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2008-10-07 4:35 PM

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Champion
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Montague Gold Mines, Nova Scotia
Subject: Beginner Presentation

I am doing a presentation for people who may be interested in getting involved in the sport of triathlon and have between 30-45' to speak (and then a short question period).  I've got it mostly put together but for those of you who are new to the sport (and even those who are not), what would you like to see in this type of presentation?

Thanks, 

Shane



2008-10-07 5:35 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Champion
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Calgary
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
I would like to see:

-what equipment you NEED, perhaps emphasizing how it really is not that much;

-a rundown of transition, perhaps emphasizing how it really is not all that bad;

-how much training you need and a couple options on how structure it;

-a couple suggestions as to good well run races in the area;

-information on any clubs in the area; and, perhaps most importantly

- A DOOR PRIZE
2008-10-07 6:26 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Elite
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Alturas, California
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
I am sure you broke down the different distances, even my mother has no idea that a Triathlon isn't by definition an Full IM. Definately explain that there are a lot of folks who complete a Sprint tri or whatever for fun and they are not all competative about winning. That when asked what they did last weekend the answer "I did my first triathlon" is way better than, "I drank beer and watched a football game." That you can do a Sprint tri on a mountain bike, especially if it is your first. You may bring pictures of a mountain bike, road bike and tri bike just so they know. Let them know that there are training plans that take you from the couch all the way as far as they want to go. Warn them that they may lose 10 to 100 pounds and may have to buy thinner clothing without changing their diet. Emphasize paying the $$ for good running shoes and where to get them. Touch on hydration and when you do or do not need to take in calories during a workout. And remind them that ya people do this for fun and that they are unlikely to have a more amazing experience short of having a child anytime soon. And well, that it will be hard at times. K time for the door prize.
2008-10-07 6:39 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Master
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Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation

Tell them how it started as a true American sport...the Navy SEAL's that raced it for a 6 pack.  (not a greek sport)

 

If you get a chance for audio/visual use this video to kick off the talk...then this one to close it.



Edited by sax 2008-10-07 6:46 PM
2008-10-07 8:17 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Member
53
2525
Melbourne, FL
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation

I would definitely talk about how much the sport has grown in just the past 5-10 years.  I think the growth of this sport is one of the most intriguing story lines of the word "triathlon" really means both on a physical and mental level to those that compete in them.  A good article I actually just found recently (from last year) goes into detail about just how much it has grown:

 http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/26/fashion/26Fitness.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

 Would you mind posting the presentation when you're done with it?  I'd love to read through it!



Edited by ScottyBoy 2008-10-07 8:19 PM
2008-10-08 1:32 AM
in reply to: #1725164

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Master
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The Whites, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
Have a handout of websites for more info. There are people out there ( not that I would ever claim to be one) who, no matter how much info you give them, they'll want more. So, this site, TNO, one or two good starter books, and local shops and clubs.

Emphasize the excitement of tris. In this day and age, if you get people hooked, they can get way more info than they ever needed. So talk about the different levels, but really emphasize the culture and energy and support for total and complete newbies, underfit and overweight (or underweight!), with not much disposable cash but a beater bike in the garage.

Finally, KEEP IT SIMPLE! You can completely overload them - DON'T. Give them just enough info to watch Kona intelligently and to have them begging for that handout. Other than that, tell stories and show pictures. People will remember stories far longer than than remember facts, and they'll want to start their own story.


2008-10-08 10:45 AM
in reply to: #1725164

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Extreme Veteran
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Carlsbad, CA
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
Do you have an opportunity to bring a guest or two?  Might want to consider taking along a couple of "enthusiasts" to show everyone that you don't have to be a Kona contender to enjoy triathlon.
2008-10-08 12:26 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Master
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Kirkland, WA
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
One thing that i think is so cool about the triathlon scene is how supportive everyone is of everyone else.  I think if you made a point that no matter where (fitness wise) you are now, with some training you can finish a triathlon and most everyone will be supportive!
2008-10-08 3:40 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Pro
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Bartlett, TN
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
You have to explain to them what HTFU means!  LOL
2008-10-08 3:46 PM
in reply to: #1728230

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Extreme Veteran
638
50010025
Carlsbad, CA
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation

jford2309 - 2008-10-08 3:40 PM You have to explain to them what HTFU means! LOL

 

x2! 

2008-10-08 3:59 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Master
1517
1000500
Western MA near the VT & NH border on the CT river
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation

Transition area set up and etiquette.  

How much room should/ can you use, size of towel, set up right left of bike, how to rack your bike, keeping the lane clear, talking w/ your neighbors,  The proper size bucket to use, etc



2008-10-08 4:44 PM
in reply to: #1725164

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Champion
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Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation
How to successfully balance training for three sports and how that might be different if you are already proficient in one of them (e.g. train your weakness???).
2008-10-08 10:29 PM
in reply to: #1727338

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Beginner Presentation

ultrahip_00 - 2008-10-08 12:26 PM One thing that i think is so cool about the triathlon scene is how supportive everyone is of everyone else.  I think if you made a point that no matter where (fitness wise) you are now, with some training you can finish a triathlon and most everyone will be supportive!

Ditto!  So many people are intimidated & think that they'll enter a race & find the atmosphere very competitive.  Everyone is sooooo cool!  

Also, don't forget to mention sites like BT because without support like this, many people will get started & then just quit.

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