Newbie frm Cleveland, OH

The best way to stay focused is to set a S.M.A.R.T. goal. I'd suggest you register for a Triathlon and train to copmlete it.

Sample S.M.A.R.T. Goal:
SPECIFIC - Complete a Triathlon
MEASURABLE - Finish the event (I wouldn't worry about a time goal just yet)
ATTAINABLE - Pick a even you can finish - Sprint or Super-sprint make good first races
REALISTIC - Something local and won't cost you an arm-and-a-leg
TIMELY - Before the end of the season

Then set a traiing plan. Don't forget to have some milestones- i.e.
Swim 200m by July 15, 400m by Aug 15
Bike 10km in 30min by July 15, 10km in 25 min by Aug 1, 15km in 35min bu Aug 15.
Run: 2.5km in 15min bu July 15, 5km in 30min   by Aug 1, 5km in 27.5min by Aug 15...

etc.

Good Luck

Thank you very much for the S.M.A.R.T. idea. I will be using that to start me on track. I am pretty excited but also nervous about it.

one thing I have found helpful here in C-bus is to find other local BTers.  We do open water swims occasionally and some people pair up for long bike rides. 

This (BT) is a great place to get started.  I'm up in Cleveland occasionally (as my parents live there) and love running/biking around the lake/metroparks. 

Good luck to you!!!