Beginner's concerns

no idea on #1,

#2, use body glide or sport shield or something similar.  will work wonders

As far as the "can't breathe when running", I second Lazy's advice of checking in with a doc on that one.

Chafing - body glide does WONDERS for spots where you think you might have issues.  (Tris or just running.) I've had noticecable chafing happen twice, and basically in spots where I didn't throw down some BG ahead of time.  Both times, it was an area about the size of a dime.  The rest of my arms/legs where I did get all the BG on - no problems whatsoever.

Get checked out by a doc on the breathing.  Beyond that, maybe some yoga or breathing exercises to get controlled, deep breaths and some positive visualization about a great run (it's usually the swim people need this for). 

I've never tried body glide, but you can also try stick anti-persperant (try it for a training run) for chafing prevention. 

x5 or whatever...see a doctor for the breathing. 

Chafing, I agree that body glide works well.  I understand that you're new and don't have all the uber fancy tri apparel.  For my first tri I just wore my regular one piece bathing suit with a pair of normal spandex over it for the swim, bike, and run.  The spandex covering your upper thighs should prevent chafing.  

If you are large chested, it is probably worth the investment to get a good sports bra and a tri top that you can wear over top, along with a pair of tri shorts like someone suggested. 

#1...  SLOW DOWN !!!   If the breathing problem was something like asthma it would affect you on the bike (and swim) also.  My guess is you are going out the door and taking off running too fast.   Start with a 5 minute brisk walk to warm up then start a slow jog, building your speed up slowly.  If you start to feel that "throat closing" feeling   slow down, or even walk for a minute to get your breathing under control.  Build up your running time and speed slowly.

#2... what the others said... body glide and some tri shorts.

I can't address any medical problems, but I can say that learning just the tiniest bit of yoga helped me breathe so much better during my run and my bike - but mostly my run.  BT has discontinued this series, but this was my first introduction to yoga and it's helped so much.  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1314  If you want more yoga, check out www.yogatoday.com.

My problems were definitely not as bad as yours, but I couldn't run 50 feet without wanting to drop, mostly from being out of breath.  I just ran my longest run yesterday: 2.5 miles.  I still can't believe it. 

Some other people suggested slowing down and I definitely agree with that.  Just when you think you've slowed down enough, slow down some more.  I also agree that Couch to 5K program would be a tremendous boon to your training.

Best of luck to you and welcome to BT.

- Lora

1) As above, see a doc.  Also make sure your shoulders are relaxed while you run.  Holding shoulders tight restricts the chest.  And make sure arms are swinging front-back, and not across the body. 

One way to help monitor if you're relaxed is to run with a small stick, pine cone, rock, or similar in your hands.  Hold it in your fist, but with only your pinkie - keep the rest of your fingers loose.  It will feel weird, but you will notice right away if you start to tense up or lose form.  I actually run with E3 grips which do the same thing.  They felt weird at first, but I have difficulty running without them now.

2) Tri shorts.  Mid-thigh or so are long enough to prevent chafing.

I concur on the visit to the doctor.  After a couple of months of exercise with limited improvement in my breathing my doctor diagnosed exercise induced asthma compounded by allergies. I now take a daily claritin and use a preventative inhaler just before hard workouts.  For easier workouts now I just carry it with me just in case I get an attack but it's getting better.  And I really notice it if I don't take my claritin.  

For chaffing I agree, use body glide or invest in some tri shorts. Right now is a great time to get them as it's the end of season and lots of sales.  And, while they don't have any padding Target is now selling running skirts with build in shorts underneath which might work for you as well.