photo credit - Dan Hicok TNT Triathlon Program The TNT triathlon program is open to participants at all levels of cycling, swimming and running or walking experience from beginners to the most advanced.  Within each season, training schedules are created for each fitness level.

The Training Program
TNT triathlon coaches create a 4 - 5 month training program that prepares participants for a Sprint (.5 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run), Olympic (.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run) or Half Iron distance triathlon (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run).  Coaches work directly with participants at weekly training sessions and are also available throughout the week to answer training and fitness-related questions.  The triathlon training program focuses on enhancing participants' swimming, cycling, and running endurance, agility and technique.  Open water swims, transition workouts, strenth training, injury prevention and nutrition are integrated into the training, as well.  Additionally, a practice triathlon will be scheduled for each team before their event weekend.  A typical weekly schedule of training for the triathlon program consists of:

A coach-led Saturday morning training session of biking and/or runningWeekday captain-led training sessions of swimming, biking and/or runningA Tuesday morning coach-led swim practice at the Lab School in NW DC, as well as one additional coach-led swim option TBD in No. VAOne rest dayAdditional clinics on gear, stretching, injury prevention, nutrition, and more

The Coaches and Team Captains
TNT triathlon coaches are certified, qualified and dedicated individuals chosen for their experience, knowledge and devotion to the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  All have extensive coaching experience and have participated and competed in a number of athletic endeavors.  Each team will have 4 designated coaches - 2 for bike/run and 2 for swimming. If you have any training specific questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of this season's coaches, Caroline Holt (swim coach) at carolineholt@smith.alumnae.net or Christina Herold (bike/run coach) at trainerteen@gmail.com.

Each participant will also be matched to a team captain, a TNT alumni that has been through the triathlon program before.  These captains mentor and support the participants through the program. 

The Sports and Gear
Swim - You will need to find a swimming pool that is open to the public and offers lap swimming hours.  There are many recreation centers, gyms and YMCAs in the area that offer lap swimming.  Your coaches can help you locate a convenient and affordable pool option.  TNT will provide a swim cap to you, but you will need goggles and a swim suit.  You will receive a TNT wetsuit for your race.

Bike - If you have a bike, but have not used it recently, please bring it to a local bike shop for a tune-up and fitting.  You can complete the triathlon on any type of bike (mountain, hybrid, road or triathlon bike); however, you should be sure the bike is properly fit to your size.  If you do not have a bike, you should speak to your coaches about the options of borrowing, buying or renting a bike.  Also note that there will be an entire clinic focused on bike selection and maitenance.

Run - For the running portion of the event, you will need a pair of running shoes.  There will be a clinic geared toward purchasing running shoes and the proper fit, make, etc for each type of foot.

Please note - there will be clinics throughout the beginning of the season to help you chose and purchase any gear you need for training.  Also, our local "Friends" of TNT offer discounts and advice to TNT participants on purchases.  When you sign up for the program, you will receive a list of our local "Friends". 

The Races                 
St. Anthony's Triathlon - Olympic Distance  
St. Petersburg, FL - April, 2009
Recruitment begins in November, training begins in December

Capital of Texas Triathlon - Sprint or Olympic Distance   
Austin, TX - May, 2009
Recruitment begins in November, training begins in December

Gulf Coast Triathlon - Half-Ironman Distance
Panama City, FL - May, 2009 
Recruitment begins in November, training begins in December

Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon - Olympic Distance  
Philadelphia, PA - June, 2009
Recruitment begins in January, training begins in February

The Alumni Program
Are you a TNT Tri Alum who wants to stay in the loop and up to date with TNT and your fellow Tri Alumni? Join our TNT Tri Alumni Group!! Contact Kristen Avioli at kristen.avioli@lls.org  for more information.

Find Out More
Fill out our online  Tell Me More  form to find out more about the TNT triathlon program or feel free to email Kristen Avioli directly at Kristen.Avioli@lls.org for more information.