So this is what I know about triathlons: they involve swimming, running and bicycling, and talking about it makes the few slow-twitch muscles I have ache.

Still, I'm intrigued by an event being billed as Maine's first all-women's triathlon. It's called Tri For A Cure, and it's a fundraiser for the Maine Cancer Foundation.

The race at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland is an abbreviated triathlon, or a “sprint” – a 1/3 mile swim, 12-mile bike and 3-mile run.

The event isn’t until Aug. 9, and the foundation hasn't even started its formal marketing campaign, but spots for this short-course, or "sprint," triathlon are filling up fast. More than 270 women already have registered to participate, leaving just 300 or so spaces.

Over the last two decades, women have become increasingly drawn to the challenge, says USA Triathlon, which reports that female membership has increased from 11 percent in the early 1990s to 29 percent in 2005.

But all-female triathlons aren't that commonplace, and the ones out there usually have to do with raising money for a cause, said race organizer and triathlete Julie Marchese.

Marchese, whose first triathlon was the all-women’s Danskin event in Webster, Mass., recommends female-only races for first-timers.

The atmosphere is a lot warmer and more relaxed, says Marchese. Lots of high-fiving going on.

“In a regular race, people are trying to win and trying to place in their division, and it’s much more goal-oriented,” Marchese said.

But hard-core competitors don’t have to stay away, Marchese adds. Just bring your novice friends along with you.

"I think triathlons are not as difficult as everyone assumes," encourages Martha Deprez, who has already signed up. "That makes it nice because you get a lot of credit for doing something that is possible."

You can sign up on-line here.

Registration is $75 or if you want to do a relay with two or three of your friends, it’s $50 a person.

Go ahead, jump!

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