Well, I'm a swimmer AND a water polo player, so I don't mind those mass starts. I have a few skills
As far as swimming goes - I do masters once a week, play polo once a week and swim on my own once a week. (I'm also training for a polo tournament in June, so that sport takes precedence right now.) For running, I try to do it once or twice a week, but it's usually at the gym (childcare!). I've been spinning once or twice a week, too. Thing is, I've got 3 small kids, AND I'm a part-time grad student, so I seek balance and really can't afford to focus my attention on one single thing.
My goals aren't lofty. Somewhere between finish and win my age group.
I have lots of resources, including a good friend who's a pro triathlete and a friend who is a pro cyclist (he's the one building my bike). He's going to take me out on a ride when the bike's done and show me a few things.
I must confess I'm a bit sheepish about doing this triathlon thing at all. In college, we swimmers used to mock them for their fanatical devotion and single-mindedness. So I'm doing it, but I refuse to be hard-core about it... kind of a love/hate thing you could say.
Thanks all, for your very informative responses. Now I just can't wait to get on my BIKE!