I was wondering if there were relay triathlons. I'm a strong rider and swimmer but too heavy for lengthy runs. I've been considering a sprint tri (my first one) but the training would conflict with at lease one multi-day charity ride I'm doing in September. I really like the cross training aspect of tris but don't want to burn myself out. I feel that my conditioning would be adequate for the biking part and I wouldn't risk fatiquing myself if I only had to concentrate on that aspect of an event. Do they have events where a team of 2 or 3 compete in a relay-type race?

Both of the triathlons I have done have had a relay division. It can be all male, all female, or co-ed. I dont know about having one person do two events and another just one but you could ask. Most triathlons in general I Think have a relay division. So get your tri team setup and get ready to race!

I saw a 300 pound man finish the Philadelphia Marathon last fall. He wasn't running fast by any means, but he did finish before my two skinny female friends. 3 miles (usually the length of the run in sprint tri's) is nothing. Running can be extremely discouraging when you start out (I couldn't even run 1 mile when I first started), but it is really rewarding once you start noticing the weight dropping off and the runs becoming easier and longer.

Lots of Tri's have relay divisions. I have participated in a few of them now. It's a great way to get involved if you can't do one or more of the disciplines. I originally did a relay tri a few years ago when my wife who was planning like I to compete in the individual category ended up damaging her knee. Instead of me doing the individual and her not being able to partake at all we got a third person to run for us while I did the bike and my wife who is a ranked swimmer filled the gap. Not only did we have a lot of fun be we ended up winning the relay category.

I hate running so we continue to do relays sometimes just so I don't have to run all the time.

Every tri I've ever been in has had a relay division. And they've all had Clydesdale/Athena divisions too for heavier competitors. Either way, Tri it! You'll like it!

Team Tris are the best. You have a that feeling of I can't let the team down.They are working hard for you and I'm going to work hard for them.It just makes me push more and more.