Mike's Tri Adventure

Dear Fellow Triathletes and Fitness Enthusiasts:


The response to our first notice about the upcoming training day here in Sudbury has been very positive - this event is definitely a go.

Below are the details and a FAQ to address the many questions you had

Date: Saturday, January 24th - THIS SATURDAY
Time: 9am-4:30pm (early arrival possible for those who want to ride longer)
Location: Laurentian University Athletic Centre (Ben Avery Building)
Cost: $50 per person ($6 discount available to OAT members)

Tentative Itinerary:
9:00am - Arrival, registration and bike setup meet at main lobby of Laurentian Athletic Centre
9:45am - Indoor Cycling Session including warmup, specific drills, triathlon specific main set and cool down/stretch
11:45am - Lunch and Triathlon Q&A with Coach Mike (bring your own lunch)
1:00pm - Run Technique Session on the new indoor track, including strength/flexibility exercises and games
3:00pm - Swim Technique Session with more games
4:30pm - Training Day ends

For more information, email coach Mike at mike@discomfortzone.com



Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. This event is on JANUARY 24, right?
Yes. Thanks to those of you who caught the typo in the subject line of the previous email (which said July). Obviously there was some dreams of summertime going on when that was written :)

2. Where exactly do we meet?
We will meet outside the Ken Banuk Lounge at the Laurentain Athletic Centre (Ben Avery Building). Best option is to park and bring your bikes in via the back entrance (take Athletic Building Road to the very end past the building and go up the hill on the left - gate should be open.

If you don't know where the building is, here is a map link (you can zoom in for more detail). http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2502701

3. Is this day appropriate for beginners or is it geared towards more experienced athletes?
Both. Although the event lasts all day, the technique focus of the sessions makes it physically achievable for athletes of a wide range of abilities and fitness levels. So long as you can swim 100m (4 lengths of a 25m pool) continuously, cycle for 30-40min at an easy pace on a stationary bike, and run or walk briskly for 20min (separately, not in a row) you will enjoy this experience. If you have injuries or other issues that limit you in one of the sports, there are other ways to be involved too.

For those looking for a significant training effect, there is an opportunity to do that as well, although the focus will still be on technique in all 3 sports (as it should be).

4. Do I need my own bicycle and trainer?
Yes. For those of you with bikes but no trainers, let uus know. No promises, but we might be able to arrange something.

5. Do I bring my own lunch?
Yes. I strongly recommend you bring a lunch as well as several small snacks to enjoy throughout the day. Eating small amounts through the day is the best way to enjoy a long training day, rather than having a large lunch and the resulting full belly. Sports drink also helps with this strategy. Unfortunately there are not any food options in the building outside of vending machines and the University cafeteria (hours unknown) is a 10min walk.

6. How do I register and pay?

Registration will take place from 9-9:30am on Saturday outside the Bahnuk Lounge. For your convenience, an electronic registration form is attached, as the the event waiver. Note that

For payment, we will accept cash and personal cheques made payable to The Discomfort Zone. The cost is $50 ($6 discount available to OAT members).

7. What does it mean to be an OAT member?
OAT is the Ontario Association of Triathletes, with whom this event is sanctioned. Some of you may be members already (if so, please bring your OAT card/number), others of you not. I highly recommend that anyone interested in participating in triathlon here in Ontario join OAT. In addition to voting rights and a great magazine, members enjoy discounts on all OAT events (including this one) and races (most races in Ontario). OAT also actively works to develop the sport province-wide, particularly in terms of youth participation and development and coaching education. For more information, visit www.triathlonontario.com.

8. I have specific triathlon training and racing questions - will there be a chance to ask them?
Yes. During the lunch break there will be an informal Q&A session with coach Mike. We can cover whatever you are interested in, but if you have a specific topic area you would like discussed, email me in advance. So far, topics of interest include

- How do I set goals and plan my season (what races to target, how to prepare, etc.)?
- What should I look for in a bicycle for training and racing?
- How can I fit my training most effectively around family, work and other "real world" obligations?

9. What should I bring?
Cycling gear (bike and trainer, comfortable cycling shorts, jersey and shoes, large towel for under the trainer, small towel for yourself, water/sports drink)
Running gear (running shoes and socks, running shorts and shirt (could use cycling clothes but a change might be nice)
Swimming gear (swim suit, cap and goggles)
Registration form including information on relevant medical conditions
Training fee

and...

A fun, positive attitude!

See you there!

Mike


--
Mike Coughlin
Coach/Mentor
The Discomfort Zone
'Where true potential is discovered'

mike@discomfortzone.com
www.discomfortzone.com