Tri-ing again

Hello everyone. My name is Paige and I live in Dallas, TX. I am about to turn 32 years old. I trained in the spring of 2003 for the Capital of Texas Triathlon in Austin that took place last May, however I injured my back just one month before the event and was unable to do it. I was very upset, but many people have told me that it's very common for people to injure themselves when training for something for the first time. So, here I go again. My goal is to actually get to do the Capital of Texas Tri in May 2004. This time, I started the training process earlier (actually I just started 2 weeks ago) and slower. I now know just how very important strengthening exercises are as well as stretching, stretching, and more stretching. I also know that it's very helpful to have a training partner. So, if there is anyone out there in the Dallas area who is interested in helping me train, I'd certainly appreciate the company. Last year, I did the training through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program. This year, I'm on my own. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Good luck to everyone on their individual events and God bless.