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IN THIS ISSUE
Iron Girl Special Event Hosted by Princeton Sports
Important Race Info
Packet Pick Up
Claim Your Virtual Badge
Mandatory Bike Checks
Mandatory Bike Racking
Race Day Parking
Race Day Notes
Bodymason pre-event massages
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Rack Jacket
Road Condition Update
What Inspires You?
TriColumbia iPhone App
Gatorade
Thank you!
Follow On Race Day
2013 Event Schedule
Important 2013 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon Information

  Greetings!

    

Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Logo The 8th Annual Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon is just 10 days away!  We know you've been busy training, and we look forward to welcoming you to the start line of this amazingly inspirational and transformative event!  

 

In order to eliminate long lines at bike racking, we strongly urge you to have your mandatory, free bike and helmet safety check done anytime before the event, at Princeton Sports in Columbia or Baltimore, instead of waiting until Saturday at bike racking. At the same time, Princeton will be happy to show you how to change a flat tire so that you can be prepared to respond on race day should you need to.

  

Please read the important information in this email and remember to download the 2013 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon Athlete's Guide, and other resources located on the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon webpage under "Key Race Info" and "Resources" to address questions or concerns you may have.   

 

Read on for information about free resources and opportunities available to Iron Girls at Princeton Sports on Sunday, August 11th, details about packet pickup, race day notes, bike racking, how to book a pre-race massage, and the brand new TriColumbia iPhone app.     

 

Train safely, and we look forward to seeing you on race weekend!  

 

Celebrate Life! 

  

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

  

P.S. TriColumbia's official swim product sponsor, Aqua Sphere, is offering a special discount code, felicity13, for Iron Girls to use on the purchase of a swim suit. 

  

  

 



Sunday, August 11th Is a Special Day For Iron Girls at Princeton Sports!


Princeton Sports logo Princeton Sports, TriColumbia's Official Bike Shop has planned a full day of free special events for Iron Girls on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the Columbia, MD location.

 

Special events include:   

  • Two free supported rides, one at 9 am and one at noon.
  • The Specialized Van will be on hand offering test bicycle rides.
  • A free transition and bike tube repair clinic at 11:30 am.
  • Specialized will sponsor a free barbeque.
  • Mandatory bike & helmet inspections will be available all day.  Beat the crowds at bike racking and get this done ahead of time! 

Plus Princeton Sports has some terrific special offers available for Iron Girls. Click here for Iron Girl information! 

 

Rides will take place unless there is inclement weather. Updates are available on the Princeton Sports Facebook Page. 

 


Important Race Information

Be sure to download all the important information about the 2013 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon on the race webpage under "key race info" and "resources".
  • The Athletes Guide
  • Course Maps (note that there is a new bike course this year) 
  • Swim Waves  
  • Travel & Lodging Information (under resources tab) 

Race Photography by Brightroom - Keep your race number visible & smile as you cross the finish line! Athlete photos will be available in the week following the event under the "results & photos" tab. 

 

Official timing provided by ARE Event Productions Inc. - results will be available post race on our website under the "results & photos" tab. 

 

And don't forget to attend one of the Pre-Race Course Talks, which provide important information about the race, and include a question and answer segment. There will also be short informational session conducted by Sadj Bartolo, a seasoned triathlete and Mid Maryland Tri Club member, 30 minutes before each course talk to provide you with race day and transition tips

When:  Friday, August 16, 2013, 5:00 pm
            Saturday, August 17, 2013, 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Where: The Sheraton Columbia Town Center 

             10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044   

Athlete Check-In & Packet Pickup

Shereton logo When: Friday, August 16, 2013 from 2:00pm - 7:00 pm
            Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Where: The Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel
              10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland 21044

Please note that there is NO RACE DAY CHECK-IN/PACKET PICKUP. All registered entrants, including all relay team members, MUST attend packet pickup on Friday or Saturday in person. Per USAT rules, each participant MUST pick up her/his own packet.  If you do not check in during the designated check-in times in person, you will not be able to participate in the event.

All participants, including youth (17 and under) must bring the following to packet pickup: 
  • A photo ID
  • USAT membership card to show proof of annual membership unless you purchased one-day USAT event insurance at the time you registered for the event.

Special Notice Regarding USAT membership cards for check-in

Athletes MUST bring proof of annual USAT membership or purchase one-day USAT event insurance. Failure to do so will disallow participation in the race. (Athletes may have purchased one-day event insurance at the time of registration. Staff will have a list of those one-day USAT participants at check-in.) Athletes who forget their USAT membership card will have the following options:

  • Go to your home or hotel and retrieve your card.
  • Print a temporary membership card from the USAT website, http://www.usatriathlon.org/
  • Show a current membership card on a smart phone or PDA.
  • Purchase one-day event insurance for $12.00 (Adult) or $10.00 (Youth) at the USAT desk at check-in. Payable by cash or check ONLY.
  • Renew your annual membership at the USAT desk at check-in.
  • Renew your annual membership online and bring proof of renewal.   

Race staff and/or volunteers cannot search for USAT membership information or allow use of staff computers by athletes to retrieve information.

 

Please remember to pack your USAT membership card. Don't leave home without it!

 

   

Claim Your Virtual Iron Girl In Training Badge

Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon registrants have been sent an email invitation to claim their virtual Iron Girl Triathlon in Training Badge.  Be sure to claim yours, courtesy of TriColumbia. Badges can be proudly displayed on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and personal blogs to let everyone know that you are training for the race!

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

Princeton Sports logo AVOID THE CROWD AND GET YOUR BIKE CHECK DONE EARLY. Checks can be done any time from now until August 17th 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! Be responsible for your own destiny. You've trained hard - Don't let a flat tire ruin your race!

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 17th, after you complete packet pickup. 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.
Mandatory Pre-Event Bike Racking

Bike Racking All bikes must be racked on Saturday ONLY at the Transition Area in Centennial Park between the hours of 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. To enter transition for racking you must be wearing the security wristband received at packet pick up. Please note that the transition area is RESTRICTED TO ATHLETES ONLY.  Any accompanying friend, spouse, parent or child WILL NOT BE ALLOWED into the transition area.  Please make appropriate arrangements to have children supervised while you are racking your bike. Once racked, your bike cannot be removed. Full security is provided overnight. NO exceptions!

For a great way to protect your bike, check out the  RackJacket below.

  

PLEASE AVOID THE CONGESTION ON RACE DAY BY TAKING THE FREE TRICOLUMBIA SHUTTLE

shuttle bus There will be a free shuttle service to take athletes, family, friends and volunteers to and from The Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel and Centennial Park beginning at 4:30 am on Sunday and running continuously every 15-20 minutes until 2 pm. Please note that you will not be able to transport your bike on the shuttle. If you pack a backpack, you can bike back to the Sheraton after the race to access your car.

Race Staff and Police strongly encourage use of the shuttle to facilitate entrance to the park and to help avoid traffic and race delays.

Parking at Centennial Park is EXTREMELY LIMITED. If someone will be driving you to the venue, they MAY NOT stop in the driving lane to drop you off. The Centennial Park entrance on MD Rt. 108 will close to vehicles at 6:35 am. Please plan on early morning traffic delays, and prepare to arrive earlier than you may have initially planned. There are thousands of athletes and their fans attending this event. Don't miss your swim wave - BE THERE EARLY! Transition will close just before the first swim wave, so be sure to arrive in time to get body marked and set up your gear in transition. Transition will open at 4:45 and body marking will begin at 5:00 am.

For more information including the schedule of events please download the Athlete's Guide under Key Race Info on our website.  
Race Day Notes

Post-Race Athlete Food
After crossing the finish line, you will be presented with a handsome finisher's medal, and are invited to proceed to the Celebration Village at the top of the hill to enjoy refreshments provided by David's Natural Market located in the Athlete's Food Tent.  Please ask your family and fans to respect that food in the Food Tent is for athletes only. Food vendors will be on site by the boat rental area to provide spectator refreshments.

BodyMasons Post-Race Massage
TriColumbia will provide complementary massages on a first come, first served basis. Sports massages will be executed by BodyMason Performance Therapy. The massage tent will be located near the Food Tent.

Awards
The Awards will be available for pickup as soon as race results have been cleared with the lead USAT Official at   approximately 11:00 am at the top of the hill near the Athlete Food Tent. Once results are finalized award winners will be announced, and may stop by the awards tent to retrieve their awards. Please note that unofficial results posted prior to that are for time purposes only and will not reflect Award Results. Those entered in the Athena  division may be required to weigh in to verify their eligibility at packet pick up and at the event.  There may be challenges by other athletes at the time awards are distributed.

A HUGE thank you to ALL our 2013 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon Sponsors, including Gatorade, Hammer Nutrition, Aqua Sphere, Princeton Sports, EnduraFit, Her Mind Magazine, Howard Magazine, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Rack Jacket, TriSpies, Spin 90 Cyling, TriFitness Training, Polar, Brightroom Photo, and MPT. 

Thanks as well to our community supporters and volunteers including Howard County Police, Howard County Fire and Rescue, Howard County Recreation and Parks, Howard County General Hospital, and all our charity team, Tri Club and community partners who help make the event great!

Bodymason Performance Therapy

BodyMasons 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 and will be hosting a "Cut the Line" raffle for their post race services on Sunday.

You may schedule and pre-pay for a pre-race massage session via e-mail to [email protected].

"Cut the Line" raffle tickets will be available at the Bodymason table during packet pick-up.  
$1 - 1 entry   
$5 - 6 entries   
$10 - 15 entries.
They will be awarding 5 "Cut the Line Passes" for our post race sessions on Sunday.  Winners will be notified via text message and announced prior to Sunday's race start.  

MORE

  

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Congratulates Athletes

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School As a proud sponsor of the 2013 Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, as well as The Ironman 70.3 EagleMan Triathlon, the Columbia Triathlon and the Celebrating Heroes 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  

TriColumbia Protects The Environment

rackjacket RackjacketTriColumbia 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 

Road Condition and Course Update

The Athleta Iron Girl bike course has changed from years past. It is your responsibility to know the course. Please take the time to download the course map under Key Race Information on the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia website and familiarize yourself with the race course.

As many are aware, area roadways have been experiencing road construction recently.  There may be lingering uneven pavement surfaces. Updates will be provided at the course talks on Friday and Saturday. As always, please use caution while competing, and please drive the course to be sure you fully know the route and conditions.
Tell Us Your Inspirational Story

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. 

Kristen Berset, breast cancer survivor and sports reporter/anchor for WUSA channel 9, will compete in her 2nd Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon. The 2012 race was Kristen's first triathlon ever and her first "big ANYTHING" since her diagnosis. "It was a truly emotional and empowering moment."

Kristen is also a member of Team Fight, raising funds and awareness for the Ulman Cancer Fund. She has been cancer free for 4 years now, but is "still discovering every day what it taught me - Courage, Strength, Love, Perseverance and I know there's much more to come!"

We are pleased to welcome a dozen charity teams to Iron Girl Columbia this year, all raising funds and awareness for worthy causes such as supporting those with cancer and disabilities. Check out the "charity" page of our website find out more about our mission to support local and regional charitable causes. 

Announcing TriSpies Mobile App

TriSpies logo 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!   
Gatorade

Gatorade 2013 logo 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 the Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon course. 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 


Please Respect The Area And Thank Our Volunteers

PLEASE respect both the environment and the areas that this event travels through.  Do not drop trash anywhere other than aid stations and use the portable toilets, not the neighborhoods. The County and TriColumbia take pride in the designation of Centennial Park as a, "leave no trace" park. Help us to maintain this special facility. We encourage you to use trash receptacles and to take your trash with you when you leave the park in order to protect the environment.

Remember, the use of profanity or disrespect of any staff, volunteers or other officials who are there to assist you can be grounds for a USAT official to disqualify you - this includes packet pick up and the bike racking stages.

And don't forget to thank the many enthusiastic volunteers stationed throughout the race course and venue.  Our volunteers are comprised of many charity and community groups as well as individuals who simply enjoy helping out. We would be unable to provide events such as this one without their capable assistance! If you would like to help out with this or any of our other events, simply visit our website and let us know.

Thank you for your cooperation!
Follow All The Excitement On Race Day With TriColumbia TriLights, Facebook and TriColumbia TriSpies

Once again, TriColumbia will be live blogging all the race excitement.  Friends and family can follow the race on our website.  Go to Tricolumbia.org, and click on the TriLights Drop Down under the News tab.  Mobile users can follow along using the TriSpies App or check out the TriColumbia Facebook page for updates as well. 

Our Sponsors

Athleta   EnduraFit   Gatorade 

Aqua Sphere   Princeton Sports   Hammer Nutrition 

Rackjacket   Howard Magazine   Her Mind Magazine 

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School   TriSpies   BodyMason Performance Therapy 

Polar USA   Brightroom   Triton Water Rescue 

Howard County Parks & Recreation   Sheraton Columbia Town Center   Howard County General Hospital 

David\'s Natural Market   Maryland Public Television   Howard County Tourism 

event_schedule2013 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  
Also sponsored by Her Mind Magazine, Maryland Family Magazine, and Road Runner Sports

August 18, 2013 - Athleta Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon - Registration is CLOSED.
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 but only a few slots remain
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


 
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