Club Membership
A triathlon is a type of race in which participants compete in three successive events that consist of swimming, cycling, and running. Many people have the misconception of a triathlon being the infamous Ironman, however, this is not true. Team members compete in triathlons of variety of distances, and not just triathlons. We compete mostly in the Sprint and Olympic distance races. Members also compete in road races, duathlons, biathlons, marathons, adventure races, swim meets, and so on. The team was formed to bring together athletes with the similar interest of competing in triathlons and other multi-sport or endurance events, to provide group training, camaraderie, and a team atmosphere, as well as a way to introduce the sport to new members. Please do not be intimidated by the sport, we welcome and accommodate all abilities.
Triathlon Lengths
- Sprint 0.5 mile swim / 12.0 mile bike / 3.1 mile run
- Olympic 1.0 mile swim / 26.7 mile bike / 6.2 mile run
- Half-Ironman 1.2 mile swim / 56.0 mile bike / 13.1 mile run
- Ironman 2.4 mile swim / 112.0 mile bile / 26.2 mile run
Equipment
The only equipment you need for swimming includes a swim suit and goggles, though you might want some fins or a kickboard for specific workouts. All you really need for running is a pair of running shoes and some comfortable clothing. Cycling seems to be the grey area for people in terms of equipment. Sometimes people are intimidated by triathlons because they are unfamiliar with road bikes, but this should not be the case. Generally road or time trial bikes are used in triathlons, but there is nothing stopping someone from riding a mountain bike. As you talk to members of the team you will learn more and more about road cycling and equipment. It is true that road bikes can be expensive, but once you've decided that it's time to get one, the team will help you make a smart purchase. Fortunately, East Coasters can give you a great deal on a bike if you are a paid member of our club. You can also rent a decent road bike for training or racing for less than $5 a day either at Hokie Spokes or East Coasters.
Training
The number of team workouts per week changes depending on the weather. We hold swim practice twice a week at 9:00pm in War Memorial on Tuesdays and Thursdays. During the winter months, we hold spin classes at East Coasters. They have a few extra trainers if you need tone. An organized workout schedule is listed on the training page, it lists workout time, discipline and who will be leading hte workout. Also, e-mails are sent out on the listserv by members who are planning on training, giving the time, place, and type of workout, and anyone interested can join. The Triathlon Team holds clinics in the various sports as well Clinics allow more experienced swimmers, runners or cyclists to help out those that might be new to one of the respective disciplines. Several members of the team are also on the Cycling Team's listserv, so they can get emails regarding Cycling Club workouts (which Triathlon Club members are welcome to join).
Racing
The Triathlon Team races together many times during the year. We are most active in the late winter/spring season, though we organize races together during the summer, as well as the fall. The team provides a strong sense of unity through support, encouragement, and fellowship at races. As a member you will be compensated for at least a portion of the race costs. While the standard collegiate distance is the Olympic distance, the team races a variety of distances. Furthermore, we race together in some events outside of triathlons, such as road races and duathlons and other multi-sport races. Our big race during the year is the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships, which is a really great trip. You should not be intimidated at all by racing; in fact, it's the aspect of triathlons that will get you hooked.
Fundraising
The Triathlon Team races together many times during the year. We are most active in the late winter/spring season, though we organize races together during the summer, as well as the fall. The team provides a strong sense of unity through support, encouragement, and fellowship at races. As a member you will be compensated for at least a portion of the race costs. While the standard collegiate distance is the Olympic distance, the team races a variety of distances. Furthermore, we race together in some events outside of triathlons, such as road races and duathlons and other multi-sport races. Our big race during the year is the USA Triathlon Collegiate National Championships, which is a really great trip. You should not be intimidated at all by racing; in fact, it's the aspect of triathlons that will get you hooked!
Competing in triathlons can be very expensive. Races alone can range from $40 to $100, not to mention the high cost of equipment. To compensate for these costs the team does some fundraising. While fundrasing is not mandatory it is highly encouraged. The more work members put into fundrasing the more funds the team will have to help offset racing and equipment costs.
Membership
To become a member or ask questions concerning membership e-mail Jordan Chang. Dues are $40.00 a semester and are paid in McComas Hall room 142.
LISTSERVThe team's primary mode of communication is the TRICLUB LISTSERV; team workouts, meetings and other important team information is sent via e-mail to everyone on the LISTSERV mailing list. To add/remove yourself from this list click here.
Member Benefits
VT triathlon shirt
Sponsorship benefits
Discounted races
Access to team workouts
Great people and fun times!
Meetings
Meetings are held every Tuesday at 8:00 PM in War Memorial Hall, Room 219. Feel free to attend any meeting and meet the team!
