Hi Sara, Hi Ben,

   Thanks for your response!  I really appreciate it.  Well, to answer some of your questions, I would have to say that my current level of fitness is average to slightly above average.  I'm in the Armed Forces and am used to doing exercise quite regularly.  As for covering the 1/2 IM distances previously, I would have to say not in all events.  I used to swim a mile or slightly longer in the open water at least 3-4 times a week although it's been a while since I've done it.  Most recently I used to ride with a group of friends 3-4 times a week averaging about 15 mi, with a long ride on Saturday mornings of about 40mi averaging about 15mph.  As for my running, I usually run about 3-5mi  2-3 times a week with my longest run being about 12mi at least once every couple of months...Now, all these come with a bit of a caveat:  I'm recovering from a ruptured plantaris tendon and torn right calf muscle (June 09) so I've been unable to train as regularly as I used to.  I have just recently (past month) felt like I was back to a 100% but I've gained a few pounds and have gotten considerable slower.  My goal for this triathlon is to complete the entire race no lower than middle of my age group (35yo).  I'm not going to attempt to be "competitive" this time around--I just want to complete it with the sub-goal of respectable top 50%.

    As for my strongest sport, I would have to say my running was always my strongest suit but, again, recovering from the injury.  I've always been good about being able to get right back to where I was but this time I'm trying to do it smart and take it slow.  With age comes wisdom, right?  LOL..  As for my bike, I'm currently riding a Trek 2100 road bike.  It's set up with aero's, a good saddle, clipless pedals and a couple of water bottles.  I think I've only got about 50mi on this bike but it's comfortable and I enjoy it..although I think I need to slide my seat forward just a smidge..

    I've been reading a book by Eric Harr titled "Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week".  I've begun to tailor my eating to the plans in his book (mainly watching caloric intake and balancing carb/protein intake) and working out under his "Neophyte" fitness level, focusing on heart rate.  It's a plan thats based on working out 6 weeks out from your event but I figured it would be a good base for me to get into tri-specific training and begin building towards my event (Gulf Coast Triathlon - 8 May 2010)  beginning on week 7.  Any advice you have on this front is appreciated.  Unlike most people I've come across, I'm very open to advice, guidance, etc because I understand that I am a beginner and am FAR from knowing anything, let alone, everything..;)

    On another note, I am not yet a member of the USAT --- do you recommend that I become one now or later?  Does it matter?  Anyway, thanks again for the responses and I look forward to talking with ya'll further!  Take care and be safe in all you do...

Dan

Hey Joe,

   Thanks for the response.  Currently I am in the Southeast region of the U.S. and the weather here has just recently begun to dip into the high 60's during the day.  Most of the time GREAT weather but the rain is the show stopper here sometimes.  As for the neophyte plan, no, I think it is designed for sprint distance tri's but I figured getting on "A" plan was better than being on "no" plan -- know what I mean?  I figured I would follow this plan for the first six weeks, get back to a great workout schedule that combines all 3 events and then on the 7th week start a more "Half IM" style plan.  I figured my core fitness would be at a level that would make it easier for me to get into a more rigorous workout plan that would prepare me for the main event at that point.  I was thinking about doing a sprint between now and then to get a feel for it like you suggested or, at the very least, attend one to watch it all go down.  I figure if I do one I'll plan for one around Feb/Mar timeframe so it give me time to get in shape for it and still enough time in between before the half IM to change/fix my strategy.  Again, I'm not looking to win or be a super-stud right now, I just want a respectable finish for this one being that it would be my first.  I'm hoping by 2011 I'll be ready for a "competitive" half IM and a first IM.  My long term goal is to qualify for Kona in 2012/13 timeframe...

    Thanks for the USAT info; I've been hearing the $10 thing from a couple of people.  After a couple races I would have paid for my membership already so I'm thinking of joining after the new year.  Take care...look forward to chatting with everyone here!!

Hey thanks man!!  I appreciate it.  I'll check it out...