ph: (559) 435-1482
Local Staff Contacts
Central California
340 W. Fallbrook Avenue, Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93711
Fresno, CA 93711
Triathlons
Team In Training's triathlon program offers the opportunity to take on the challenge of swimming, cycling, and running an Olympic-distance triathlon and make a difference in the lives of nearly one million Americans living with blood cancers.
Along with a customized-training program and expert coaching, participants will train with a local group of like-minded individuals for motivation and inspiration.
Upcoming Triathlons
Team In Training (TNT) is looking for triathletes for the events listed below.
Please note that participation in a TNT event is subject to the local availability of group training and transportation arrangements. Please consult the TNT staff at your local chapter for additional details.
The Bass Lake Triathlon
Bass Lake, California
Olympic distance Triathlon (Swim .9 mile/Bike 24.8 miles/Walk or Run 6.2 miles)
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Enjoy beautiful Bass Lake, voted by Sunset Magazine as one of California's Best Lakes, in the foothills of Central California, just 14 miles south of Yosemite. Cycle among the pines and run along the scenic shore of the lake.
Vineman Ironman 70.3
Guerneville, California
Half Ironman distance Triathlon (Swim 1.2 mile/Bike 56 miles/Walk or Run 13.1 miles)
July 15, 2012
The Ironman 70.3 Vineman Triathlon is held in Sonoma County, California (about one hour north of San Francisco). The point-to-point event begins at Johnson's Beach in Guerneville and takes entrants past hundreds of vineyards and dozens of wineries before it finishes up at Windsor High School in Windsor. The course is a tour of Sonoma County's beautiful wine country, passing through four different grape growing regions: the Russian River Region, the Dry Creek Valley, the Alexander Valley, and Chalk Hill.
South Maui Triathlon (TNT Flex)
Maui, Hawaii
Olympic distance Triathlon (Swim .9 mile/Bike 24.8 miles/Walk or Run 6.2 miles)
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Taking place on the island of Maui in beautiful Wailea, this very safe and beautiful Olympic Distance triathlon course is great for spectator viewing. The transition area will be housed on the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa grounds, overlooking the ocean. This amazing event is one you don?t want to miss.
The Training Schedule
The TNT triathlon program consists of a schedule of daily workouts that includes many team workouts with our professional triathlon coaches. Our training program focuses on enhancing participants' swimming, cycling and running endurance, agility and technique. Open water swims, transition workouts, strength training, injury prevention and nutrition are integral. This is a sample of what to expect on the training schedule:
- Coached team training during the week featuring biking, swimming, or running
- Coached team training on the weekend with combined sport workouts like swimming/biking, swimming/running, or biking/running
- Train on your own (or with other Team members) three to four days a week based on the training schedule
Based on this schedule over three months of training, team participants will be able to comfortably and confidently complete their triathlon event.
There are a few things that you can do between now and the official beginning of TNT training if you choose:
- Swim: You will need to find a swimming pool that is open to the public and has lap swimming hours. For help locating a pool near you contact your TNT staff person or Swim Coach. There are recreation centers, gyms and YMCA's throughout the area. For equipment you will need a swim suit and goggles. Team In Training will provide you with a swim cap by the first swim practice and a TNT wetsuit upon recommitment that is yours to keep.
- Bike: If you have a bike, but have not used it recently, please take it to your local bike shop to get a tune up and to make sure that it is working properly. You can do the triathlon on any type of bike (road, triathlon, hybrid, mountain), however you will learn that some bikes are more efficient for triathlons. If you do not have a bike, you may want to start researching the different types. We will be have a bike technique clinic at the beginning of the season to give you a lot of general cycle information. Our Friends of Team In Training include Steven's Bicycles and Tri-Sport.
- Run: For the "run" portion of the triathlon, you will need a good pair of running shoes. If you have a pair, but have not run in them in several months, you will need to purchase new shoes as they break down over time. We will be having a shoe clinic at the beginning of the season on running shoes and apparel at Sierra Running Co., and as a Friend of Team In Training they will offer you discounts on apparel and shoes.
Please Note:You do not need to purchase this equipment before the first group training session . There will be several clinics during the first few weeks of training. At these clinics, you will receive expert advice on shoes, clothes, and bike selection and equipment along with a discount on items that you purchase at our Friends of Team In Training. Friends of Team In Training offer discounts to TNT participants and advice on gear. You will receive information on our Friends of Team when you sign up for the program.
The Benefits:
- Comprehensive 13-week training program
- Seminars and clinics on equipment, technique, skills and nutrition
- Access to professional coach and team mentors
- Training with a team, as well as support and camaraderie
- Helping improve the quality of life of patients and their families and curing blood cancers
- Event entry fee, team singlet and wetsuit included
- Event weekend accommodations
- Event weekend Pasta party
- A fun and rewarding experience and friends you'll never forget
FAQs about Triathlons
Q: What sports make up a triathlon and what are the distances for each sport?
A: A triathlon is made up of three sports in one event: swimming, cycling and running and/or walking. The Central California Chapter offers four Olympic-distance triathlons, which consist of a .9-mile swim, a 25-mile bike and a 6.2-mile run. The chapter also recruits for a long course triathlon, which consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run.
Q: Do I have to have completed a triathlon or be a good swimmer to be on the team?
A: No. TNT works with a lot of beginners and has a flexible training program and capable coaches to help you with all three sports and the transitions between them during the event. TNT coaches are able to help you become a more efficient swimmer, and they are trained to coach triathletes. All of our Olympic distance triathlons are great for beginners as well as advanced triathletes. It is highly recommended that you have some triathlon experience before signing up to complete the Wildflower Long Course.
Q: Where and when are the trainings?
A: For Central CA participants, your team will plan to do bike and then brick (ride/run) workouts together on Saturday mornings. Pool space is available with all of our triathlon teams. The team swims together because many triathlon beginners are particularly concerned about the swim portion of the event. If you can?t make this practice, you will need to attend open swim times in your gym or other facility and get the workout from the coaches to do on your own. The training schedule will also offer group trainings for run. Each team runs its practice slightly different so feel free to talk with the staff or coaches for more details.
Q: Who are the coaches and what are their qualifications?
A: Our coaches are interviewed and hired to be your number-one training resource. They are all CPR and First Aid certified and have an extensive background in the sport of triathlon. They also attend a national certification program specifically for TNT coaches by acclaimed leaders in their chosen sport. Almost all are TNT alumni as well.
Q: Do I have to purchase all of the gear required for a triathlon?
A: As a nonprofit, we try to minimize expenses in order to spend as much as possible on the mission. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the participant to supply most of the equipment needed to complete the event. You will need a quality bike (hybrid and road bikes are the most common bikes used for these events), a helmet, and swimming and running gear. Depending on the event that you choose, TNT will purchase a wet suit or tri suit and event singlet for you, as well as offer you an opportunity to purchase a wet suit or tri suit for the event at a great rate. We have a network of Friends of TNT throughout the Chapter who offer TNT discounts to help lower your costs. The coaches are also available to discuss what you will need before you purchase any of the gear. You do not have to spend a lot to complete your event successfully and safely.
Q: Are there resources available to learn about bike maintenance?
A: There are many clinics offered for our triathlon teams, such clinics include shoe and apparel, how to fix a flat, injury prevention and nutrition, as well as race strategy to name a few. You are also welcome to discuss these topics with your coaches at any time.
Q: What happens if I can?t do all of the workouts on the schedule?
A: You want to aim to do as much of the schedule as you can; however, the training sessions are not mandatory. The people who have the best experience and are the most successful in our program are those who stick to the schedule as much as possible. If you miss a day here or there due to illness, injury or scheduling, don?t worry about it. Talk to your coaches?they will work with you to modify your training schedule.
Q: How do I get my bike to the event?
A: For three of the events, participants will drive to and from the event and will take their bikes with them. You will need a quality bike rack or should plan for a teammate to take your bike on theirs. For the Lavaman Triathlon in the spring, TNT will arrange for your bike transportation to and from the event. The bikes will be shipped, and you will pick your bike up when you arrive. This means that you will not have your bike for the week leading up to your event and the few days following it. When the ride is over, the bikes will be shipped back and you will pick you bike up at the LLS office.
Q: How do I stay motivated?
A: Attend group trainings so you can get to know your team and hold each other accountable to the training. Going through this experience with a team makes it more memorable and makes you accountable to others. And, don?t forget to think about your Honorees! They are blood cancer survivors or patients who will remind you why you are participating in TNT.
