Trifuel has a really good post about how to start your training if you've been off a while.

As an update, my back is feeling better, my calves are feeling better, I am controlling my intake better, and I have done one of each swim bike and walk/run in the last week. As "W" might say with squinting eyes, "better."

Here are a few good sites on triathlons and training if you are coming back to it or are a newbie: