Group Sprint Tri Class

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2008-08-11 11:40 AM


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Subject: Group Sprint Tri Class

Looking for ideas and advise.....

I am a spin instructor at our local YMCA.  I live in a small town with VERY limited resources!  Our Y has 2 locations with the spin bikes at one location and an indoor 20y pool at another.  I am interested in getting some participants together to train for a Super Sprint or Sprint level Tri.  Because many of the clientel do not have bikes, I want to give them the opportunity to train on a spin bike with the idea that they will get motivated to purchase a bike and get involved in local races (by local I mean a 200 mile radius!).  Here are the problems that I face:

1)  I have competed in a Sprint Tri (LOVED IT) and have been spinning for several years BUT I am NOT a triathlete, nor am I a triathlon bike coach, swim coach or running coach.  I can certainly lead workouts, but I cannot coach.  Can I do this? 

2) Locaction problems:  as I said, bikes at one location, pool at another.  Problem with swim/bike transition training.  Is this a big deal?

3)  Training schedule:  I would like to have 3 group classes where we swim/run and bike/run.  Is this too much?  What kind of weekly schedule would work?  I would like your advise and ideas for how to set this up, or IF I should even try it.....

I am really just trying to spark local interest in this sport, as I am also interested in it.  Any advise is welcome....any ideas are welcome......

2008-08-11 10:08 PM
in reply to: #1594403

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Elite
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Cheesehead, WI
Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class

Hey, that's a great idea! In fact, the fitness coordinator at my Y just did this. I can tell you that logistically, it was an uphill battle. (I was sort of involved with it as I work in the fitness center and also teach cycling so I offered to help). We had peeps across towns and it never seemed to work getting everyone together for training. Some people did group up to train, lots of email help and he also put together training books/info packs for everyone (similar to what you find here on BT). Between different time schedule and distance, it was tough and he would offer several time slots to see if he could get more to training/meetings. We even had folks come in from local establishments to discuss running shoes, nutrition and had a session on tri basics like clothing and another one for race day expectations and needs etc..

If you want, I"m sure I could have my Y guy contact you or your Y for help/info. Good luck!

2008-08-11 10:11 PM
in reply to: #1594403

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Sneaky Slow
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Herndon, VA,
Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class

I won't give much specific advice, other than to say that I think it's a great idea, whether or not you are a triathlon coach, and you ought to do it.

Re: swim/bike transition, I don't think they are necessary.  I wouldn't worry too much about that at all. 

2008-08-12 5:28 AM
in reply to: #1594403

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class
I just finished a similar 10 week program where I coached a group of 14 women to their first sprint triathlon. It was for Team Tiara, which is the fundraising part of Girls on the Run (great program btw). Here's what we did:

1. Provided a 3-tier training plan that could be mixed and matched. i.e. if someone was a good swimmer but novice runner they could use tier 3 for the swim and tier 1 for the run.

2. Held once a week group workouts. This was not associated with a Y or other gym, so we ran or biked outside and swam at the public pool.

3. Held 2 practice triathlons so that people could get a feel for transitions and race day would be somehwat familiar.

4. Weekly emails talking about different aspects of training and racing

5. I was also available anytime to answer questions by phone or email.

For the type of program we were doing, this worked really well. I think that the training was not the most important part for the participants, but instead it was the information and availability to answer questions about training and racing. I've been doing this sport for a while and this experience reminded me just how nervous/full of questions beginners can be.

Hope this helps.
2008-08-12 6:31 AM
in reply to: #1594403

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Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class
Speaking as a feeble beginner, this sounds AWESOME! Can you do one near me? :-) Lisa
2008-08-12 7:56 AM
in reply to: #1594403


4

Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class

Thank you so much for the encouragement and the ideas!  I really like the idea of having someone come in and give a discussion on triathlons, nutrition, transitions, clothing, etc!  This would obviously help me, too!! 

 I am not sure what is meant by tier workouts.  I would be interested in an explanation.  This could be worked up for people who do not want to group train! 

I am thinking of doing a 20 week program as seen on this site with some mixing and matching workouts so that we workout 5 days a week.  I am going to try to offer 3 group training classes with swimming/running and biking/running as the focus.  I will leave the other 2 workouts to running on own time, and either biking outside or a spinning class on own time.  We have available at the end of the 20 weeks a local (90 miles away) indoor triathlon.  I thought we could make this the goal. 

I think I CAN do this with outside help and information!  I have access to a swim coach that I could have come in 1 or 2 times to help people with stroke development.  AND the internet is such a great resource!

Let me know what you think of my plan!!!  AND thank you so much for replying to my post!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-12 8:01 AM
in reply to: #1596296


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Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class
Can you explain a 3 tier program...
2008-08-12 8:59 AM
in reply to: #1596469

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Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class
raustin - 2008-08-12 9:01 AM

Can you explain a 3 tier program...


Let me use running as an example. Each week I had them run twice. The tiers for week 1 might looks as follows:

Tier 1:
20 minutes alternating run/walk each minute
20 minutes alternating 2min run, 1 min walk

Tier 2:
20 minute run
30 minute run with a 2 minute walk 1/2 way through

Tier 3:
30 minute run
35 minute run

There would also be 3 sets of workouts each week for the bike and the swim
These are pretty simple examples, but basically the idea was to give people who were good in one sport but beginners in the other two some options.
2008-08-12 9:13 AM
in reply to: #1596618


4

Subject: RE: Group Sprint Tri Class

Got it....THANKS

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