Which event would you do?

We have raced in Ottawa at "The Canadian" sprint a couple years ago as well as volunteered at the "Thousand Islands" sprint. While I can't offer you specific advice on which race to do I would probably pick the earliest one if you are capable of finishing the distance. That way, when you realize how much fun they are you can still register and race in the other one!

The RD of the TI sprint is a great person and puts on a nice event. Brockville is a pretty nice place but Ottawa is also. Tough choice my friend!

And yes, 8-10 weeks should be plenty of time if you are consistent. It would be best if you could find someone to help you out with the swim training leading up to the race as well. Don't want to waste time learning bad habits in the water. Might not be a bad idea to get at least one practice open water swim in closer to race day as well.

Michael

I can't help you with advice on the Thousand Islands Tri, but I did do the National Capital Sprint last year as my first triathlon.  It was a well  organized event, and I enjoyed it very much.  The bike leg along Colonel By is very flat, with a slight downhill at the start to help get you up to speed - overall a very fast course.  The run through Vincent Massey Park is very pleasant with only one small hill on the course.  The swim - well, it is Mooney's Bay.  The water is not the cleanest, but it is a nice sandy start and they had the weeds completely cleared for the race.

As for the swimming - I did the race on only 16 weeks practice.  Get someone to help you with your stroke (there are many options in town) and get at it.  You will be amazed how quickly you can work up to 500 m.  I couldn't do more than two laps without a breather when I started.  I was not the first out of the water, but the benefit of that is passing lots of people on the bike leg .

If you don't already know about it, subscribe to the daily email at www.trirudy.com.  This is a great resource for local triathletes and  will give you a few options for swimming instruction (technosport, b-train, nepean masters, etc...)

David