This 18-week plan is specially designed for this year's NYC Triathlon for a first- or second-year triathlete. Besides the basic triathlon equipment (goggles, bike, running shoes) you are encouraged to rent a wetsuit from a triathlon or swimming store. It should be reserved at least 8 weeks before race day to insure availability. Other than health confirmed by your physician and a strong desire to finish the race, there are no prerequisites for starting this training plan. The weekly training progresses gradually from 3 to about 6 hours per week. After following this plan for a minimum of 12 weeks, on race day you will be able to swim 1500 meters in the Hudson River, bike 40 kilometers (25 miles) on a rolling course along the Henry Hudson Parkway, and run 10km (6.2 miles) through Central Park. Based on Joe Friels 25 years of coaching experience and his best-selling book Your First Triathlon, the plan is written in every day language and easy to follow.