 Hiya, wondered if anyone could suggest a good "first time triathlon event" to try. Bearing in mind that this is just an "idea" at this stage as I really don't know if it is something I am capable of doing. I would like to do a wholly "off road" event, i.e. MTB and XC type running if that is possible and, obviously, not a long distance event for the first time. Swimming will need a lot of work as it's not something I do very often (or very well for that matter). Come to think of it, I don't do MTBing or running very well either (is this sounding like a bad idea?). It's more of a personal challenge thing really and hopefully a bit of fun. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
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I used to work with a couple of girls that did triathlons regularly, and iron man competitions. I know they used to say that the transition phases were the hardest as you obviously use different muscles for each discipline and cramp can be a big problem! So it is vital that you train for the transitions as well. One of them was really into it and would have a huge training plan where she would run for 2 hours in the mornings and then cycle for the same or longer in the evenings when there was a big event looming, plus diet plans and yoga etc. Loads of stuff I wouldn't even think of! That's about all I know really- strange though as I had a similar thought not so long ago, I run fairly regularly at the gym but get bored after about half an hour, and swimming I am pretty naff at as I don't like having my face in the water! So maybe not after all.....
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 Suzibear a good website is www.tri247.com as they list pretty much everything you need to know. There are women's only events usually sponsored by TIMEX. Alternatively look to complete a "try a tri" event. Good luck !
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Thanks for the info both. Will check out the website Dude and see what the possibilities are. Must say "try a tri" sounds the sort of thing I was looking for.
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 Suzibear - I had exactly the same thoughts as yourself have always fancied doing a triathlon as a personal challenge. I don't think the triathlon will happen for me as I hate the thought of the transition from swiming to anything else. Some of my friends and me have done a local Duathlon and I'm doing another one this weekend. I think that is a really good way to start. The HTN one is this weekend ! Maybe a bit too soon eh ! But Coedy Brennin have one in October and Glentress also do them, all Duathlons. Off road Dua/Tri are hard to find, I know I've looked !! Duathlon
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Ooh the CYB duathlon looks interesting. May be up for that myself...
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 I'm doing my first ever triathlon this weekend... I think I'm ready for it! I picked up a mate's road bike last night, now I have until Sunday to learn to ride it. The bars are ridiculously narrow, the tyres are like rubber bands, the gears are strange... and I thought I could ride a bike!  If there are any off road triathlons about, I'd definitely give one a go.
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I quite fancy the CYB one, went yesterday and the trails have been redone in a lot of places. The route that they are using for the Duathlon is some of the good bits of the old Red Bull trail.
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I wasn't quite sorted out for this year's Xterra, that would be a good objective for next year! The CYB Duathlon sounds good too - the only problem is that there's no swimming... I like swimming... I need a Swim-Bike duathlon...
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what about adventure racing? most of them are off road and you can do some solo if you'd prefer? There's also the 19 durty offroad tri in the scottish borders (in june every year) The Loch Lomond tri (this weekend) is off road... or the ben nevis triathlon (swimming in loch linnie, mountain biking and running up and down ben nevis. Not something I'll be doing soon, possibly intended for mentalists)
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wow, that Ben Nevis triathlon looks seriously hard core!! Don't think I'll be entering that in a rush...
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Maybe we could have a Shecycles duathlon at CYB 
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If there's no swimming I'm out of the equation cos I can't run ..... except for last orders at the bar hehehe Alternatively check out www.ukmtbtri.co.uk or www.the-multisport.org for off road tri events
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Good luck with your triathlon this weekend Anu, you'll have to let us know all about it. Where is it and what distances are involved? Had a look a the Xterra website julbags but it sounds a bit too "serious" for me at the moment. If there was something similar but as a fun event with shorter distances, that would be perfect. Biathlon at CYB sounds interesting and gives a bit of time to get some training in. Thanks for the info All.
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I'm doing one in Chichester (starts 6 miles from my house). It's 600m in the pool, 42k bike and 10k run. Swim and bike will be fine (as long as I don't crash on that dodgy road bike), the run is going to make me wonder what on earth made me decide to do this??!!
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That's not far in the pool is it? Thought it would be longer. Would still take me about an hour though as I am a really slow swimmer! I reckon the CYB thing is the way to go, may need a weekend there training on the bike beforehand 
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 There is a "sport" event of 750m swim, 15K bike and 5K run - doesn't sound too bad, though obviously not a walk in the park ? Though it wouldn't matter how short the swim was as I am rubbish at swimming, don't think doggy paddle would cut it in a lake.
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A weekend "training" at CYB would be good - let me know when you're going Miss G, may be able to join you if you fancy some company. Would beer be allowed if it's a "training weekend"? What/where is there info on the "sport" event julbags. Is this a specific event or a class that is included at most events? Those distances are getting a bit closer to what I had in mind.
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Hold on, will find the page.... http://www.xterra.uk.com/ Scroll down a bit, its just under the description of the 10K run for the longer event.
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