What was your biggest problem when you first started tri?

My OH really didnt train too much for his sub 3's - speed seems to come easy for him, and he is happy just to do one marathon a year - with a few weeks training before it and only sporadic runs fo rthe rest of the  year.  He doesnt see running as "a lifestyle", just something to do when he feels like it.  For me being active is my lifestyle - i guess we'll have to figure out some sort of compromise...

Alcohol for me.... I enjoy going out too much at weekends!!

Though actualy not having a car was, and still is, a massive problem for me. Often cannot get to even local races which is why I only tend to do 2/3 per year!

great thread guys, started my 12 week training plan for my first sprint tri this week and really excited about it! Having group swimming lessons so front crawl improving (starting from zero with it really!) although struggling with breathing still.

I'm on hybrid bike, but its nearer a mountain bike really and really need to get a road bike asap! The plan is to go to a bike shop, pick one i like, then try and get it on ebay or the like!

Been running for a few years with 2 marathons and a 2hr 3min half under my belt, so comfortable with the running!

I have a fairly supportive hubby, although he does think i'm a bit nuts......

Golden Boots wrote (see)

Alcohol for me.... I enjoy going out too much at weekends!!

Though actualy not having a car was, and still is, a massive problem for me. Often cannot get to even local races which is why I only tend to do 2/3 per year!

If you spent less on alcohol you could hire a car

interesting thread.

rubbish windmill style crawl, rubbish breathing, 25m absolute max and a big swimming pool allergy were/are my problems. Love swimming open water, great not having to worry about an allergic reaction. In a month my swimming has improved in group technique lessons. Just done my first sprint tri but resorted to breaststroke. I won't give up though. This time next year..........

well done to those who only took 4/5 lessons to crack it though

Like many others, swimming was my problem - not that I could not swim, more that my stroke was total rubbish. 4 years on and training with our tri club 3 times a week I have improved a great deal but will still never be a fast swimmer. However, I have discovered a love of OW swimming and long distance events, did a 6km two weeks ago and OH swam a 12km race for the 3rd time. Keep at it and you WILL improve. And remember, the swim is by far the shortest bit of any triathlon. The longer the event, the less percentage the swim is of the total distance.