Conflicted

i think this is what your wife suggested last night...

I think that sounds like a great plan!

I encourage you to do whatever you can.  I also warn you that once you get into serious training for the longer events, your weight loss will come to a grinding halt, and your appetite will increase significantly.  Don't mean to discourage just to make sure your not surprised.  

Once you run a 10-miler or half you'll have a better feel for how your body will respond to running.

Good luck, but don't lose focus on the important things in life.
Rob

I posted a reply to your wife on the band board. I can totally see and related to the both of you.
Your wife cares for you and wants to see you healthy. The fear of being unhealthy (injury or whatever) is at the fore front. I totally get it.

I can also, relate to someone that "did their time" in an obese body. I was limited physically and emotionally. The saying...being imprisoned in your own body, is a good description. You have been given a pardon and you've in visioned the freedom for soooo long! You want to scream and shout and show just how much you love the freedom!! I get it!!

I'm training for a marathon and it has brought so many blessing to my journey. It is something I have to do. I don't think there is much that would stop me at this point.

I do think you have to be super smart though. I think anyone training for a marathon has to go into the process thinking on their toes. It is super important to care for yourself and take it slow.
You have to listen to your body. I wish you the very best! Play it smart with your training and it will be a win win for both the goal and your marriage. Best wishes!!!

So put off the marathon until you have done the other events.  Put it near the end of the list

do a 5k, sprint triathlon, 10k, olympic distance triathlon, 1/2 marathon, 70.3 triathlon, then throw in your marathon or a 140.6 triathlon.

Work your way up to it, give yourself some time to get healthy and strong.

As for the Tri the only big cost is the bike, but I have seen people do it on beater street or even mountain bikes.  I know 2 local bike stores that rent bikes, even high end triathlon bikes.

Shoes - you need em to run too - no extra cost.
cycling shoes - only if you get some type of clipless pedals - possible extra cost
Helmet - save the brain - mandatory don't even think about it.  Plus most races require it.
sunglasses - not required, but a bug in the eye on the bike at 20 mph hurts
wetsuit - how cold is the water where you will be swimming - may not need it
Bike - beg, borrow, steal.... er rent, or buy (used - craigslist- local bike store - online store- yard sale)  Also check local bike club.  Someone may have an old model they are selling or upgrading.
www.performancebike.com  or www.bikesdirect.com Also REI.com has a warehouse sale online for a lot of their last years equipment.  Sure you can spend thousands on a bike, but that is a lot of money for something that you might not even like.  An entry level bike may be the way to go.

Check e-bay and craigs list for these items, I bought a lot of my tri clothing and wetsuit online and saved a lot of money.  Also it's coming up to the end of the year so they are closing things out for the new year.

Scott

If your heart is healthy, your bloodwork fine, your weight solid, and you have trained properly, I have NO CLUE why your doctor would not "Clear you" for running. Sounds absurb with his reasoning. "More prone to injury" Anyone who does ANYTHING is more prone to injury than someone who does NOTHING. I like my odds of living running a marathon, versus dying wishing I had. My 2 cents...