I know this is a few days late. I've been kinda lurking for a little while. I'm mainly a cyclist, and decided in Feb to try a tri. There's a fitness company here is Sacramento,CA, Total Body Fitness, that does classes, called Learn to Tri. They're 6 weeks long and they teach you everything you need to get started. I hadn't run since high school and that's been over 30 years. And I'm not comfortable in the water, and wanted to use the class learn to swim and get over my water fear.

I started the class in March, and was able to finish the Baby Ice Breaker, 200yd swim, 6.5 mi ride, and 2 mi run. I learned to swim, sort of, and tried out a wetsuit, which totally threw my balance off in the water! It was really freaky, so that coupled with the cold water of Folsom Lake, and just being in open water, was mentally and physically exhausting to me. I was last getting out of the water, but I did it and was able to make up some time on the bike.

My goal was just to finish. I was hoping to get it done in 90 minutes, and my final time was 92. So I was really happy about that. My personal support team was there: partner, dog and friends. And a few of my classmates were waiting for me at the finish line too and that was really awesome. There were several times I said to myself, what the hell were you thinking!! But it was very gratifying to cross that finish line.

I wouldn't say I am hooked, but I did sign up for the rest of the 5 classes through Oct.....I took this week off, and will join the class on Monday with another swim in Folsom Lake. I do feel better in the water, but I need to do alot of work to learn to relax and know I won't sink. I never learned to swim as a child, and now as an adult all my friends are into water things. I feel bad when I can't join them, and I know they do as well. I want to be able to snorkel and just play in the water. The class was totally worth it and am looking forward to learning more and have fun as well.

Posts here have helped me as well and given me some good info and insight. I haven't decided if I'm doing the Tri for Fun in June or volunteering for it. It really will depend on my swimming.