Don't Just Think About TRI-ing - DU it!

By Cheryl Hart

"Do or do not.  There is no try." - Yoda

When we were kids it was only natural that we loved to run, bike and swim.  It didn't matter if the field was wet; the roads were rough or the water a little cold.  We ran down hills with our arms out to our sides as if we were flying and smiled all the way.  Why should it be any different now? 

Somehow along the way toward adulthood, many have simply lost their spirit of play and adventure. Doubts and fears also keep us from pursuing goals that would mean taking a risk. 

People tell me all the time that they would love to do a triathlon or duathlon but don't know how to begin and are worried about training properly.   Now is your chance to take the first step toward realizing that goal. I encourage you to accept the challenge of at least one of the upcoming triathlons or duathlons listed below and the tools that will equip you to embark on that pursuit. 

On March 20, Nancy McElwain, a world-champion triathlete, certified coach and owner of Train Smart, will join me in conducting a Triathlon/Duathlon Workshop at Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   

The sessions will benefit athletes at any level.   All drills, including the swimming drills, are basic enough that beginners should not feel intimidated.   It will be a full day, covering every aspect of triathlons and duathlons.

ITINERARY

• 8-8:30 a.m. Welcome and overview
• 8:30-10 a.m.   Pool lecture and swim technique/drills(be sure to wear your swimsuit)
• 10-10:30 a.m.  Shower and change into bike clothes
• 10:30 a.m.-Noon Bike lecture and spin-interval session
• Noon-12:30 p.m. Change into running clothes
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch and lectures: Race Day Nutrition, "Train Smart" and Being Smart About Fueling the Engine ( Nancy ); Mental Techniques/Motivation: Getting That "2nd Wind" by Using
  "Head Over Heels"  (Cheryl)
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. Transitions
• 2:30-3:30 p.m. Running/proper form analysis/drill
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Putting it all together/final questions

The cost is $115 for members of Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center and $125 for non-members. Participants can purchase an optional box lunch from the Milestone Café for $7. For more information call Nancy at 895-4441 or me at 693-7443. Registration is available at Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center.  We are limiting the workshop to 20 participants, so sign up now.

It helps to have support.  The Louisville Landsharks Triathlon Club provides the opportunity to train and learn with other triathletes.   The club meets year-round on the first Monday of the month on the top floor of the E.P. "Tom" Sawyer Park building from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss upcoming races, training and other items of interest. When the weather is warmer, they run, bike 20 miles and swim on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Dues are $10 per year or for $15 you receive a club shirt with the logo on it.

For more information, contact Phil Jones, club president, at 262-0152 or e-mail him at Phil4217@bellsouth.net.  Visit their Web site, www.louisvillelandsharks.org, where you can find a detailed list of future races.

These are a few to get you rolling:

4/10/05: Powerman Alabama Duathlon ( Irondale , AL )
www.team-magic.com
Long course:  8K run/60K bike/8K run
Short course: 4K run/28K bike/4K run

4/10/05:  Caesar Creek Classic Duathlon ( Waynesville , OH )
www.hfpracing.com
Long course:  10K run/40K bike/10K run
Short course:  5K run/20K bike/5K run

4/23/05:  Heart & Sole Tri/Du ( Versailles , KY )
www.active.com
Triathlon:  400-yd. swim/15-mi. bike/5K run
Duathlon: 5K run/15-mi. bike/5K run

5/29/05: Buffalo Trails Duathlon ( Maysville , KY )
www.maysvillekentucky.com 
2-mi. run/20-mi. bike/2-mi. run

6/4/05: Blacksnake Duathlon ( Franklin , IN ) 
www.co.johnson.in.us/countyoffice/parkrec
2-mi. run/20-mi. bike/2-mi. run

6/5/05: Indiana Downs Triathlon  ( Shelbyville , IN )
www.tuxbro.com
1/2-mi. swim/16-mi. bike/3-mi. run  

6/11/05: Wendy's Classic Tri/Du  ( Columbus , OH )
www.ultrafit-usa.com
Triathlon:  1/2-mi. swim/18-mi. bike/5K run
Duathlon: 2-mi. run/18-mi. bike/5K run

6/8/05:  Indianapolis , IN Spring Series Triathlon 
www.tuxbro.com
500-yd. swim/10-mi. bike/3-mi. run

6/25/05: Shelbyville Duathlon
www.cooltri.com
2-mi. run/18-mi. bike/2-mi. run

The popular Kentuckiana HealthFitness Magazine 2005 Duathlon Series is back again:

Schellers Fitness & Cycling Sprint Duathlon: August 14 at 8 a.m. at Long Run Park :
2-mi. run/10.5-mi. bike/2-mi. run.

Challenge Duathlon: September 18 at McNeeley Lake . 
5K run/30K bike/5K run

Valu Market Championship Duathlon : October 16 at Long Run Park :
10K run/40K bike/5K run

Don't procrastinate any longer.  Don't just think about TRI-ing - DU it!

Cheryl Hart has a B.A. in English from Centre College, where she served as communications associate, cross-country coach and sports information director.  Cheryl was Kentucky 's NCAA Woman of the Year (1993) and National Inspirational Athlete of the Year (1994).  She is a member of Team USA , most recently winning silver medals in both the 2004 World Triathlon and World Duathlon.  She was named All-American in triathlon and duathlon in 2003 and 2004. Cheryl is also a certified fitness specialist and spinning instructor and owner of 2nd Wind, a motivational coaching business with a focus on mental techniques.  To contact Cheryl, call 693-7443 or e-mail offrunnin@yahoo.com.