Prez Corner...
Thoughtful notes from a fearless LVTC leader.
Do you remember your first triathlon?...
A great thing about the Las Vegas Triathlon Club is we have members who are starting their triathlon journey and those who compete at national and international levels. Lots of great experience within the club.
Participation numbers in triathlons has dropped and USA Triathlon has started an initiative ‘Time to Tri.’ The importance of this initiative is to introduce people to the sport of triathlon – or, in some cases, not to scare people away from even trying their first triathlon.
Unintentionally, we can accidently discourage people to get involved in triathlons. How?
Here are some common – well meaning – pieces of advice that can actually drive people away from the sport we love:
-
Get a tri-bike (a $2000+ investment).
-
You’ll need an aero helmet ($100-$200 investment).
-
You’ll need a wetsuit ($100-$800 investment).
-
Get a coach (anywhere from $50/month - $200/month).
-
Make sure you have a GPS watch ($300-$600 investment).
-
Get a power meter ($300-$2500).
-
Oh … and you’ll want to look at electronic shifting …
Yikes – that’s a huge investment and the person hasn’t even made it to the start line (or paid for registration).
All of those items (and more) are helpful to a triathlete – but not necessary to get started in the sport.
What do you need for your first race?
-
A bike … borrow one.
-
Swim goggles … less than $20.
-
Wetsuit … borrow one.
-
Running shoes … spend time to get find the right shoe.
What can club members do to help people new to the sport? Make a personal connection. Get to know the new athletes. Offer to go on a swim/bike/run with them. Show them training locations.
I strongly believe that the personal touch is more meaningful to new athletes than a list of “here is what you need”. Don’t try to coach these athletes – we have some great coaches in the club who can do that - but tell them your story. Tell them where you started and where you are now.
Think back to your first race – was there someone who said something to you that stuck with you? Some encouragement? Congratulations? Be that person … encourage and congratulate each other and our club will be contributing to the next wave of growth in triathlon.
My first race: I did in Lake Erie without a wetsuit, on my Schwinn Varsity (wearing my running shoes), and a beat up pair of runners. I finished. I loved it. Now it is fun to still race but also introduce others to the joy of competing in multisport events.
