Rent your 1st bike if all possible. Why, if you get hooked, you probably under spent on your 1st bike as you didn't know what you wanted. If you don't get hooked, you probably over spent and now "stuck" with something you don't know how to get rid of with out taking a monetary beating. Once you're ready to buy a bike, go used. Either way, get to know your lbs by name. They'll help you find what's right for you and then when you're ready to move up, they'll be there to assist even more. To some extent, you can do similar when it comes to race wheels as more places are renting them. Last fall was able to rent a Zip 808 FC and Super 9 disc, brand new for $20. Ok, highly unlikely you will be able to match that, but $100-$150 vs $2500+

I'd say take up golf. It requires a lot less "practice", it's probably cheaper and you can drink beer while you do it.

Don't spend all your money on equipment....budget in the race fees. It's not like registering for a 10K.

Where are the sponsored snarkers? Do they take Wednesdays off from ST?

A whole day has gone by and this thread hasn't yet slashed the OP with lacerating sarcasm? What a stunning upset by the bright-eyed, earnest soldiers of Positivity.

I have had a TERRIBLE day, and it ends in bitter disappointment.

CarrieJesse, you must be really hot.

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What are you people, on dope?

—Mr. Hand

Learn to swim before you go.

Go find you wallet.
Take all your money out - throw it away.
Go for a nice, enjoyable run…….

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"Competetive sport begins where healthy sport ends"

To this effect, I would probably say don't get into it. Seriously.

I enjoy myself in the sport, but the sport generates a viscous cycle of n+1, with n standing for either equipment or performance. The n+1 cycle is inescapable as it is an inherent trait of competitive people - the type of people who get into triathlon in the first place.

It consumes your time, it drains your money, and you can realistically have "good enough" fitness by casual running and cycling.

Knowing what I know now… I would not have gotten into it.

You've been warned.

Since you seem frustrated, here she is via her website:

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

Dont read Slowtwitch

I totally disagree with most of what has been said in this thread. It's mostly accurate and may be good advice, but half of it would just drive people away. I'd say sign up for a local sprint a month or two away, borrow a bike (or ride the one you have), swim until you can swim twice the distance of the race without hanging on the wall, and go have fun. I would also tell them that even if they ride a mountain bike and walk half the run, they probably won't be last. Then I would tell them that if they enjoyed it, read the rest of this thread.

www.beginnertriathlete.com


Nothing against this website, use it too. Just saying, there's a lot of info for the beginner triathlete and the atmosphere is less intense.

Take up tennis.
triathlon will ruin your wallet, your relationship, your career and your body.
other than that it's awesome

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TriDork

"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"

...and ask your boss for a raise

In reality, borrow a bike or even buy a cheap bike from Walmart. Start swimming and learn how to be comfortable in open water. If you start to enjoy to sport, then dig deeper into your wallet.

Occupation: Multi Sport Coach and Personal Trainer
Why do you need to ask us?

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Find out what it is in life that you don't do well, then don't
do that thing.

I coach a lot of beginners who are scared of the swim. I asked out of curiosity; sometimes I feel like I have tunnel vision thinking that the swim is the most important thing to conquer when you're just starting tris.

I agree. I participated in tri's for 5 years as a relay participant - cyclist & team organizer. I was too afraid to get into the water till 2012. It is still the part that terrifies me the most and contributes the most to my family avoiding me the day before race day.

l I'd say the best advice for new non-previous-competitive-swimmer triathletes is learn to swim; echoing other posters above as well.

One need not pay to race into to be a triathlete.
Doing and finishing an Ironman or iron-distance race should not be the biggest accomplishment in ones life.
Do not make a long distance race your first paid triathlon, especially if you cannot swim or ride a bike.
Worry about yourself and do not compare yourself to others.
Do not get the best gear on the market just because others have it or there has been "talk" about it on Slowtwitch.
Always have fun and stop when burned out.
Do not talk about rates, times and watts to others. No one cares about that shit!

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DISH is how we do it.

This is a great one

Comming from someone who has been doing tri's since the 90's
I would say there is nothing more important then finding the right people for you to train with.
Try Tri. clubs, Master programs, different group rides and group runs, Look for compatibility.


Training partners should be close to your level or slightly better.
You should be able to relate to them (you will spend a lot of time together).
You should be able to count on them for consistently, living close to places you train helps.
If you do this right, the training will be enjoyable, this will get you out more to train harder.

I have life time friends from picking wisely and met my wife through these friends.
It is also awesome sharing race experiences with your training buddies.

Enjoy this amazing sport!