total newbie here

Hey!  Welcome to BT where Planters (PF) is not an issue, it is a way of life for many of us.  You are among friends! 

Welcome to BT!

I'd say your an advanced beginner! Your a runner, taking swim lessons, and are biking already. Some people come here totally new with little to no experience in anything (not a bad thing either). Keep up the good work and remember to have fun.

Andy,

Thanks everyone,

I feel so wecome.  I have never done a tri.  It has always fascinated me though.  The swim is what scared me the most.  I couldn't even put my face in the water 2 weeks ago, and today I swam 450 meters.  Now I got water in my nose at one point, and had to switch to back stroke at one point, but I feel I am making progress.  My kick is really deep and compromises the streamline position, but the instructor had me use both fins for a lap or two and then a pull buoy? for a lap to get my legs up.  As far as bike goes I am riding a hybrid not a road bike (yet).  I have never in my life used clipless pedals.  This "race" I am doing this weekend will be my first, and I will purposely get in the back of the pack.  I will not be so comfortable in a tightknit group.  Also the people that have done this before will totally run off and leave me, so I will just focus on finishing as strong as possible.  This is all exciting and I am just really looking forward to doing this tri next spring.

 jami