I wouldnt do time trials on a treadmill. While I fullyunderstand the limitations of the northern weather, on a treadmill, your time is limited to the speed of the machine and how much you choose to play with the knobs. Out on the road, there's no machine to keep your pace, it's just you and everything you've got. That's a time trial.

Sounds like a good time and with the proper training should only get better. Make sure you are not doing to much to early. As those half ironmans role around you don't want to burn out. The three important phases of training are BASE, HILLS, and SPEED. Your body really goes through a lot of wear and tear in the speed phase. It is recommened that a max. of eight weeks be spent in phase three (speed). This prevents injury. Usually speed is directly followed by the race. Most triathletes are in the base phase right now. This isn't to say that some speed work isn't helpful right now ...just make sure it is used in moderation. Hope this is helpful if you already know it all ...sorry.

Good luck this summer!!

The treadmill can help develop your pacing - getting good foot turn over. Outside the conditions can vary - even when using the same route due to wind etc. which affect your times from one time trial to the next. That being said, times are generally faster on the treadmill. I believe that a 1 degree incline is required to more closly simulate outdoor running.