Done my first last year and have since completed a few, from Super sprint to Standard and planning on bigger ones again next year! Welll worth it and training depends on what level you are for each of the compentencies and whether you plan on a Pool or Open Water; I went for the latter!

Advice is to talk to people at your local Tri club; you don't have to join, look on ebay / gumtree etc for equipment, you really don't need all the gear, nor the most expensive, as people who witnessed my first race will testify! Balance the training on a weekly basis, with perhaps extra emphasis on your weakest competency, and remember that it is quality of training, not quanitity.

There are also loads of really good websites out there for advice and tips on how to train for your first, both long term training and what to be prepared for during your first etc. Get as much information as you can and use what you find is useful... the training, the planning, the anticipation is as much the fun as the race itself!

Dan

has anyone done or are thinking of starting triathlon training, i would be interested to know how you started and how you got your gear together.

Thanks

Ian