June News From TriColumbia

TriColumbia logo It's been a busy start to race season here at TriColumbia. Congratulations to all athletes who have competed so far this season. We hope you achieved your goals, and created memories to last a lifetime!

But race season is far from over. There's still lots of opportunity to race in 2013! So be sure to reserve your space at Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon or any of the 7 great events at the ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival while there's still room; and don't forget to sign your kids up for loads of fun at the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon. This thrilling video trailer produced by TriSpies will bump up your excitement!

If you or your kids are signed up to participate in the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon or TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon, remember that you will need to have your race day bike and helmet inspected for safety. In order to eliminate long lines at bike racking, we strongly urge you to have your mandatory, free bike and helmet safety check done before the event at Princeton Sports in Columbia or Baltimore, instead of waiting until the Saturday before the race. Also, be sure you know how to change a flat! Princeton Sports will be happy to show you how - just ask. Be prepared! Don't let a flat tire ruin your race!

Read on for information about races still open for registration, nutrition tips, training tips and opportunities, a special Iron Girl/Princeton Sports promotion, how to book a pre-race massage, and the brand new TriColumbia iPhone app.

Train safely, and we look forward to seeing you this summer and fall!

Celebrate Life!

Kari Ebeling, COO, USAT Certified Level 1 Race Director & The TriColumbia Team

CheaspeakeMan Endurance Festival Now Offers 7 Different Events - There's One for You!

Don't miss the event that everyone is raving about, the CheaspeakeMan Endurance Festival. Enjoy racing through the pristine Blackwater Wildlife Refuge on September 21st on Maryland's Eastern Shore when the heat of the season has subsided. Taking place in the same venue as TriColumbia's world renown, Ironman 70.3 EagleMan race, ChesapeakeMan offers the same great race logistics, volunteers and venue while maintaining a more intimate and personal feel.

Ted W., Age Group Athlete offers his praise, "This was my second year at the race (although I have been doing EagleMan for years), and it only reaffirmed in my mind what a great event ChessyMan is. The scenery was fantastic, the logistics were well thought out and athlete-friendly, and it was so nice not having to fight for overcrowded water during the swim and to constantly avoid rider-drafting packs during the bike as occurs at some other races people flock to. I am so glad to hear ChessyMan is on for next year -- I'll be there for sure."

Events now offered include:

ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon - Named a "140.6 Best Race" by Triathlete Magazine and once again the USAT Mid-Atlantic Ultra Distance Championship
Skipjack 75.2 Triathlon - begin with one loop of the 1.2 mile ChesapeakeMan swim course in Hambrooks Bay. After a quick transition (skipping the changing tent) and saddling up for the 64-mile first loop of the ChesapeakeMan bike course, there will be an out and back 10-mile run. The Skipjack Triathlon is the perfect event to end your season, or to use as training for a long distance event.
Bugeye Classic International Distance Triathlon - a 1.2 mile swim on the ChesapeakeMan Hambrooks Bay swim course, a 25 mile bike through portions of the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge and a 6.2 mile flat run.
ChesapeakeMan Aquabike - Interested in challenging yourself but don't want to run the marathon? Then the Aquabike is for you! 1.2 mile swim, 112 mile bike and done!
SwimFest - for those who want to brave the waters for 2.4 miles and then join the spectators to cheer on the other racers. The swim start is at the same time as the Ultra Distance and Aquabike events.
10 mile Run - Get in on the fun by running the ChesapeakeMan 10 miler beginning at high noon!
Moonlight Marathon - Join Ultra athletes under the stars for 26.2 miles beginning at 5 pm. The party goes on until midnight with glowsticks and tiki torches.

School's Out! What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer?

Get your kids off the couch and keep them happy and healthy this summer by signing up for the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon taking place on July 21st.

The Kidz Triathlon provides youth ages 7-15 the opportunity to experience a healthy, fit lifestyle while boosting self-esteem in a fun, family-friendly environment. Kids experience the thrill of a real triathlon just like their adult role models. The event includes chip timing, age group awards, professional photography, a post race food tent and party, great music and fabulous volunteers. With entries limited to 600, this event sells out, so don't delay!

TriColumbia athlete, Nathan Gears and TriColumbia Race Director and COO, Kari Ebeling recently discussed kids participation in triathlons and youth fitness on a recent segment of Fox 45 Family 411.

MYTS logo

Once again, the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon will be part of the Maryland Youth Triathlon Series, the first and only 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! You can participate in just one event or choose to do all 4.

Click HERE for more information and to sign up for the TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon today!

Iron Girls, Come Race at Beautiful Rocky Gap on September 8th

Iron Girls, finish up your race season at the Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon on September 8th. This pristine "girls' get away" venue provides the ideal backdrop for a triumphant race, with the swim taking place in beautiful Lake Habeeb, fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel.

This is the last in the Iron Girl Triple Crown Series. Women who complete all 3 TriColumbia 2013 Iron Girl events will receive a special Triple Crown Medal and will have a special gift mailed to them after the event.

Join other women on the journey to live better, and challenge yourself to be the best that you can be! Only a few slots remain, so don't delay!

Register today!

TriFitness Training and Spin 90 Training Opportunities

TriFitness Training is holding two more Open Water Swim Clinics this summer.
Build your comfort & confidence! These clinics are great for all levels of athletes who have summer & fall races. Clinics are being held on July 14 & August 4 at Gunpowder State Park. Iron Girls, If you are competing in Athleta Iron Girl Columbia or Iron Girl Rocky Gap, TriColumbia will not be holding an open water dress rehearsal this year, so consider signing up for one of these clinics!

spin90 logo

Spin 90 is offering several clinics to help athletes of all abilities train for peak performance. There are clinics especially geared toward Iron Girls, as well as Endurance Cycling and Running Programs for endurance athletes looking to improve performances in longer distance events such as those offered at the ChesapeakeMan Endurance Festival. Check them all out on the TriColumbia training page!

Attention Iron Girls - Special Under Armour Promotion and Free Supported Sunday Morning Bike Rides

Princeton Sports, TriColumbia's Official Bike Shop has teamed up with Under Armour to provide women registered for TriColumbia's Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon or Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon with a special opportunity. If you are one of the first 100 people to purchase an Under Armour bra at Princeton Sports, you will receive a free Princeton Sports Tec T ($23.00 value) and a limited edition under Armour Thermal Mug!

Also from Princeton Sports and Under Armour, with any purchase over $50.00, you will receive a free pair of Under Armour Thong or Cheeky Stretch Underwear.

under armour mug

While you're there, be sure to have your free, mandatory race day bike and helmet safety check done. Be sure to ask for instructions on how to change a flat too. Princeton is more than happy to help. Just ask!

Princeton Sports will also be conducting a flat tire clinic after each free, supported Sunday morning bike ride. Rides will depart from Princeton Sports in Columbia, MD at 9 am sharp, and will take place unless there is a race that day, or the weather is inclement.

Swim Tips for Race Day from TriFitness Training

Warm up before the race starts! Jog a bit, jump up and down, get in the water when allowed, and swim back and forth before the start!

Stay calm and do breathing bobs to get used to water and get in a rhythm. When the gun goes off, make sure you are not holding your breath. Breathe, bubble out, relax and focus on a smooth long stroke. Swim YOUR race - don't get pulled into a pace that you can't hold!

Athletes bump into each other during the swim. Stay calm and move away if you continue to bump into the same person. Look for clear water, this will relieve the stress and allow you to focus on your stroke. Make sure you are sighting and that you know the course. Know which buoys you need to go around and which ones are only sight buoys. Be prepared.

Finish the swim strong, making sure you swim until your fingertips touch the bottom. Move goggles to your forehead, give yourself a few steps to get adjusted to a vertical position, and run or walk to your bike!

Taking Your Nutrition on the Road

When traveling to your next race, be sure to plan for proper nutrition to perform your best on race day. Check out this article presented by USAT and Marni Sumbal. Ms. Sumbal holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology, is a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) and is certified in adult weight management by the American Dietetic Association. Marni is a Level I USAT coach and is currently pursuing a registered dietician degree.

Inspiration Abounds at TriColumbia Events

Often participants become involved in endurance events 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 endurance events changed your life? If you would like to share your story and inspire others, please send us an email with your inspirational story.

While swim training, and despite taking precautions, Whitney S. was hit and run over by an impaired boater. She was taken to Shock Trauma with multiple, life threatening injuries. Her left arm was nearly amputated by the motor, she had a broken pelvis, scapula, multiple breaks in her arm, multiple broken ribs, and excessive blood loss. She spend many, many hours in surgery for repair, and spent 29 days in Shock Trauma with other surgeries ahead. Whitney showed the depth of her strength when she registered for the 2013 Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon from her hospital bed. At that time, she wasn't even sure if her arm would be healed enough to swim but she was determined. The journey ahead is not over, but looking toward the finish line at Iron Girl brings a sense of triumph for all who have been part of her 2 year long recovery. She has beat the odds, and continues to show her strength and determination as she trains again, despite continued therapy twice a week and a new job. Challenging herself to finish the Iron Girl means challenging others to try things they never would.

We wish Whitney, and all those who race for a cause or to overcome a personal obstacle, the best of luck!

Mandatory, Free Pre Event Bike & Helmet Safety Inspections, and Learn How To Change A Flat

AVOID THE CROWD AND GET YOUR BIKE CHECK DONE EARLY. Checks
for Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Traithlon, Iron Girl Rocky Gap and TriColumbia Kidz Traithlon can be done any time from now until race day at the Official Race Bike Support Shop, Princeton Sports, (410) 995-1894, 10730 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044 or 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.

Also, be sure to learn how to change a flat tire. Princeton Sports will show you how. Just ask! Princeton Sports will also be conducting a flat tire clinic after each free, supported Sunday morning bike ride. Rides will depart from Princeton Sports in Columbia, MD at 9 am sharp, and will take place unless there is a race that day or the weather is inclement.

You may also have your bike inspected at the race site prior to racking your bike. 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.

Bodymason Performance Therapy

In addition to providing massages on race day complements of TriColumbia, Bodymason will be in attendance during packet pickup hours to provide athlete paid sports massage services.

Pre-race massage pricing will be $45 for a 30 minute session. You may schedule and pre-pay for your sessions via e-mail to team@bodymason.com. Walk-up clients will also be welcome on a first come first served basis as spaces are available.

MORE

TriColumbia Protects The Environment

TriColumbia and EnduraFit are pleased to present a revolutionary 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. You may also use an old swim cap to over your bike seat if you like. The Rack Jacket is the essential item for those of you who wish to protect your bike from the elements.

Key Benefits of 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

EnduraFit is also excited to announce two new Rack Jacket products that are designed for use on your bike while on your car rack. These products are able to withstand any highway speeds over long or short distances, and are available for pre-order immediately. Both of these products are designed to keep moisture and road grime off of your bikes. Check them out at www.therackjacket.com

Click HERE to order

Gatorade

Train with what's on course!

Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink designed to sustain hydration during prolonged training and racing when fluid and electrolyte losses can be significant, and will be served along TriColumbia race courses. It contains nearly twice the sodium (200mg) and more than three times the potassium (90mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher to help sustain hydration, maintain proper fluid balance and replace the critical electrolytes lost in sweat during these occasions.

Learn MORE

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Congratulates Athletes

As a proud sponsor of the 2013 The EnduraFit Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon, the Columbia Triathlon, Celebrating Heroes Triathlon, and the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School congratulates all triathletes for their dedication to this challenging sport

Where business is taught with humanity in mind.

www.carey.jhu.edu

Announcing TriSpies Mobile App

TriColumbia is excited to announce TriSpies as our Official Mobile Content Partner. As busy athletes, we know that many of you get news and information from your mobile devices. We've partnered with TriSpies to create the TriColumbia mobile app providing event news, course information including maps and videos, race schedules and information, live race day updates, photos, and results. Through the app you can share content with Friends on Facebook and Twitter, and opt-in to get timely alerts and notifications. Download the app today from the iTunes App Store.

Later this year, TriSpies will be launching their first mobile training app, providing virtual video training on actual race courses. Imagine training on the EagleMan flats or the Columbia Tri hills on cold, wet, wintery days from the comfort of your home or local gym. TriSpies course videos embedded with GPS data will allow you to do just that!

2013 Event Schedule

April 28, 2013 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia 1/2 Marathon & Coed 5K - benefiting Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center - Thanks for racing with us! Join us next year.
First in the Iron Girl Triple Crown Event Series - Named a "Best Women's Event" by Competitor Mid-Atlantic
Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine, Mix 106.5 FM, Lisa Hussman Foundation, Howard Magazine, Safeway, and Polar

May 19, 2013 - Columbia Triathlon - benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Maryland Chapter - Registration is closed.
30th year and a 5150 qualifying event
Also sponsored by Conscious Corner, Her Mind Magazine, Howard Magazine, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

June 1, 2013 - Rocky Gap Triathlon - Sprint and International distance events offered - benefiting the Cumberland YMCA

June 9, 2013 - Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon & Aquabike
**The EagleMan 2013 Aquabike has been named by the USAT Mid Atlantic Regional Committee as the 2013 Regional Championship.
Also sponsored by Heat 106.3 FM, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

June 23, 2013 - Celebrating Heroes Triathlon

Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine, Howard Magazine and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

July 21, 2013 - TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon - Registration is OPEN - GET YOUR KIDS OFF THE COUCH!
Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine, Maryland Family Magazine, and Road Runner Sports

August 18, 2013 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon - Registration is CLOSED. Options for entry are to join a charity team.
Second event in the Iron Girl Triple Crown Event Series - Named a "Best Women's Event" by Competitor Mid-Atlantic

Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine, Howard Magazine, Polar, and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

September 8, 2013 - Iron Girl Rocky Gap Triathlon - Registration is OPEN
Third event in the Iron Girl Triple Crown Event Series
Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine

September 21, 2013 - 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) Newly added events for 2013 are the SwimFest, Moonlight Marathon and ChesapeakeMan 10 miler.
** The ChesapeakeMan Ultra Distance Triathlon has been designated as the 2013 USAT Mid Atlantic Championship and was named by Triathlete Magazine as a "Best 140.6" - Registration is OPEN

Our Sponsors

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