Popcorn and a tri...

I would choose something close unless you really want to make it a vacation.

White Lake, NC might be a good place to start.

But, I completely understand where you are coming from with the start of a triathlon. I didn't know anything about how they started and that concerned me quite a bit. I'll give you a brief run down about how the races that I have been in have started. All of mine have been set-up events.

Each racer is placed into a category
Open (M & F)
Masters Open (M & F)
Age Groups (M & F):15 & Under,16-19,20-24,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69, 70-74,75-79,80-84, 85+
Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +)
Masters Clydesdales (Males - 220 Lbs +, 40 & Over)
Athenas (Females - 165 Lbs +)
Novice (M & F)
Masters Novice (M & F)
Relay Team (Mixed)

Generally, the Open athletes start first say 7:00 a.m. then 5 min later the next 'wave' goes. This could be men 30-39 or men 20-29. But the wave order is usually posted right before the race. So, the first wave could start at 7:00 and the last wave starts at 7:45. On a side note, I have always been in the second group with is Men's Age Group 30-34. (a fast group)

So realistically you are really only swimming with the people that are in your wave. It isn't like you have to swim with all 300 people in the race.

Look up Set-up events and see what race is close to you or somewhere you'd like to visit.

Thanks for the info guys..

Re: The Over the Mountain - the *one* good thing is that I can ride the course right from my front door (well, almost, it's only about 3 or 4 miles away). So if I can work up to maybe riding that portion and feel that I could do it, maybe I could take a crack at it. But based on my performance this first week - I find the concept of participating in a triathlon laughably out of reach. I know that only has to do with my current fitness level, so I know that perception will change over the months as I drop pounds and add strength and endurance, but wow...

BeachAV8R

In general, I'd say this race is not a good first tri! It is a difficult bike course, and setting up two T areas is stressful. However, if you live right there, that takes away some of the stress, and also you have the opportunity to ride the course. The other nice thing is that I Don't think this race sells out, so you could just train for it as a reach goal, and sign up late in the game if you feel your fitness is where it needs to be for the bike. And if you have to do a run/walk, then no biggie.

IT is a fantastic race course, to be sure!!!