paint, you should definately check out the Muskoka Triathlon in Huntsville, Ontario in mid-June. (Just how far north are you?) The course is beautiful, with sprint (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) as well as long (2km swim, 55km bike, 15km run.) The sprint distance is always great for trying tris, and this race is a great one for introducing yourself to the tri culture. Since the Long course is a qualifier to several Ironman events, and has a good purse for pros, the town gets a triathlon buzz for the weekend.
Subaru is the main event sponser, and their series is very well organized. Check out trisportcanada.com
I did the sprint there last summer, and enjoyed it very much. (It was my first sprint distance.) Next summer the Long course there will be my "A" Race.
I'm sure you will get the triathlon bug with your first race, but this particular one has an atmosphere that guarantees it!

For run training check out www.halhigdon.com He has different training programs for various distances of running, with novice, intermediate, and advanced types of plans.