Hello All and Happy New Year!

Welcome! 

(thinking of the Lifetime Ftiness in July)...Right now, I would consider myself an OK runner, sub-par biker and tragic swimmer. I've run a few marathons in the past

Too funny!  Looks like we come from similar backgrounds, although I grew up biking lots.  Did 2 marathons before I even considered a tri, I swam like a boat anchor (could barely swim 1 length) and was terrified of open water.  If you're essentially a 'non-swimmer', check out http://www.totalimmersion.net/, great for 'beginners', not as helpful to experienced swimmers.

You've come to the right place.  Folks on this site, ESPECIALLY the MN crew are very helpful/supportive.  Check out this site for the training plans.  There's several free plans to get you started.

Hello there, and welcome! It's great to have another Minnesotan among us! There are all kinds of us here to answer any q's you have. What part of MN are you in, if you don't mind my asking?

Have you checked out the training plans on this site yet? They are good and there are several beginner options. Best of luck to you!

I belong to the Minnesota Triathlon Club, www.mntriclub.com. I'm not a super active member, but it's worth the $25 in my opinion. They have organized rides, runs, and swims, and are actually offering a couple of Dave Cameron swim clinics soon. I have been to the group open water swims (in Lac Lavon in Burnsville) before, and all ability levels are represented. It's an excellent way to get some open water swimming experience before a race if needed.

I haven't been to one of their sponsored rides, but from what I understand, they also have all ability levels and make sure that no one gets stranded by having an out and back course. I keep meaning to try one, but just haven't.

Not too familiar with the New Hope crowd, or if there's one (I live south of the river, workout in Edina, and work in Golden Valley), but you can do a search for users in the area (US, Minnesota).  There's several active bloggers in the area (St. Louis Park, Maple Grove).

It's pretty common for beginner programs to base training on time vs. distance.  They do that with beginner programs on the Runner's World site (www.runnersworld.com).  Upgrading to silver membership will allow you to download detailed training plans (not a paid endorsement! ).  Each day has a specific workout and goals. 

I agree with the previous comments about Lifetime.  Check out Autumn's famous polls to get a list of favorite MN races: winter/spring, spring/summer.

In regards to Total Immersion (TI), there are 2 guys in my running/tri group who were able to get TI lessons right at Lifetime Fitness.  I'll ask them about it...

I'm one of the friendly Minnesotans in Maple Grove and I happen to swim in New Hope.  I can tell you a little about the LTF Masters group in Plymouth from my observations, if you're interested.  I am in a Masters group right now that is largely uncoached - so what we really are is a (small) group of people who swim in the pool at the same time, with roughly the same workout, and encourage one another.  Let me know if you want more info.

This year I am dedicating myself to mostly smaller races.  I have found over the last two years that I like them best.  Haven't done Lifetime, but I do have some small race recommendations if you need some!