 10 friends that you are doing it. They will assure that you do it!
There are some great books for beginners, the 12 week triathlete is good, just maybe ignore the 12 week beginer to Ironman part of it!!!

Good luck and be warned, it's completely addictive!
Olivia

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Mama on the swim-bike-run!
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I signed up for a sprint tri (Danskin this Sunday), printed out a training plan off www.beginnertriathlete.com[/URL" target="_blank"> and just started training. Trinewbies is also a great site! You will train 5-6 days a week, but it isn't bad at all, especially if you enjoy it. I'm a SAHM of 3 kids, and I've been able to fit it in, surprisingly (I'm about to start training for an Oly -- that will be interesting!). I'd recommend just doing some swimming and biking to see what your weakest link is. Then, you'll know what to focus on most. Try to work in some light weight training 2x a week too.

I also started with running. I did the couch to 5K program, then I ran a HM for my first race ever just 6 months after starting the couch to 5K program. I ran a few more shorter races and heard about the Danskin. I have always loved swimming (swam swim team as a child), so I thought I could do it. The biking has been my weakest event, but it is getting better. I really did not like it at first, but now I love it. I just got a "new" bike a couple weeks ago. DH just got one yesterday! What's so great about tri training is that each event helps the others. My biking has helped my running, and my swimming has helped both of those, etc... My MIL was supposed to do the Danskin with me, but she backed out yesterday because she has too much work to get done before they take our kids for 4 days (we're going to Maui). She is the one who dragged me into doing the HM. I would never be where I am now if it hadn't been for her.

Good Luck! This is a great place to be -- everyone is so helpful!

Kelli