Those burning triathlon questions...answered honestly!
I have never done a triathlon. Can I still join your club?
SURE... we would love to have you. Of the 260 members we had this year, over half had never done a triathlon. We love newbies and will provide you the resources you need to succeed!
I am slow, will I hold everyone back?
Not at all. What makes our club unique is that we have women of all ages (18-69) and abilities. We offer group runs, rides and swims with each member working at her own pace and comfort level. We will place you in the right group for our bike rides so you feel comfortable and safe.
Can't swim... hate lakes!
We understand that swimming, especially open water swimming causes a lot of anxiety. Yes- you must know how to swim. The doggy paddle doesn't count. If you can not swim, we strongly recommend lessons. We have groups swims in pools, lakes, etc. We will point you in the right directions with stroke mechanics and swim drills. We recommend participating in several open water swims before the triathlon. Many women started the 2011season with a very high level of swim anxiety. With practice, practice, practice they did it! Many ( and I mean MANY could not swim one two laps in a pool before joining this club)
I have a mountain bike ( maybe it is a hybrid) Is that okay?
Yes. That is okay, especially if you are brand new and aren't even sure if you like triathlons. It is important to make sure you are comfortable on the open road and riding 12-15 miles in distance before you buy a road bike. Many of our members started with hybrids and by midsummer realized they could go much faster with a road bike. We know bikes are expensive so just give it a whirl on what you have at first. One thing for sure.. if you are going to buy a "road bike" go to a bike shop such as Action Wheels, Peddler Shop, DQ or the Caffeinated Cyclist. They are the experts!
I will not, can not, absolutely hate to run! Can I still join?
No problem! You can be part of a relay time. We will find you a runner. Easy Breezy
I don't live in Mullica Hill..can I still join?
Of course, of course, of course! We have members from Medford, Cape May and Philadelphia. We would never turn anyone away. Most of the group workouts are in the Mullica Hill, East Greenwich, Woolwich area. Very accessible via New Jersey Turnpike or 295
What is a transition? Do I need to change in front of everyone?
A transition is the "pit stop" between the swim and the bike ( T1) and the bike and the run (T2). You transition from swim gear to bike gear and bike gear to run gear.
So..what does that mean? Do I have to get changed in front of everyone?
Nope. Negative on the nudity. It is pretty much one suit for the entire race. Sure, you can swim in a bathing suit and pull on shorts for the bike and then a bra and tank for the run. A tri suit is a better option (but not mandatory). We will be offering personalized tri suits again this year for 50% of the list price. You will be able to get a groovy pink suit for about $50
Do I need to raise money for a charity?
Individually members do not need to fund raise, but we will hold a few events throughout the year to raise money and encourage our members to attend. In 2010 y our cause was Autism Spectrum Disorders. In 2011 it was Ovararian Cancer and this year it will be Melanoma. This year a portion of our calendar sales, raffle tickets at the kick off meeting and tech shirt sponsorship will go towards our cause. We are also planning a golf outing in the Spring.
Am I crazy for doing this?
Sometimes you might think that, BUT it it is wonderful experience. Exercise has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. Yes, triathlon training takes time and energy and dedication but calling yourself a triathlete is priceless.
I have heard that triathlon training is really intense. That my social life will come to a screeching halt.
Whoa Nelly.... just the opposite. Just check out our pictures on this website and on flicker. Plenty of social events for this club. We love to "un-wine".
Okay, I am convinced. What do I do?
On January 3, 2012 our membership application will be available on-line. It is best to sign up early (before April 1st) you can take advantage of our early education seminars and get to know the other ladies. Group work outs will begin on April 1st. In April and May, the focus will be the bike. In June and July, the focus will be the swim. We will have group runs on some Sundays and trail runs during the week. You will get our team tech shirt and an invitation to all club events, rides, runs, swims, etc. You will also get discounts at many of the local tri and bike stores. Along with everyone else in American, we are on facebook. We have videos that capture the 2010 and 2011 season. Just look on the left hand side under videos. Special thanks to John DelRosso. Video-extaordinaire for his his talent! Check us out here!
I am pretty advanced as a triathlete ( 1/2 Iron Man/Iron Man)...should I still join?
Yes of course. We have a handful of fighting machines in our club who would love the company.
My boyfriend/husband wants to join with me..can he?
Sorry.. no nuts. just guts, but they can cheer from the sidelines with huge smiles! Sorry boys. We will be looking for cutie-patootie men to pull us out of the water at Queen of the Hill on July 7th! Get your bathing suits ready fellaaaaas!