training in a 10 month (phase) plan

I am 34, 80 pounds over weight and a smoker(I have just been informed that I need to quit now rather then later, so this is a main focus atm). I have just started on this, as in the last week. Let me stress though, even being over weight I eat right (down almost 30 pounds without exercise) and I am not yet suffering from any weight related health issues.

My goal is to be able to run with my husband, who is in uber good shape, in the evenings. My ultimate goal is to complete an Ironman.

I want to run 2 miles in 13 minutes with him next spring but people are telling me that is off the charts fast, so I am rethinking that.

I also want to do a 1/2 marathon next summer and possibly a full one.

My biggest problem is I don't know what time frame I should be looking at. I have found people telling me that if I could do the swimming portion I could actually compete in a triathlon next year!

Anyway, there it is in a nutshell.

OK.  First off, congrats on the 30lbs you have already lost!  Good luck with taking off even more and dropping the smokes.  My guess is if you are successful in that, you will be very happy regardless of whether you are running 2 miles in 13 minutes with your husband (that's not "off the charts" fast, but it is moving at a decent clip).

Second, I assume you have the docs OK (or more likely encouragement) to start an exercise program.

I would recommend starting with something like the Couch to 5K program here.  It's a very conservative program, but I think that will serve you well as you get going.  You could probably add biking to it much earlier than called for and might even be able to (cautiously) accelerate the running (check out the "aggressive" program here for other ideas).  Don't worry about "breaking a sweat" for now.  Just worry about getting yourself moving and starting to build a routine.  I can't stress that last part enough.  You want to build a routine that you can repeat week after week for a long time.  If you do that, everything else will (gradually) fall into place for you.  Also, I strongly suggest using the logs here as they are a way to help keep yourself accountable--and get others to help you do so.

If you are consistent, I think there is a very good chance you could successfully do a 1/2 marathon next summer.  I would recommend against doing a full one for at least another year after that (I think you want to be running consistently for at least a year before trying to launch into a marathon trianing program).

As far as a triathlon, as long as you do the above running and learn how to swim, then you should be able to at least do a sprint distance triathlon by next year without difficulty.  Again assuming the swim, this may actually be an "easier" goal than the half marathon.

Be patient and build slowly.  Especially with the running--this is true for anybody, but especially true for someone significantly overweight as running is the most likely sport to get you injured since it's load-bearing.

Good luck on your journey and welcome to BT!