It's on! Just starting training for my 1st sprint tri.

After six years as a competitive dragon boater, I'm looking for a new challenge--so I've decided to train this year and do my first sprint triathlon in 2014 (the Philly TriRock in June). Yes, it's kind of a long lead time, but I want to make sure I'm ready to do it safely, particularly the run; my 41-year-old knees are shot from various sports over the years. I've done a few 5Ks in the past, but I'm super slow.

I'm really excited about getting started, but I'm terrified about the swim. Not the swimming itself, but being trampled during the swim. The only way to get over it is to just get out there, I suppose! If nothing else, I'll have material for a future book (I'm a novelist). Any suggestions for choosing a bike?