New to triathalon's

Hello all,

My name is Ian, I am 24 years old, and I am new to this site, as well as a newcomer to triathalons. But I am not a newcomer in athletics, I was a competetive swimmer from highschool thru college (freshman year), and then I was a member of my college's Crew team (rowing) for my remaining college years. I have been rowing ever since college, mostly in singles and doubles, competing in many sculling events such as the Head of the Charles and the Royal Canadian Henley.

I was first introduced to a Triathalon during the Sydney Olympics, when I saw it on television. I thought it looked quite challanging, but fun. I never thought I would give it a try untill now. WHen I was still swimming I used to compete in the 400 IM and 200 Breast. I have challanged myself, and I have tried to run several 5 and 10 K's here and there. But I have never competed in a bycicle race, though I do like to go Mountain Biking for fun every now and then, but that is mostly for recreation.

So far I would consider the run to be my weakest dicipline, mainly because I am 6' 4" 215 lbs, and I am not exactly light on my feet no matter how much I try.

My goal for the next year is to compete in a triathalon. Right now I am finishing up my fall rowing season, when exactly shoud I start training for a sprint level triathalon? Also as for equipment, currentley I just have a mountain bike, but I am looking to get a cheap road bike and modify it for a triathalon. I kind of went into shock when I saw what a triathalon bike went for.

But anyway, this looks like a cool site. I am excitied to compete in my first triathalon even though that is not till next year.