Newbie From Columbus, OH

Hey all!

My name is Matt Woerman, and I am a 23 year-old grad student in Columbus, Ohio. I'm originally from Topeka, KS, and I spent five years of undergrad in Manhattan, KS (I saw there were saw Jayhawks on here, but I'll try to keep it friendly).

Back in high school I was a three-sport athlete, so I had to stay quite fit throughout most of the year. During college, however, I slowly put on weight until I finally got up to about 250 lbs - I'm 6' tall. Over the last couple of years I have managed to get back down to about 205 lbs and now feel much better and healthier. But I've gotten to the point where I want to work toward something other than just my own weight and health goals, so I figured triathlons would be a great way to continue to motivate myself and have a goal to work toward.

I normally ride my bike to commute to campus at least four days a week, which is about a three mile ride, and I try to run at least three miles three or more days a week, so I feel all right about my abilities in those areas. I have never been much of a swimmer though, so I am pretty worried about becoming proficient in the water.

If anyone has any advice or comments on training or any triathlons for beginners in the Columbus, OH or northeast KS areas, please let me know. Thanks!

Matt