I have been getting an itch in my butt to try training for a triathlon. I was thinking about making it a goal for 2012. Now, I see online that I could sign up as a relay team... I could swim, hubby could bike and I could run. He sounds like he would be totally in to it. So maybe I could do it in 2011?!?

IDK. The whole thing is a little scary! I beat training for one, I will surely shed a pound or two. Lol!

Anyone done one? Advice for a beginner? Am I too fat right now to even think about it? (The pictures online show all these people with about 0% body fat... and I am about 33%... )

I was a swimmer in high school - I know I can get in shape for that. I have been running... but I need to step it up a notch. The biking scares me a little... I don't want to have to go invest a lot of money in a new bike and funny shoes, etc.

DO IT! You can do it!!

I've just started getting into shape and signed up to run a relay leg of a bit over 10k in a race in 10 weeks. It's scary, but that -- not the number on the scale -- is what's getting my butt into the gym and out on the road. If this can keep you optimistic and working hard even through plateaus, you should absolutely sign on.

As for gear, it's really not that bad -- sure, there's that bike -- but other than that, you're looking at bike/run leggings ($80-100, mine were top-of-the-line and $50 on sale), good shoes ($80), and if you don't have them, high-support sports bra, compression top, socks & undies. So that's between $160-$250 of stuff you'll be happy to have. (Go for serious running brands, not Nike/Adidas etc... what you lose in name brand recognition you gain in really innovative fabrics and pretty awesome features for the same prices.)

We have a triathlon in our town once per year and they have a part that they call «Try a Tri» ... it's shorter in the swimming, running and biking and a lot of beginners do it and some weighing more than you that's for sure... If your DH is willing to bike, I'd say go for it ... and HAVE FUN!!

Sweet! just IN CASE I needed a sign... The place I need to join to get access to a pool JUST sent me a coupon in the mail yesterday for 25% off a year membership!! Yippee!!

I think I have a plan that will work. I am going to bike 2x's a week, swim 2x's a week and run 2x's a week. I am also going to take 2 classes at the gym that focus on strength training... AND I want to keep up with my Tuesday night Zumba class... b/c it is fun and all my friends go. My body will HAVE to shed some weight. LOL!

I did my first try two years ago. Very fun and there were women of every size and age imaginable. truely you'll be great.