Hi MelanieTris

Are you in WA? I think you picked a wonderful goal and it'll both help you with weight loss and in having fun. It also sounds like you have it pretty well planned out. My only bit of advice is to not wait until the last minute with the swimming My first tri was last year and I figured "oh, I can swim and it's only 1/2 mile...". HUGE mistake! Also, practice some open water swimming when the weather permits. While the run is only a 5k in a sprint tri, THAT is a whole other beastie also. There is a new and special pain that presents itself when you run in a tri. Do some practice "bricks" which is riding then immediately running after.

The Danskin and the Subaru, which is in Sept, are both very supportive. You will see people in all stages of shape. You just go in as prepared as you can be and remember to have fun! Many people are on older, heavy bikes and also many people walk the run portion.

Nice to meet you