New Guy in VA with tons of questions

Welcome to BT!

I did my first tri on a hybrid.  You will see hybrids and MTB at your first race.  Yes, they are heavier and therefore a bit slower.....but they are fine for first races. What is your target race?

If you're in the Richmond area head to Performance Bike.  Don't know of the shops in NoVA or the western part of the state. There's a Conte's in the Williamsburg area that has a good rep too.

Head to a pool and get swimming!  Do you have a decent swim background?  If you're in the RIchmond area there's lots of opportunity for open water practice with RTC.  You need to be a tri club member to attend the sessions though.

Thanks for the quick response! I am planning on getting in the pool for the first time tomorrow...wish me luck!

Depending on how training goes, I am looking to do either the "Tri the Valley" (Swim 300 yards, Bike 10 Miles, Run 3 Miles) or "Patriots Sprint Triathlon"  (Swim 750 Meters, Bike 12.4 Miles, Run 3.1 Miles). Both are on September 11, 2011.

I went into Revolution Cycle in Arlington yesterday and got measured (20") however I am really looking to buy used. $600+ for a decent new bike just does not fit in the budget right now. I have been poking around on craigslist and found a few Trek 7300's, have you heard anything good or bad about them?

Thanks again for your help!

Trek makes a good bike, if you can find one that fits you size wise and the budget go for it!

Patriot is a good race, did it a couple of times, they used to have an Oly distance which got canned in the past year.

I am rehabbing some stubborn gastrocs injuries from last season and hoping to be able to do Patriots this year as my only tri.

As a craptastic swimmer, I wish you luck!  It's hard to learn how to swim properly as an adult!

Whats the general consensus on this baby?

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/2427521654.html

I did Patriot last year and loved it.  I plan on doing it again this year.  My only advise is if you aren't comfortable with open water start with the pool swim triathlon.  My first was a pool and I worked up to the open water.

Got in the pool for the first time today, it was discouraging at first but after I worked out breathing and form I really enjoyed it. 

I was wondering how the transition to open water would be, I may take your advice and do a pool swim, for my first one at least (even though I was secretly looking forward to renting a wet suit)

I am going to the Courthouse Flea Market on Saturday and checking out the bikes they have there. At this point, I want to go used because $700 will not fly.

I will let the group know what I get, maybe even post a pic. Thanks for the advice and keep it coming!

Andrew

Pool swims are good for first races.....but the TT start is a drag.  If you are honest reporting your predicted time and it's a slower estimate you will be waiting over an hour while the fast swimmers go off......it gets old.  Seriously, I stopped pool swim events cause I got so discouraged waiting for my swim start and the fast folks were back and enjoying the post race festivities before I even got in the water.

If you have no open water fears or issues the Patriot race is a great for first timers course.  Swim is in the river (okay, that's kind of nasty), bike has 1 hill that isn't so bad to make you want to curse it.....run is f-l-a-t as a pancake.

I think I am going to shoot to do the Patriot. Once I get my technique down I will make the transition to open water swimming. Also, bought a bike this weekend! Not sure the year, but it is a Trek 7500 Multitrack. I brought my buddy who is a serious biker along with me as my "mechanic" and he gave me the green light on it. Replaced the tubes and tires yesterday and took her out for about 8 miles of road and trail riding around Georgetown. I cant wait to start training with her. I would love to hear your thoughts...

I am developing a blog to document my journey.It should be up today and I will post pics through there. 

Thanks!

Thanks for all the encouragement. Check out my blog, it is in its early stages (a few hours old) but it has a pic of some of my gear and a little bit about me. Follow, comment, and enjoy!

http://mrhambone.tumblr.com/

Did you sign up for Patriot Sprint?  If my legs cooperate enough to rebuild my run that will be my comeback race this year.