'Holy crap...what am I thinking?' from IL

You'll be fine!!! There are folks of all sizes at tris. That's what's so great about this sport. AND everyone is so encouraging. And trust me, we are all worried about how we look- so much so that not much attention gets places on what others are wearing or doing. So get that suit and get cracking! A friend of mine feels more comfortable with her tri shorts on top of her swim suit. More coverage. You might want to try that if you are feeling too exposed.

Once you get going you won't be in the Morbidly Obese category long. And I've got to warn you- this sport is addictive. I basically traded my food addiction to training and racing addiction. (a good swap I think).

Good luck to you!!!

You will be fine, just approach your training smartly and conservatively.  I wouldn't do any running for several months-though doing some walking should be ok.  Focus on low-impact stuff like the bike and swim, go from 2x per week each to 3x per week each.  They will be great for weightloss too.

Good for you!!!

Before you know it you'll be shopping for a new (smaller) wardrobe   There are some pretty amazing stories on BT of what people have accomplished -- very inspiring!

Just be a lil'healther each day. That's all you can do!  But it all adds up. 

Hi from Downstate. 

You were probably thinking, “yeah, I’m nuts enough to do that!”  And indeed you are.  Many of us have come from backgrounds of overweight and undertrained. 

If you haven’t visited the Athena/Clydesdale Forum and seen this, take a look and I hope you are both inspired and that some of your reservations are dismissed.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=83930&start=1

Happy Training and welcome to BT.

Edit: If you use the training log, then when you have questions it will be easier for the masses to take a peek and give intelligent reasonable input.

Every triathlete is at least a little bit nuts.  So welcome to the asylum!

You've already taken the biggest step.  Just saying to yourself, "I'm going to do a triathlon" takes a lot of guts (and the the aforementioned being a bit crazy).  I have no doubt you'll finish that tri.  From your post in Fleebs group, you sound totally motivated.  And when the training gets hard, and your feeling low, turn your mentor group or anyone on this site.  In fact, a guy in our group just doubled his longest swim after one month of working on it.  Just seeing that in his training log was the kick in the pants I needed to shed the holiday blahs and get back out there. 

We all want you cross the finish line, and we all know you will.  Just remember to have somebody take a pic of it, so we can high five you through the internet.

All the best!

well all of us crazy people want more crazy people joining us.. the whole numbers game if there are enough of us we must be normal..

I think everyone has that "what did I get myself into"  I've stared at the computer screen looking at the register button thinking "oh crap what did I just do!!"

 Like someone said go easy on the impact stuff, like running if your not used to it.  Just do a little each day and don't get down on your self when you have a bad day.. it happens to everyone.

Where are you in Chi Burbs?

My first Tri was last year in Lake in the Hills.

Advice. Start Slow and respect the distance.

Hi Kappie,

 You're amazing to commit to taking the challenge. You'll be astounded at the buzz that training gives you, and the incredible support and friendship people on this site can offer. It's amazing.

Be bold and approach your training with confidence and care, and you'll be great! Wave to me down here in New Zealand when you are training!

Good luck, and keep us all informed!

Jacqui