New to Triathlon living in UK

Hi Emma, and welcome to BT.  You will find this site to be inspirational and supportive.  I've been on BT for a while and I'm always amazed at how helpful everyone is.

Don't be afraid to train and race.  There is a lot to learn but it is something you can definitely do.  I'm considerably older than you and I only started exercising - Yikes! - four years ago.  Yesterday, I found myself cycling up a local mountain and on the way up I was passed by a 78 yr old Brit expat that was out for a 100km ride.  After my 3:30 ride I got off the bike and ran for a short while.  I'm not bragging but I didn't start any of this until I was in my 60's.  You just need to get some good advice and have fun - but keep at it.

On BT I recommend you join a mentor group for beginners when they start the next groups (you could also look for an open group now).  I also recommend you read race reports to learn and be inspired.  Especially, if you can find reports for races in your area but I find all reports interesting.  Away from BT it is good to talk to local people that are involved and also to volunteer to help out at Triathlons to further your learning and make like-minded acquaintances.  Maybe in the future you'll travel somewhere just to race in a tri somewhere.  The single best thing I did after joining BT was to meet a fellow to train with.  Much easier to get out and do workouts with someone else to help you.

I also recommend checking out Triathlon books at your local library and picking a training plan on BT to get you started.  Above all, have fun and never worry about things being too hard.  You can do it.

Awesome advice and welcome!

My additional recommendation would be to go volunteer at a triathlon.  When you see the variety of people who go out and race it won't seem so impossible. It's okay to think, 'well, if that person can do it, i can do it'

And if you need any more inspiration look up Sister Madonna Buder.  Really amazing and if an 85-year old nun can do it ... doesn't leave much excuse for the rest of us! ha!

Anyway, best of luck!