Virgin Triathlete

Hi to all. Just like many others posting in this forum, I'm taking my first steps/strokes/pedals down the triathlon road. I've been inspired by a recent triathlon in the Burlington, NC area to get myself back into shape. I've got a wife and 3 kids who are very active and are inspiring me to lose a few pounds I've picked up over the last couple of years and to improve my diet. A lot of people in my workplace are training for the marathon in Washington which is further fueling my interest. I'm not totally out of shape - I've been doing laps throughout the summer as time permits, but lack the endurance.

I'm thinking for a short term goal of simply being able to complete a sprint tri in one of the early tri's in 2005. My long term goal is to complete competitively in the Mission Man Tri.

I've been doing a lot of research on the beginner triathlete website and have snatched a few training plans and selected one that I liked. I'm starting with the 3x balanced program for sprints. If anyone has had good or bad experiences with this program fire me a reply or a PM.

After 2 run sessions, I'm good and sore - but in a good way. Lots of stretching etc, and I can't wait to start my organized swim and bike session this evening at the Y.

Good luck to all the other starting athletes out there!