Beginner Triathlete - My First Triathlon articles

Or why an Ironman 70.3 may not be your best choice for your first triathlon.

How to consistently come in last place and enjoy it. By a real expert.

Someone said that I would have to change in the transition area after the pool. Well OK, but it was maybe 45 degrees that morning. Yuck, all just part of the experience.

In February of 2004 I was a 270 pound 34 year old. I had the body of an out-of-shape, degenerate lineman. I was strong and muscular, but with a healthy dose of jiggle and even, dare I say it, wiggle.

A look back at my first triathlon at Parlee Beach.

I thought I'd feel out of place among triathletes - until I realized I was one.

One slight problem. I don't know how to swim at all. When I say 'at all', I don't even dog paddle because I am scared to death of water. But I am going to do this.

I've come a long way in one year; 85 pounds lost and fitness gained. I think I feel truly alive for the first time in a long time.

A (relatively) humorous description of my training for, and participation in, my first triathlon.

I was only halfway to my weightloss goal, but I was still able to finish my first triathlon only after 10 weeks of consistent training.

I have always been an athlete, growing up playing team sports like basketball and soccer. I also ran in a couple of 10K races every year, so I had no reason to worry about running a 5K...right?

The completion of my first sprint triathlon! Even though it has been over a year since my first tri, I find myself ready to do two more this year and even two half marathons!

All I can think about is, "How can I swim in this?" I can't sleep. I think I made a big mistake. I'm filling my head with fear and doubt. What made me think I could run a triathlon?

A 34 year old new runner gives a shot at her first triathlon in the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay.

From the couch to a half Ironman the hard way.