Perhaps you fantasize about crossing that storied finish line at Ironman Hawaii on Alii Drive. Well, what once might have been considered a strange dream is now the goal of thousands who are thinking about doing their first triathlon. With the booming growth of Ironman races and the spectacular introduction of triathlon to the Olympics, our sport has grown in leaps and bounds -- especially in North America. Today, there are more people training for and competing in triathlon than ever before.

But from the outset, it is important that you relish the experience. Triathlon is a lifestyle - as much a social gathering as it is a race, and for the first time you should treat it as such. Don't place unrealistic expectations on yourself. The following are some basic suggestions that will help you put your first few races under your belt with as few surprises as possible - except for how well you are going to do.

Choose your weapon Where do you want to test the multisport waters? This can be at a local race, or you may want to jump into a national event such as Mrs.T's in Chicago. Just make sure that it is something that excites and motivates you. Look for an appropriate race, but don't tarry - many of the popular events are filling up very quickly. But that said, be sure to pick a race at least three months away so that you have time to prepare.

Get the hook-up Drag a friend/partner/relative into it with you, or get a coach. There are some good reasons for this. Training with someone is more fun and more inspiring. On those mornings that your pillow is calling you back to bed, the knowledge that someone is waiting for you will help get you rolling. Alternatively, working with a coach can help keep you motivated while offering you guidance through your first season.

Hit the books If you are going to invest your time into preparing for a triathlon, you might as well do it right. Spend a day or two tracking down some triathlon resources. A great way to begin training for triathlon is to read one of the many triathlon-training books on the market such as Joe Friel's "The Triathlete's Training Bible." Everything from setting up a basic training plan, goal setting, types of training and guidelines for purchasing tri-related equipment to ways of getting motivated are included in these books. Another useful source of information is the Internet. There are entire chat groups and Web sites dedicated to triathlon, and many coaching services can be found on-line.

Finding facilities While running can be done outdoors almost year-round (dress appropriately), biking can get tougher as the temperature drops and the snow builds. But most communities have at least one pool, and many gyms offer spin classes, which work well in lieu of outdoor riding. The local "Y" is often a good, inexpensive choice, but depending on your schedule and budget there will be other options. Pick a facility that motivates you to go, taking all factors into consideration; even if a gym has state of the art machines, if you have to fight traffic after work to get there, you may end up avoiding the place.

Train smart You've taken the hardest step - the first one. You've decided to begin training, but don't train in vain: More doesn't equal better. Having a program to follow will help you maintain your motivation, get you to workouts and develop your burgeoning talent. Use the research you gathered to help you develop a program and avoid common mistakes. One common mistake that triathletes make when starting out is training their strength. Nobody is equally strong in all three disciplines of triathlon, so focus more on your weakness so that you become a well-rounded triathlete. For example, if you are a weaker swimmer, try to hit the pool three times a week, and bike and run twice a week.

Progression Make sure that your training is moving forward at an appropriate pace. Ensure that you are not doing the same schedule week after week with the same workouts. You need to increase the speed, intensity or duration of your workouts or else you will plateau. Likewise, be careful not to increase your distance or intensity too much at a time. A safe rate of increase is no more that 10 percent a week. In your training plan, build in a day or two of complete rest (from training that is) each week, and an easier recovery week every third or fourth week of your training cycle.

Getting the gear As with almost every sport, you are going to have to procure some equipment. You don't need to rush out and buy these things; in fact I recommend against that. Wait until you have done one or two events to decide what you really need. The basics you will need to beg, borrow or steal are:

1. Running shoes
2. Bike (any type will do as long as its safe and in good mechanical condition)
3. Bike helmet (CPSC or CSA approved)
4. Swimsuit
5. Goggles
6. Wetsuit (if required)

In addition, there is a multitude of other goodies that will assist you in training and racing. A couple of little hints to make life easier are:

1. A floor bike pump (to pump up your tires)
2. Wind/Magnetic/Fluid/CompuTrainer (allows for indoor riding - think fancy stationary bike)
3. Cycling shorts and jersey
4. Elastic laces (so you don't have to tie your shoes in transition)
5. Sunglasses (they will not only make you look cool, but protect your eyes from the sun, bugs and little rocks that shoot up during a ride)

Eating You wouldn't drive your car without gas and oil in it - and you don't put low-octane gasoline in a Ferrari. Your body is no different, but it is fuelled by high-quality carbohydrates and protein. Try going for a long ride without taking some food, and you will find out what PowerBar means when they say "Don't Bonk!" "Bonking" is an athlete's term for the feeling you encounter when your body runs out of carbohydrates. You become disoriented and extremely fatigued. Eating properly one to two hours before workouts will help to prevent this from occurring. Taking energy supplements on longer training sessions will also aid in preventing bonking. Finally, after finishing a workout there is a 20-minute window in which your body can optimally use carbohydrate and some protein to help recover from the workout and get you feeling ready for the next session. So always bring a snack and a water bottle in your gym bag.

If you follow the guidelines above, you should find your first season to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. But above all, remember that the best advice is to have fun with it.