New to BT and a bit lost as to how to train with BT

I have a bronze membership because I have a coach but wanted the full log capabilities so that I can track what I do in here.  I strongly recommend that for everyone, since the guys who run this site need some amount of support to keep up the good work that they do.

If you want access to all the training plans and a human you can ask questions, I believe the gold membership is the best deal in town.  For less than what a coach costs in a month you have full access to detailed training plans and can post questions in a special forum that Mike Ricci will answer.  That was invaluable for me last year. 

There are dozens of different training plans here.  If you have specific days that you can do specific workouts, or if you train better with a group than on your own, I would say to look at those plans for guidelines (periodization, etc) and then work with your groups.  Ask your tri club for recommendations.  If, however, your schedule is more open and you are willing to do some of the workouts on your own, then pick a race to shoot for and an appropriate training plan and start working that way.

The advantage of a training plan as opposed to just going for rides is that you will build more fitness with a coherent plan.  However if you are more likely to do a long ride with a group, then by all means do the group rides.  It's more important to do it than to not do it. 

One last thing - don't let yourself get overwhelmed.  There is a LOT of information here, and much of it won't make sense or be useful to you for a while. 

Welcome and good luck with your training!

yep, what they said.  When I joined I was rather inundated by how much info was on this site.  Just by hanging out on the boards, reading posts and asking questions, you will gain a TON of knowledge.

As for plans.  It sounds like you have a pretty solid training stradegy.  The difference between the plans is the level of coaching.  Bronze, silver and gold all have the same features in terms of logging workouts and tracking nutrition.  What is different is that the silver and gold members have more detailed training plans open to them and the gold members have a special message board where they can get individual feedback from coaches.  If you have a set training plan and are happy with it, then the bronze should do everything you are looking for.  You can even set up your workout schedule in the training log, so you can see what you are supposed to be doing that day as well as compare actual to planned.

So I would take a look at the silver/gold plans and see if you like them better then what you are currently doing. 

With your background, you could skip the "couch to..." program and concentrate on either the "20 Week Sprint - Run Focused" training plan or the "16 Week Sprint - Run Forcused" program.  They are located at this BT page: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/index.asp?catid=28

As as many questions as come to mind no matter how trivial you might deem them.  Every bit of information you gather is more fuel for your triathlon quest.

I wouldn't worry about being last.  My first tri is the same weekend, and there's sure to be someone like me out there behind you.  I can swim a 500 in about 14 minutes, bike 12 miles in about 45, and do the 5k in about 45.   I know I'm not going to win, and I may well be last.  But I am going to finish.

 As far as training with BT, the forums are an invaluable resource, and more than anything, logging what you do keeps you accountable.

Hi Sharon-

Welcome to BT!  This site is a great resource and you can learn a lot just by spending some time reading through the various threads.  Scan through the first few pages of threads on the "Triathlon Talk" forum and I'm sure you'll find others asking questions that you may have.  You can get a lot of answers just by following the other threads.  We're a very open and friendly community here...no question is stupid so don't worry, ask anything.  We all started as complete newbies at one point and personally, I don't have a lot of respect for anyone that acts like they weren't once in your shoes feeling overwhelmed and even a bit intimidated by all the information.  There are several certified triathlon coaches that frequent the forums and a lot of other folks who have a lot of experience but if you want access to that next level of advice and guidance I suggest you sign up for the Gold membership.  You get direct access to an elite level coach who will help you any training or racing questions you might have and also provides support for the training plans that you can load directly into your training log.

Good luck with your training!