New Philly Triathlete - my intro

Just joined today, and have been all over this wonderful site, mostly gathering info and finding answers to the laundry list of questions that seem to have occupied my brain. Good thing my boss is on vacation.

Anyhow, my name is John, I am 27and I live in Philadelphia. I have played soccer for over 20 years, culminating on the Division 1 level but injuries ended any aspirations for a pro career. In an effort to get back in shape and lose weight, I got into running almost 10 months ago. I have dropped from a stocky 220 down a fit 175. (I am 6'1" in case anyone was wondering) I enjoy competing in races but am by no means competitive. I basically enjoy racing against myself. I have run everything from a 5K to marathons, having just completed my 2nd sub 4hour marathon in the past 5 months. (Note to self: never train through the winter again, unless it'd for Boston)

I recently met a pro triathlete (friend of a friend) at a party and he has convinced me to give it a tri. I am in the 1st week of my training and loving it. Not exactly sure what race or races I am going to enter but it will be a sprint distance.

I have quickly realized how $ this sport is, but no complaints here.

The one thing Mike - the pro told me was that I was going to meet a lot of extra-ordinary people in this sport. And I already have ...from the guy who fit me for a wet-suit and then told me where I could get it cheaper, to the bike store owner who is allowing me to use one of their demo tri-bikes for my first race ...to this awesome site ...everything has amazed me and I am very thankful to be joining this community.

As I said, I have a ton of questions, but I will post them in the appropriate place.

Thanks again ...hope you enjoyed my profile ...John