Brand new Triathlete

Welcome and good luck on the goals. They may be a bit ambitious, but that's not saying you can't do it. For what it's worth my first triathlon was a 1/2. I only trained for three months and finished, kicked my @ss though. Though I was 18 at the time and in decent shape going in. I too am 38 and getting back into shape after a 10 year layoff from triathlons. Again good luck and good training.

JD

congrats on the ambitious goal...why set a goal if u KNOW u can do it...gotta push the outer limits...

(just train safe) 

my only advice would be to NOT BE AFRAID TO WALK for the run part...u will prob be good for the swim...have some easy strokes to fall back on....go easy on the bike...save all strength for the run....do walking intervals...it will save your @ss.  we want u back healthy.

First off, Welcome! I was like you, wanted my first ever race to be the half IM and was training with my friend, but then he bailed on me and i am still going for it. But, from reading lots of posts and several articles I have decided to dull down the half IM goal to an OLY. I am 5’11” and 225 now but when I started I was 265. I think that I would be pushing my luck if I shot for the half IM but I was really out of shape and needed to build a good foundation to begin training and staying injury free. The hardest part for me is not training to hard! I just want to train and train! But in the beginning rest is as important as the training, I just have to keep reminding my self that! Look forward to looking at your logs and may you have many safe training days!! And great job with bringing your children! You are a great example! Jack.

Welcome and good luck on your goal of the 1/2!

Welcome to the board! Sounds great to have a training partner. What is your previous (lsat 6 mos) activity level? This is a big goal for first year. One thing to be very watchful for is over training and injuries. Even though your muscles and cardio fitness might feel fine, your ligaments and tendons take the longest to grow stronger. Be sure to not increase training too quickly (10% rule) and to take a recovery week every 4 weeks.