My advice would be to take it slow. There is no need to rush into the sport. There are plenty of great websites out there that have a wealth of information. Check out www.beginnertriathlete.com for a number of free training plans. It's where I started.

Good luck!

Last year I registered for a sprint tri as a way to keep me motivated with exercising. Just walking, or swimming or riding a stationary bike was boring to me, but I liked the idea of switching disciplines around. I started with an indoor sprint triathlon (15 min swim, 15 min bike and 15 run on a treadmill). I was hooked! I finished my first sprint tri on Oct 9th and I have planned to do 3 this year (possibly 4...I found one with distances a bit longer and a short open swim I may try). I did pass a swimmer in the pool, but I never passed a biker or a walker/runner during my race...but I made it. To me it is about being competitive with myself, and challenging myself to improve. I swim 1 day a week, walk/jog 2days a week, spin 2 days a week, and recreate on the weekends. Usually that means a "real" bike ride, and a hike in the woods (or activity of my choice). I have also began weight training 2 days a week. I am hoping to continue weight loss and building strength over the winter, and if I focus on these, my distances will not suffer too much when the season starts. I used a website called: http://www.trinewbies.com/ lots of great info and training plans

So for right now I am trying to get 2 days of biking, 2 days of swimming and 2 days of walk/jogging in with a day of rest. Will that work for awhile ?

OK, I'm in. 57 yr old grandpa. Clysdale who needs to drop some wt. Vet of Ragbrai and ride 1500-2000 miles a yr. Sedintary job. Getting interested in a sprint tri this summer. Have been relearning to swim by going 1 mile 3 days a week.

Agree with Drudo that eventually you'll need to do "brick" sessions where you combine two disciplines into one training session - last 1 hour bike and a 20 min run.

I'd also advise that you visualize / practice your transition in your garage / back yard - just to get used to how you lay equipment out making it easier and quicker to put on.

Good luck to all the newbies making their tri debuts, be warned - It's addictive.

That is great! Congrats! Being in a club will help so much because there are always fresh ideas and people to train with.

A club is a great idea. After reading that, I looked it up and we have a very active Triathlon club in my area, so I will definitely be getting involved! I'm excited and kinda scared of this journey. Can't wait to see how it goes!