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Greetings!
Summer is in full swing, and the TriColumbia race season is off to a great start! We've welcomed some of the world's greatest pros as well as experienced and novice triatletes. This month's e-newsletter is packed with information. You'll learn about TriColumbia training clinics and charities we support, get training tips, get a wrap up on both The Columbia Triathlon and The Subaru Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon and get important updates on future events.
And if you haven't yet registered, there is still time to sign up for The Kidz Triathlon (July 24th), and The ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival (September 24th,) which has a 4 different events - a distance for every ability. But hurry! Registration for the Kidz Triathlon will close on July 13th at 9:00 am, and the race is almost full!
As always, our events could not take place without our wonderful volunteers. Many thanks to those who have volunteered so far this season. Volunteering is a great way to help athletes achieve their dreams, and to help us achieve our mission of supporting local and regional charities. If you, your friends or family are interested in volunteering at any of our upcoming events, please contact us.
Train safely and we'll see you at the finish line!
Celebrate Life,
Robert Vigorito and The TriColumbia Team
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TriColumbia Training Is In Full Swing
Do you need help with training? TriColumbia has training opportunities and clinics for you. Develop all the skills needed for success on race day.
TriColumbia Open Water Swim & Run Clinic
When: July 17, 2011, 8:00 - 10:00 am
Where: Gunpowder State Park, Hammerman Area; 7200 Graces Quarters, Chase MD 21027
Fee: $65 + $10 USAT one-day membership fee (if not a yearly USAT member)
Mei Mei Connor will be working with beginner/ nervous swimmers. A swim course will be set up with lifeguards and safety personnel on hand. Margaret "Mei Mei" Connor has helped hundreds of athletes, at all levels with overcoming their fear of the dark water, racing strategies; race starts, turns/buoys and other invaluable open water swim techniques.
Do you want to be more efficient swimming in open water? Do you want to learn to site? Pam Williams will be working with athletes who are more comfortable being in the water. Clinic is designed to help athletes with breath control, sighting buoys and stroke technique. Her goal is to have swimmers more efficient and relaxed in the water.
Lisa Farias will be leading a 30-minute run clinic focusing on successfully transitioning from the bike to the run. Primary emphasis will be on finding your legs, accelerating to a running pace and finishing strong.
TriColumbia is committed to making your triathlon experience richly rewarding!
Space is limited and registration closes on July 15, 2011 at 9:00 am EST, so register today!
TriColumbia Iron Girl Bike Clinic - Not Just for Iron Girls!
When: Sunday, July 24th, 2011
1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: Princeton Sports & Iron Girl Bike Course
Fee: $25.00 + $10 USAT one-day membership fee (if not a yearly member)
TriColumbia Iron Girl Bike Clinic on July 24, 2011 is designed to help you address "how to" successfully conquer the challenging Iron Girl Bike Course. Participants will be divided into three groups based on bike speed and overall experience. CTA Coaches will work with each group to provide instruction on proper bike technique and will ride with the group through the course working on "how to" attack or survive each section of the course.
Clinic will also include Basic Road Bike Maintenance, Pre-Race Preparation and Repair including; Airing Tires, Fixing Flats, Re-installing Dropped-Chains, Basic Adjustments and Hammer Nutrition.
Space is limited and registration closes on July 22, 2011 at 9:00 am EST, so register today!
Iron Girl Dress Swim & Run Dress Rehearsal - For Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Registrants ONLY When: July 30, 2011
5:45 am - 10:00 am
Where: Centennial Lake, Centennial Park, Howard County, MD, Swim Finish Area near the amphitheater and then Run Course.
Parking: Inside Centennial Park on the grass. There will be volunteers and police to assist you
Fee: FREE to all registered 2011 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia participants
The TriColumbia Iron Girl Swim and Run Dress Rehearsal is only for 2011 Iron Girl Columbia registrants. It is designed to help you gain comfort and experience swimming in Centennial Lake and to run the 3.2 mile course. The lake is not open to the public for swimming so this is your opportunity to feel what the race day swim will be like. Our goal is to have you relax at the start of your race.
A swim course of approximately 1100 yards will be set up with lifeguards and safety personnel on hand. Race Director, Robert Vigorito will be there to give you lots of tips and encouragement.
After the swim there will be a FREE run clinic as well. Gather by the amphitheater to participate. Robert Taylor, Director of Sports Performance at Gordon Institute, the Baltimore-based athletic complex, will conduct the clinic, which will will touch on goal setting, rules to building your base, pre-race training, tips to improve your performance on race day, and much more. Click HERE for more information.
Here's what people are saying about TriColumbia's Training Clinics:
"Thank you again for organizing this event. It was the BEST!!!! Loved it!!"
~Cindy S., Age Group Athlete
"A BIG thank you to you and your team for putting on such a great open water clinic last Sunday at Gunpowder Falls State Park! Have to admit that I went into the clinic knowing little about swimming competitively in open water so I did not know what to expect. I came away with a wealth of information thanks to your teaching, guidance and support. Much appreciated! To top it off, I am now more confident and feel better prepared to take on the challenge that Iron Girl has to offer. Please tell Mei Mei that I am "in my box" and "eyeing my exit!"
~ Robyn P., Age Group Athlete
"Just wanted to thank you all for the awesome swim this weekend! It was so helpful and I was so glad that I participated. I think my next tri will be so much more relaxed because of the swim and all the "tips" by everybody. Thanks again!"
~ Renee P., Age Group Athlete
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 TriColumbia's Autumn Treasure - The ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival
The TriColumbia ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival on September 24, 2011, utilizing portions of TriColumbia's world-renown Ironman 70.3 EagleMan course, has a race distance for you. There are four to choose from, including the ChesapeakeMan Ultra, AquaVelo, Skipjack 75.2, or TriColumbia's brand new Bugeye Sprint. There's something for every ability level!
 Triathlon Magazine's March 2010 issue named the ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance event a "140.6 Best Race," and The Ultra Distance event is the USAT Mid Atlantic Championship Ultra Distance race.
Offering the same high level of logistic expertise and volunteer support that all TriColumbia events are known for, the festival takes place on September 24th, when the summer temperatures are easing. Come enjoy fall in Dorchester County and the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Read about what Dorchester County has to offer triathletes in Nan Kappeler's feature article, Crab Cakes & Chainrings in the 2010 October/November issue of Lava Magazine.
All events are still open for registration; so don't miss this gem of an endurance festival, and come experience what everyone is raving about!
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Fabulous New Product To Protect Your Bike
TriColumbia and Endurafit are pleased to announce a brand new product, The Rack Jacket, an alternative to using trash bags to cover your bike. We fully embrace the "leave no trace behind" concept, and strive to eliminate litter produced at our events. As many of you know, we have banned the use of plastic bags of any kind on bikes stored overnight in the transition areas. The bags fall off, blow off, or are simply left behind.
The Rack Jacket is the essential item for those of you who wish to protect your bike from the elements.
Key Benefits to the Rack Jacket are:
- Designed specifically for triathlon bike racks
- Made of highly water resistant ripstop nylon
- Environmentally friendly
- Reusable
- Cord locks and Velcro straps keep it securely fastened in windy conditions
- Reasonably priced
- Available in a variety of colors
- Team orders are welcome
Click here to order
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Subaru Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Wrap Up
This year's event delivered a stellar field of professionals and loads of excitement. American, TJ Tollakson reclaimed his 2007 EagleMan title, and 2010 Ironman World Champion, Mirinda Carfrae of Australia reclaimed her 2009 EagleMan title. Tollakson finished nearly 4 minutes in front the the men after taking the lead early in the bike. Australian, Richie Cunningham finished in second place after a crushing run in which he passed 5 other pro men, and Stanislav Krylov of Russia came in 3rd.
Second place among the women went to American, Tyler Stewart who had the fastest bike time. Finishing 3rd among the women was the defending champion from 2010, Samantha Warriner of New Zealand. Tenille Hoogland of Canada held the lead throughout much of the race, but halfway through the run she succumbed to Carfrae, and ultimately finished in 4th place. All in all, nearly 40 International Professional Triathletes insured that the competition was fierce.
Congratulations to all our EagleMan competitors, award winners, and to those who snagged one on only 28 Ford Ironman World Championship slots or 50 Lake Las Vegas World Ironman 70.3 Championship slots.
Check out the TriColumbia YouTube page to hear from a panel of 6 pros at the EagleMan Pro Forum held on Saturday before the race. Click here to view the TriColumbia TriLights live blog from race day.
Congratulations to Frank Fisher and Patty Shoaf, winners of the USAT - Mid Atlantic Aquabike Championship which took place concurrently at the EagleMan AquaVelo event.
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TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon & The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series
There's still time to register your kids for the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon on July 24, 2011. This event will be part of the Maryland Youth Triathlon Series, the first of its kind youth triathlon series in Maryland, promoting sun-safe practices, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices through multisport, and showing kids that winning is finishing what you start!
Kids, come get your swim, bike and run on! With four premier youth triathlons all within an hour of each other, there has never been a better time to try a triathlon - or add a second, third or fourth to your race calendar! Hunter Lussi, teen spokesman for the MYTS will be present at each event, and all children competing in participating events will receive a copy of Hunter Lussi's book, America, Get Off The Couch. All children completing two or more Maryland Youth Triathlon Series events will receive a certificate of recognition from the State of Maryland. Do three or more and get a sun safe MYTS hat. Receive an entry for each race completed to win a cool raffle prize worth $40. The more events you complete, the better your chances and the more fit you become! Individual event registrations are now open and space is limited, so sign up now. See you at the finish line!
Register for the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon |
Jennifer Bornemann Named The 2011 Blazeman Spirit Award Recipient
Congratulations to Jennifer Bornemann who was named the 2011 Blazeman Spirit Award recipient. Jennifer was nominated by her twin sister Lara Mish.
Lara wrote "She is currently a Blazeman Warrior having competed in many triathlons (including Ironman LP in '07) and marathons proudly displaying her Blazeman spirit. To count the lives Jen has touched would be immeasurable in both life and competition. Jen has recently shifted gears in her professional career to serve in uniform for the US Public Health Service. While in her corporate career, she still was able to reach out and help so many with her Board positions, mentoring, volunteering, etc., yet she still wanted to make a difference in the mental health community. To me, making this leap took so much strength and faith on Jen's part. She has such a gift to better the world and I know she can with this new position in whatever ways possible. This move shows her true Blazeman spirit. In competition, Jen has inspired so many, from helping those start a fitness program to assisting other athletes on course, to encouraging others to follow their Ironman/marathon dreams. She has put in countless hours for the Challenged Athlete Foundation, Team in Training, and American Red Cross as well. I'm lucky, she has inspired me my whole life. Because of her, I try to look at the world around me to see what I can do to improve it, all the while running, swimming, and biking- because I can."
This award is given annually to a participant in the Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon who most exemplifies the spirit of Jon "Blazeman" Blais. The Blazeman Spirit Award keeps Jon's memory alive by recognizing an individual who inspires others to become a better person; leads by example; and has a passion for the journey of life.
The Blazeman Foundation accepts nominations each year, so submit your worthy 2012 Ironman 70.3 EagleMan nominee next year.
Also check out the recently released Iron Blazeman Album, TRI-POLAR by the Blazeman Band featuring Mark and Pamela Mason of Ampage, available on I-TUNES, Amazon, etc. Proceeds benefit the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. See the YouTube video of the track, Who Stole My Bodyglide.
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Training Tips from Fitness Concepts
The Ups and Downs of Hill Running
© 2011 by Ken Mierke
Imagine racing stride for stride with a runner who is just a bit stronger than you. With heart rate redlined, breathing right on the edge of being out-of-control, and legs burning, you know you won't last much longer at this speed. The road turns downhill and you squirt forward as if propelled by a rocket-booster, gapping your stunned opponent. By the end of the downhill, you have a 20-yard lead, heart rate and breathing have returned to sustainable levels and your legs feel bouncy again. This doesn't have to remain a fantasy...more
Fitness Concepts is offering TriColumbia athletes a 10% discount on all products and clinics offered by www.FitnessWerx.com.
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Are You An Iron Girl Athlete With A Story To Share?
Often times triathletes become involved in multisport as a way to overcome an obstacle, cope with a loss, provide a role model, forward a cause, or as a way to change their lives for the better.
Why did you become involved? Where do you find your strength to compete? Do you race for a cause? How has your participation in multisport events changed your life? If you would like to share your story and inspire others, please send us an email with your inspirational story. We want to hear from you!
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 2011 Columbia Triathlon Wrap Up
The 28th Annual Columbia Triathlon, TriColumbia's hallmark event, once again provided the triathlon community with an event to remember. The weather was beautiful, and set the stage for a record breaking race. Twenty two professional triathletes competed for the $30,000 prize purse, including 2-time Ironman World Champion, Tim DeBoom. 2010 Columbia Triathlon Defending Champion, Andrew Yoder, took the title again, as he broke both the course and bike records, finishing with a time of 1:49:51. James Cunnama came in 2nd followed by Richie Cunningham.
Local professional, Lindsey Jardonek of Washington DC took the womens title, winning her first professional race. Jarkonek was followed closely by Jasmine Oenick, who finished in 2nd place and the 2010 Champion, Laurel Wassner rounded out third. Local athlete, Suzy Serpico finished in 4th place among the women.
Relive all the excitement by reading the TriColumbia TriLights live blog, and check out all the TriColumbia YouTube Columbia Triathlon videos.
Congratulations to all the Columbia Triathlon award winners and finishers! We look forward to seeing you again next year!
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Charity In Focus
TriColumbia is proud to support Athletes Serving Athletes (ASA), a non-profit whose mission is to provide the opportunity for challenged athletes to pursue an active lifestyle by experiencing the thrill of athletic competition otherwise inaccessible to them.
ASA has allowed two young athletes to compete in three TriColumbia events this year, the Columbia Triathlon, The Subaru Ironman 70.3 EagleMan and the Celebration Triathlon. Shane Lauer has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He has returned this year after completing the 2010 Celebration Triathlon, and was able to compete with the assistance of ASA relay team members in both the 2011 Ironman 70.3 EagleMan and Celebration Triathlons. James Banks who has Cerebral Palsy, and has been confined to a wheelchair since birth competed in the 2011 Columbia Triathlon. ASA relay team athletes assisted both Lauer and Banks using a custom raft, bike, and jogger.
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Attention, Iron Girls, Get Your Mandatory Bike and Helmet Safety Inspections Done Early!
AVOID THE CROWD AND GET YOUR BIKE CHECK DONE EARLY. Checks can be done any time from now until August 20th at the Official Race Bike Support Shop, Princeton Sports (410) 995-1894, 10730 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044, or 6239 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD 21209. No appointment is necessary. Princeton will be checking all major bike components to help ensure a safe bike leg. You must bring your CPSC-certified helmet and your race day bike. The age of your helmet does not matter as long as it is ANSI or CPSC approved and in good condition.
You may also have your bike inspected at the race site prior to racking your bike in the Centennial Lake transition area beginning at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 20th, after you complete the registration process at the hotel. However, we strongly advise against waiting until the day before the race, as the lines tend to be long, the weather could be inclement, your bike could need parts unavailable at the park, or repairs could take longer than just a few minutes.
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 2011 Event Schedule
September 24, 2011 - ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival featuring the Ultra Distance Triathlon named by Triathlete Magazine as a "Best 140.6", Skipjack 75.2 Triathlon, and Aqua Velo, and The Bugeye Sprint
** The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon has been designated as the 2011 USAT Mid Atlantic Championship. Registration is open.
September 24, 2011 -Make-a-Wish Triathlon
STAY TUNED FOR TWO BRAND NEW ADDITIONS TO THE TRICOLUMBIA 2012 EVENT SCHEDULE!
- USAT LONG COURSE DUATHLON NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
- ALL WOMEN'S HALF MARATHON
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FIND US ON THE WEB
Columbia Triathlon Association is now on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Please join us on these site for daily updates, special offers, and race reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
If you're not sure about some of the rules & regulations for CTA's races or if you're just looking for answers to commonly asked questions, download the FAQ
Nutrition is a key component to proper training and racing. TriColumbia sponsor, Hammer Nutrition, has an extensive resource page
If you still have questions about specific races, feel free to email us |
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