Slowly but Surely

Ok....let's take another stab at this....

That rule of thumb really won't work.  How many calories you should eat is totally based on your fitness level, weight, lifestyle, etc....and has to be tailored to you.  I had my resting heart rate tested so I could find out how many calories I burn just by being alive, and working my computer job.  That number for me is 1708 per day.  If I wanted to stay at the weight I am right now, I would need to eat that each day, plus any additional calories I burn while working out.  For that I use my Heart Rate Monitor.  You program it with F or M, your weight, and your height, and with your HR it can pretty closely estimate how many calories you are burning.  When I want to lose weight, I only eat 80% of what I burn each day.  Polar makes great HR monitors.  There are many out there.  Make sure you find one that is water resistant. 

You only need a Tri wetsuit if you plan on doing OWS races that will be cold enough for one.  So what are your plans for your upcoming races? What is your time line? Are you going to start with some sprints that are in pools?  (Just don't try to swim in the scuba wet suit)!

I don't have a garmin.  When I get done with a run, I go to google pedometer and click out my run on the map/satellite image and determine the distance that way.  For a bike, usually a cheap $20 bike computer will do to track distance and speed. 

If you want a used bike, I would keep watching Craigs List and the BT classifieds.  It would be good to know what size frame you need, so going to a bike shop first to find that out would be a good place to start.

Once you are on a bike, yes....bike shorts will be your best friend.  Also, if you spend money on nothing else, you need to make sure your running shoes are properly fitted by a REAL running store.  If you mess up your feet/legs/knees because you are wearing the wrong shoes you are totally out of the game, so just suck it up and get good, quality shoes that address your specific needs. Again...a real running store can help.  Runners Den, Sole Sports, Road Runner, etc..... (Not Sports Authority)!!!!!

Ok...that's all I have time to peck out. 

I am also a newbie and looking to do my first race.  I have read a ton of the posts on this site and took the advise of many.  The HRM is a key tool IMO.  I spent a ton of time researching the different bike options (LBS, craig's list, ebay, etc.)  I found that I was a little timid buying used that I knew nothing about.  I went to a few different shops by me in the SE valley.  A couple were run by kids that didn't inspire a ton of confidence, and their prices were crazy.  I spent some time with Steve at Bikes Direct in Gilbert (Gilbert and SanTan 202).  He was great.  Talked a lot about my needs, fit a few different types, and NEVER tried to push a sale.  I went to a couple others and came back to him.  Looking at the idea of buying new online, or new from a shop was my decision.  When you consider the price of the bike, the cost to ship, and the service costs, it was an easy choice.  These guys were very competitive, no shipping fees, AND lifetime service.  I am very happy and would recommend them to anyone.  I spent a little more than I intended at the start.  I was going to go low end.  My wife of all people talked me into spending a little more now, so I won't need to do this all again in a couple years.  For shoes, I had no idea that there was a difference.  I hate to run.  I have plantar faciatis, and constant outer shin pain.  I read on here about a foot strike analysis.  I went to Sole Source off Warner and Rural.  In a matter of 15 minutes, they had me put on a good pair of new shoes, and ran on the treadmill for 15 seconds.  She runs the video to show how bad I over pronate (I learned what that means while I was there) and that was most likely the cause of my problems.  We tried on a few pairs that were suited to my needs, got back on the tread for a video again...amazing, it was all correct now.  Best $100 and 15 minutes I ever spent.

 Hope this gives you a little confidence and insight from another newbie.

 Scott

My $.02

Don't rush out and buy everything you think you need...take it slow.

Get a bike...any bike will do..then ride it and ride it some more...and get a helmet

x2 on going to Runner's Den (et al) and getting them to analyze your stride and recommend a shoe. Once you know what you like, then you can re-purchase wherever. Also, get a Headsweats hat/visor.

Swim...pretty simple here...get in the pool...take a lesson if you need

As far as initial gear to get - - Go to Target and get a Timex Ironman watch. Next, I'd go for a bike computer. You'll understand your speed and cadence better if you can see it.

Once you get going, you'll start to fiure out what you want and you'll be able to test gear (bikes, wetsuits, etc).  Take your time on the big purchases because...well, they're big purchases (unless you have a lot of cash  - - and it's easy to spend a lot on this sport).

I agree with the general consensus that you'd probably do well by getting inexpensive gear that works/fits well to start off with.

So many people go out and buy the fancy GPS gadgets, top of the line bikes, wetsuits, etc. and then end up with expensive toys hanging around the house because they didn't stick with the sport very long.

The simple $20 bike computer,  inexpensive Polar HRM (Upgraded from a Timex sports watch like Fitz suggested), and a middle-of-the-road bike have served me very well. I'm not going to get any faster by upgrading any of the gear I have.  

X2 with what Tanya said about using the HRM to help determine the amt of calories you burn and taking in 80% less for losing weight. 

Have fun!

I agree with just about everything everyone else said (I think).

In particular Fitzy's comment about taking it slow on the purchases.  It's real easy to spend way too much in this sport (believe me I've done it).  My thinking on the first bike purchase is to either buy a cheap (say $300) used road bike.  If you're going to go new get something mid range look for 105 or preferably ultegra components.  The cheap used option allows you to get into the sport until you figure out if you like it and also you will figure out what sort of bike you want.  The advantage to the new bike is mostly in the advice and fit from the bike shop.  I don't recommend the bottom of the line in new bikes because if you stay in the sport you'll want to upgrade and either way the depreciation on the lower end bikes seems worse when/if you decide to sell.

 The wet suit is certainly not necessary for many tris because of water temp.  The real advantage is the flotation both from a confidence and speed standpoint.  Many local shops have a rental program that you can try for your first race and if you decide to buy most of them will let you apply your rental toward the purchase price.

My opinion is that the calories burned calculators on the gym cycles, treadmills, etc. are pretty bogus on an absolute scale.  I don't have any good advice on calories, nutrition, etc.  I just track my weight and adjust my eating/training accordingly.

I'm not dissing HR monitors (I have 2).  But over the past few months I've just stopped using mine, and I don't miss it one bit.  My 2 cents is to either get some sort of water proof watch with say 50 lap timing ability or spring for the Garmin.

What they said.

One thing to add: I found the HR monitor very useful when I started out running. It taught me to slow way down! I wouldn't be running anymore without that lesson. I'd be one of those people who say they "hate" running. (They all run too fast.)

Dave, you track your calories/weight??? Now, there's a way to waste time! Just eat more!