To Tri, or not to try

So I'm torn. Most of you know that I am training for my first marathon, which is a mere 23 days away. I have realized that I really enjoy running, but maybe not 26.2 miles....that just might kill me! But I'm going to do it, and I'm just going to go out there and do the best I can. But on August 11th there is a local triathlon that is being put on by the rec center that I use 5 days a week. This is an important triathlon for me because I really wanted to do it last year, both Bridget and I really considered it. But we ultimately decided that we were not in good enough shape to finish the triathlon with a respectable time. Well, now I am in shape and would like to compare the results to the other 2 triathlons I have done this summer to see if there is improvement. So the trouble is....I am supposed to run 12 miles that day as part of my marathon training and after buying our camper we are super tight on money, there is a $30 entry fee.

Next summer I plan to focus on shorter running races, but mostly triathlons. I would like to step it up and try some longer distance triathlons, most of which are outside in nearby lakes and require wetsuits. I am not sure I'll do another marathon, we'll have to see what happens with this one first.