Happy new year to you all

Welcome to BT! 

Getting started depends on your fitness.  I'm in the 40's also and started this summer.  Check out the training programs on this site.  If you haven't done much for awhile, one of the "couch to ????" programs would be good.  I would reading one of the basic books out there; "swim, bike, run" is a good one.  Start slow and work your way into longer times and distances.  Don't compare yourself to others, but instead monitor your own improvement.  Log your training activity; it will help you stay motivated.  Now is a good time to begin getting ready for the Spring Tri's.  Good luck and keep us posted!

Shawn pretty much nailed it.

Congrats on entering to obsession healthy life-style.

This is from a very popular thread on the site.  I'll bump it so you and others can read it this new year.  "The Newbie Bumpable Thread"

Advice for the newbie:

1. I just started training for my first triathlon. What’s the most important equipment?

Triathlon is a sport of longevity. Don’t concern yourself with an expensive bike just yet; a mountain or any road bike will suffice. However, make sure you are comfortable (if you begin noticing knee pain, it’s most likely your bike fit or lack of running fitness). After your first race, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what you may need. My number one advice for a first triathlon is to follow a proper schedule (many are listed on this site). Also, remember that triathlon is a sport of balance. Don’t overdo any one sport in particular.

Please note that if you do not own a heart rate monitor, this should be your most important purchase. If you don’t own one or cannot afford one, use your breathing as a guide (rule of thumb: the crux of your training will/should take place at a pace in which you can carry on a conversation).

2. What should my diet be?

This is a very difficult question and is unique to each individual. There is wealth of information out there concerning this one specific question. A few sites that I use are:

www.coachgordo.com
www.cruciblefitness.com
www.d3multisport.com
www.coachkp.com
www.fitness-concepts.com
www.slowtwitch.com

Every individual is unique. Many prefer carbs derived solely from fruits and vegetables and only use starches (oatmeal, pasta, potatoes) in recovery. A great rule of thumb according to Gordo Byrn is to do the majority of your grocery shopping in the fresh produce/meats section.

3. I’ve been training for awhile and I don’t seem to be losing weight.

Don’t worry, others experience the same thing. Although it is certainly frustrating, please note that body weight is not an accurate indicator of fat loss. You’ll need to have a body fat pinch test to truly determine weight loss (don’t forget body muscle is heavier then fat also). Embrace how far you’ve come, how wonderful you feel after your workouts, the rest will fall into place.

Personally, I found great success with 6 smaller sized meals per day (3 small meals and 3 protein shakes) in combination with weightlifting. I actually did the Body for Life program and made my HUGEST gains here in weight reduction/increased muscle mass. I did this during the off-season. Please note that I leaned out immediately after the program as I was not able to lift accordingly to the program. Women also should partake in a light weight-lifting/conditioning program also.

4. Do I need all of the “aero” stuff for the sport?

No, you don’t. I’ve gotten my butt handed to me by older men riding old school 10 speeds wearing what resemble hockey helmets. Don’t forget, triathlon is a blue-collar sport; you MUST put the work in to reap the benefits. If you view old Ironman World Championship videos, notice how clunky their bikes looked. As Lance said, “It’s not about the bike.”

However, those in the sport love new gadgets. Will they make a material difference in their speed?-most likely only marginally. Again, worry about a hrm initially.

5. I get intimidated at triathlon events. Everyone looks so scary.

Before a race, I personally don’t like to talk. I like to focus on visualization. However, after the race, I love talking shop with other triathletes and checking out their bikes. I’m a firm believer in answering questions for newbies and love asking those that have more experience then I do for tips, etcs. You’ll find that if you approach people (the vast majority IMO), they will respond with a smile.

6. I don’t understand terminology in the sport.

Neither did anyone else here, initially. If you’re REALLY into the sport, I highly recommend immersing yourself in any and everything triathlon related. It’s similar to total immersion in language, you’ll subconsciously denote specific terms and correlate them in the context that they are being used.

7. I suck at swimming, can I still be involved in the sport?

Yes! As I’m sure Rich Strauss can attest to (Rich I believe is a former D3 swimmer-he also has great swimming resources on his site), swimming takes time to develop. It is the most technically attuned discipline. I suggest contacting your local Master’s swim club on private lessons for beginners. You will find that if you make the investment in time and effort into swimming, it will pay dividends. Triathlon is a sport of balance. Many triathletes fail to work on their swimming, thereby negating their fast bike and run splits by losing enormous time in the swim.

8. I would like to purchase a good bike, what should I buy?

The million dollar question. I recommend going to your local bike/triathlon shop and speaking to someone who is capable of capturing your needs in height/measurements/goals and parlaying that into a proper fit. A proper fit is ESSENTIAL! Don’t spend $2k and forgo a $50 professional fit. You’ll be surprised how a proper fit can maximize comfort and power in your pedal strokes.

9. Can I drink alcohol?

That’s an individual question. Only YOU know your body. I stay away from alcohol at least one month out from my peak race as I become bloated from it. However, you have triathletes such as professional Ironman Wisconsin Champion Nicole Deboom who have a beer or a glass of wine a day.

This is all I can think of at the moment, please take advantage of this site and ask questions. You have a wide-array of individuals ranging from working moms and dads, Ironman finishers (including exceptional athletes such as Steve who is racing to find a cure for his wife’s disease).