New and a bit terrified

Hello out there.

I admit, I have been a lurker for some time now, even posted a few questions. But the training is coming along and so I thought it was about time I introduce myself.

I am in Maryland, near Annapolis. Swam on the local swim team as a kid, so feel ok about that sport... except.... I did an Open Water Swim Clinic this past weekend and walked away a bit freaked out. Not by my ability, I think I am a strong swimmer, but by all the other swimmers condensed in one goal - to get there and back before me! Even if that means swimming over me! I got kicked several times, and really found I preferred to swim wide out than try to learn to draft and get trampled. Any advice on how to overcome this virtual claustrophobia would be appreciated

I am certainly not much of a biker - I have a tendency to just fall over! Let's just say I have a while to go before I even consider clipless pedals. Confidence on the bike is certainly something I need to continue to work on.

I was running for about the last year, but found I was getting lots of shin pain, so that's how I ended up here - read a lot about crosstraining and figured, hey, if I can swim, bike, and run, that sounds like a beginner triathlete! I think I can get fit enough, but for me gaining the mental toughness is the hardest part.

So here I am. I love this website and the forums and all the great advice I am getting from some of you that are obviously NOT beginners

Good luck to everyone in all their goals and adventures! Maybe I will see you out there!