April News From TriColumbia

Spring is here, and Race Season is beginning with the Inaugural Iron Girl Columbia Half Marathon & Coed 5K set to take place on April 29th. We welcome back our veterans and are pleased to see so many new athletes!

We couldn't be more thrilled; TriColumbia has a fabulous line up this year! With 10 great events for every ability level, we are sure to further our mission of producing premier endurance events in the Mid-Atlantic region that promote life long health and fitness, while improving the lives of individuals in need by supporting local and regional charities.

Our charity team partners are working hard not only to prepare physically for their events, but to raise critical funds to support those in need. Last year, direct donations by TriColumbia and team fundraising provided nearly half a million dollars in funding for charitable and community organizations we support. TriColumbia is proud to be part of the movement to make a difference in our community, and we want to thank you for helping us do so by participating in TriColumbia events!

Looking forward to a great season, one in which we all Celebrate Life!

Robert Vigorito, Level 2 Race Director, and The TriColumbia Team

TriColumbia Brings You Chrissie Wellington On May 12, 2012!

Mark your calendars! TriColumbia and Princeton Sports are thrilled to announce that reigning and four-time Ironman World Champion, Chrissie Wellington, will visit Columbia, Maryland on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 for the first stop on her North American book tour. Meet Chrissie at Princeton Sports at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to ask questions, pick up training tips and purchase a signed copy of Chrissie's book, "A Life Without Limits."

Chrissie has long supported TriColumbia's charitable mission, and commitment to and passion for the sport of triathlon.

Please click here to RSVP and let us know you are coming so we can be prepared with enough books on hand.

As this is a free event, please arrive early to ensure you receive your signed copy! We unfortunately cannot guarantee books will be available for each attendee. Or, pick up your copy at your local book retailer prior to the event!

Maryland Tour de Cure - A Great Training Opportunity

The American Diabetes Association invites you to take the ride of your life on Saturday, May 5 at the Maryland Tour de Cure ride in Howard County. The event features routes of different lengths for riders of all skill levels including 10 Mile, 22 Mile, 32 Mile & 63 Mile courses and this is a GREAT training opportunity for you leading up to our events.

Whether you're a novice, occasional or expert cyclist, they have a route that's sure to match your ability. Each features full service rest stops as well as SAG and mechanical support along the way and after riding, you are invited to unwind under the Health & Wellness pavilion with a tasty lunch provided by Eggspectation, cold beer, live music, massages, team photos and other wonderful amenities. Every mile you ride and every dollar you raise helps in the fight against diabetes so help bring the ADA one step closer to finding a cure and register yourself or a team to ride in the 2012 Maryland Tour de Cure today!

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Upcoming Sold Out Columbia Triathlon Attracts Awesome Line Up

The Columbia Triathlon, one of the longest running triathlons in the Mid-Atlantic now in its 28th year, is just one month away. The sold out event is truly a "rite of spring," officially opening up TriColumbia's Triathlon Season. We welcome age groupers and pros alike with an event that's sure to be the best yet.

2011 defending Champions, Lindsey Jerdonek and Andrew Yoder (also 2010 Columbia Triathlon Champion and course record holder) are returning this year along with 18 other world class pros and previous Columbia Triathlon podium finishers.

Triathlon legend, 2-time Ironman World Champion, and 2011 Noresman Xtreme Triathlon Champion Tim DeBoom will be competing once again. Tim routinely races Columbia and calls this event "a short, tough, race that's a staple in the race calendar."

In addition, Rebecca Wassner, Columbia Triathlon course record holder and 2-time Columbia Champion, will be returning along with her twin sister, Laurel Wassner, who won her first pro race in 2010 at the Columbia Triathlon, becoming the first cancer survivor to win a professional triathlon.

Local triathlete, Suzy Serpico who has participated as an age group athlete for years at The Columbia Triathlon, will be making her appearance this year as a pro! She qualified for her USAT Pro card at last year's event.

A Pro Meet & Greet will take place at the Columbia Triathlon Expo on Saturday, May 19th at 2pm. Stop by to hear their unique perspectives and get some tips!

This year, The Columbia Triathlon has been chosen as a 5150 qualifying event. The top 15 in each age group are invited to race at the 2012 5150 Hy-Vee U.S. Championship on September 2, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition, those finishing in the top 5 in each age group are offered complementary entries into the 2012 5150 Hy-Vee U.S. Championship.

Once again, The Columbia Triathlon is Marylandʼs Designated Qualifier Race for The Best of the U.S Amateur Triathlete Competition.

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Howard County Explorers Are Tops!

TriColumbia thanks the Howard County Explorers for their expert assistance in traffic direction, parking and public safety as athletes navigate to and from Howard County TriColumbia events.

Howard County Police Explorer Post 1952 serves as an introduction to all phases of law enforcement. The group is sponsored by the Howard County Department of Police and chartered annually through the Exploring Division of the Boy Scouts of America. The program goals are designed to develop character in young adults by exposing them to various experiences in the workplace, community service, citizenship,personal fitness and the outdoors.

KUDOS!

Congratulations to all TriColumbia athletes who competed in the 2012 Boston Marathon, including Iron Girl Columbia Half Marathon Spokesperson, and Olympic Gold Medalist, Joan Benoit Samuelson. Having won the Boston Marathon twice in the late '70's and early '80's, this year she approached the race differently - she ran side-by-side with her 24 year old daughter, Abby. "It was an amazing experience running with Abby," said Samuelson.

This year marked the 40th anniversary of women being allowed to run in the Boston Marathon and the 40th anniversary of Title IX [the 1972 U.S. anti-discrimination legislation that led to equal female participation in high school and college.

Kudos as well to the DC Triathlon Club of Washington, D.C. Members logged more than 131,000 weighted training miles between Dec. 1, 2011, and Feb. 29, 2012, to clinch the win in the 2012 USA Triathlon National Challenge Competition.

Training Opportunities & Tips

Once again, Princeton Sports our Official Bike Support Shop, is hosting the Sunday Morning bike rides at 9:00 AM each Sunday, weather permitting from Princeton Sports in Columbia, MD - 10730 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 (410) 995-1894. The store will be open for use of the bathrooms, and changing rooms before and after the ride. Click HERE for a map of these training rides and HERE to download a release that must be singed to participate. Visit Princeton Sports on Facebook to stay informed.

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TriColumbia offers a wide variety of training opportunities including, Bike Clinics and Rides, Triathlon Basic Training Clinics, Endurance Clinics, Swim Technique & Open Water Swim Clinics, and a Youth Learn2Tri Summer Camp.

For a complete listing of all TriColumbia clinics, click HERE and choose the ability level of interest to you.

Check out video tips from Dr. Jordan Metzl, a 14 year Ironman 70.3 EagleMan veteran athlete, and widely respected, and nationally recognized Sports Medicine Physician at New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery. Tips are located under the resources tab on TriColumbia's Training webpages.

Calling Blazeman Spirit Award Nominations

The Blazeman Foundation for ALS is currently accepting nominations for the Blazeman Spirit Award to be presented at the 2012 EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan. But hurry, nominations are due by May 1st. The award is given annually to a participant in the EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan who most exemplifies the spirit of Jon "Blazeman" Blais.

The winner, announced at the pre-race expo on June 9th, will receive:

A complimentary entry to next year's EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan
An Eagle Award, the emblematic symbol of Eagleman called "Blaze" and certificate
Complimentary Blazeman level membership to Team Blazeman.

Announcing A Brand New Iron Girl Event - Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon To Take Place September 9, 2012!

TriColumbia is pleased to announce the inaugural Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon. The triathlon will take place on September 9, 2012 at Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Md. and consist of a 0.5 mile swim, 16 mile bike and 3 mile run. This inspirational all women's event is about empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle and providing a platform whereby women support one another as they journey toward the finish line.

Best of Competitor

The 7th annual Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, the most popular event in the Iron Girl series, sold out in less than four hours and will take place August 19 at Centennial Lake Park in Columbia, Md. Earlier this year, the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon was named the "Best Women's Event" in the Mid-Atlantic by Competitor Magazine.

Registration for the 2012 Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon opened on April 10, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Registration is $135 for USAT members, $145 for non-USAT members and $235 for a three person relay team. The prize purse is $4,999 for all competitors except relays. For more information and to register for the Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon visit TriColumbia.org

Bicycling Advocates of Howard County To Hold Road Biking 101 Clinic

Bicycling Advocates of Howard County (BAHC) will teach its fourth annual Road Biking 101 class on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at the Howard County Health Department.

Classes are intended for novice road riders - those who can already ride a bicycle but want to learn basic skills and techniques for doing so safely and effectively on the road. Local bike shops will do bike safety checks.

Class size is limited to no more than 60 participants so please register early. This is a FREE class but BAHC will greatly appreciate donations ($5 or more) through the convenience of paypal.

When: Sunday, April 29, 2012
           8:30 am - noon
Where: Howard County Health Department
              7178 Columbia Gateway Drive
              Columbia, MD 21046-2147

REGISTER HERE

Our Sponsors

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2012 Event Schedule

April 29, 2012 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon & Coed 5K - benefiting Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center - Registration is closed, but there will be limited registration available on a first come, first served basis at the expo and packet pick up on Friday, 4/27/12 from 2-7pm and Saturday, 4/28/12 from 10am-7pm.
In addition to an awesome inaugural medal, Iron Girl 1/2 Marathon finishers will receive a bracelet with a special commemorative sterling silver Iron Girl 13.1 bead.

May 20, 2012 - Columbia Triathlon - Registration is closed - contact charity teams for possible entry opportunities or contact us for a CTA Community Slot.

June 3, 2012 - Blackwater Duathlon - USAT National Long Course Duathlon Championship - Registration is open

June 10, 2012 - Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon & AquaVelo - Registration is closed - contact charity teams for possible entry opportunities or contact us for a CTA Community Slot.
**The EagleMan 2012 Aqua Velo has been named by the USAT Mid Atlantic Regional Committee as the 2012 Regional Championship.

June 24, 2012 - Celebrating Heroes Triathlon benefiting MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Network. Registration is open

July 22, 2012 - TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon Registration is open

August 19, 2012 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon - Registration is closed - contact charity teams for possible entry opportunities. CTA Community Slot are no longer available.

September 9, 2012 - Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon - Registration is open

September 29, 2012 - ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of the Mid-Atlantic featuring the Ultra Distance Triathlon, Skipjack 75.2 Triathlon, Aquabike & Bugeye Classic (intermediate distance) - Registration is open.
** The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon has been designated as the 2012 USAT Mid Atlantic Championship and was named by Triathlete Magazine as a "Best 140.6"

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.

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