Training Opportunities

Wow!!  I can't believe it's almost May!  Now that the weather is getting better, I hope everyone is getting outside for some training!  I've been out on my bike several times and am loving it!

We have some great training opportunities coming up at the North Area Family YMCA for anyone interested in getting outside and getting fit for whatever race you have coming up.

Beginning Tuesday, May 18, we are going to offering a 9:30 a.m. outdoor ride and run brick every Tuesday and Thursday morning.  I will be leading the ride, and it is for all levels.  We will be working on things like shifting, starting and stopping, using clip-in pedals if you have them, and all sorts of fun stuff like that.  In order to participate in the ride, you must have your own bike (doesn't matter what kind) and a helmet.  You will not be permitted to ride without a helmet.  The bike will be followed by a quick transition and outdoor run.  This is a great opportunity to get your legs used to that bike/run transition that you feel in any triathlon!

I realize that there are many of you who work during the day, so I am also working to get some evening and/or weekend bricks in place as well, both at North and Downtown.

Don't forget about the Transition Seminar this Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the North Area Family YMCA.  Please bring the following to participate:  helmet, bike shoes, running shoes, socks, race belt (if you have one), hat, and a small towel.

In addition to what we are offering at the North and Downtown YMCA's, there are a lot of training opportunities in the community that are either free or very low cost!

You might want to check out the Women On Wheels rides that Syracuse Bike is offering.  Trish Dugan is leading a no-drop beginners ride on Thursdays.  It is for beginner riders, and is mostly instructional in nature.  In addition, there will be Saturday rides for women who have a bit more experience.  Click here for the schedule, or email Trish Dugan at trish@syracusebicyle.com.


Another training opportunity that has begun is the Tuesday Night Time Trial/Brick Run co-sponsored by the Onondaga Cycling Club and the CNY Triathlon Club.  This is a 10 mile time trial on the bike followed by a 4 mile brick run.  You can come once without being a member of either club, but after that must join to participate.  Click here for information, time and directions for the Tuesday Night Time Trial/Brick Run. 


And last but not least, the CNY Triathlon Club Jamesville Beach Training Series is set to start on  May 12 with a duathlon (run/bike/run).  Membership to CNY Tri is only $25 for the entire season, so well worth it.  Come June, they have a mini-triathlon every Wednesday, and that is great time to get your feet wet, literally, and build some great confidence.  Click here and then click "Activities/Events" and then "Jamesville Beach Series" for information about the Jamesville Beach Wednesday Night Training Series.


As always, if you have any questions, please shoot me an email.


Happy Training!!

What do I need for my 1st triathlon?

It was so good to see so many of you at the gear seminar a couple of weeks ago.  For those of you who weren't able to come, below I have listed the gear you need for your first triathlon.  If you have any questions about any of this stuff, please leave a comment or shoot me an email.

What do I need for my race?

Apparel
Tri shorts - Like bike shorts with a smaller pad that dries quickly.  These are a must!
Top - I use a workout top made from a tech material that has a shelf bra.

Swim
Goggles
Swim Cap (one is usually provided)
Wetsuit (not required)
Ear plugs/nose clip (if needed)

Bike
Bicycle (tri, road, hybrid, mountain)
Helmet
Bike Shoes/Running Shoes
Socks (if needed)
Sunglasses
Water Bottle and Holder
Run
Running Shoes/Socks
Visor/Hat
Race Belt (Not required, but you must wear your race number during the run)

Transitions
Towel
Extra Water Bottle to rinse sand off your feet after the run
Energy Gel
Watch
Sunscreen
Body Glide (to help avoid chafing)
I.D. (you will need this to get your race packet)

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming seminars:
 
Nutrition:  Race Day Fueling, Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m.
 
Triathlon:  Practicing Transitions, Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
 
These are at the North Area Family YMCA and registration is required.  The sessions are free for members and $15 for non-members.