Alright here is my new plan. I will be at the Chicago Marathon in a few months, but my new goal is to start training for a half ironman in July 2006. What should I do come late October after my marathon for preseason training and 18 weeks out from the half ironman? Does anyone know of any good training routines - such as Hal Higdons marathon training? Also how important is it to have a triathlon bike? Am I going to get laughed at with my specialized road bike with a set of aero bars on it? Thanks!