I started running Triathlons last year. See my thread
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/751245-today-i-set-goal.html
This didn't take place until late in the summer. But I did get in two 5K's before my triathlon, a 5K after and a triathlon after.
I have four triathlons set up for this year so far. The first is June 8th. Which starts from a Ferry.
I'm sure I'll do a few 5K's. Looking at a half marathon also.
To: sc_rufctr, Peter- I was 48 when I decided to give the triathlons a tri. Get a check up from your doc make sure you can physically do it. Start slow. When I started I ran until I was tired. Not exhausted just breathing heavy. I would walk until I got my breath back. Then I would run some more/walk. It took about two weeks before I could run a mile non stop. After that it was setting distance goals. I also used P90X. Ab work out, stretching, core to get my gut down and strengthen my mid section.