33 replies to this topic

[Sunset]

I know there are a few triathletes on these forums - do you train alone or with a squad? If you are with a squad, what makes training with them worthwhile and enjoyable?
If you train by yourself, why have you chosen to do that?

[Danny]

Hi Sunset,

I am a member of the Newcastle Triathlon Club and really enjoy our club races. The club has a good bunch of friendly people and has a very friendly nature. In relation to training I train alone and this is just a consequence of circumstance. I have to travel a long way to work so my training times are early morning and fit into a tight schedule.

Cheers,

Danny

Edited by Danny, 15 June 2008 - 09:51 AM.

[TynoMite]

I'm not a triathlete yet, but I hope to become one in October.
I swim by myself, mainly because I am a poor swimmer and need to just get some kms in my arms. Similar to how I approached my running initially. Get into it and get some sort of functional level out of it, then maybe look for coaching.
I ride usually by myself or on free shop rides with Fusion Cycles. I'm a sceptical about the benefits of a coached ride.
I do one session with the InTraining squad, their Saturday morning Brick session. The reason for that is my girlfriend did the beginners course with InTraining, so we found out about that via one of her other beginner mates. I am actually thinking about stealing the idea and just starting the ride from home and going to Sherwood solo.
I've looked at the BTS site, the InTraining Site and Croc Squad sites here in Brissie and just can't convince myself to join up or pay for the coached sessions

[blair]

I'm thinking I would like to join a squad in a couple of months. Need to get a road bike first though. (And some spare cash probably).

[Plazbot]

East Coast Cycos.

The end.

[rohan]

triathlon response group.
vic bayside area, but i only do the wednesday morning cycle session.
at first i didn't realize i had joined a squad, just signed on with a coach. squad sessions are 'free' when you're on program, so you may as well work some in.
good to have a chat sometimes and it feels better getting up at 4;40 when you know that others are doing the same.

Plazbot, on Jun 15 2008, 02:06 AM, said:

East Coast Cycos.

The end.

even more annoying than sydney striders.

[Sunset]

I've been doing some googling and see there are a few 'social' type squads that appear to not be coached sessions and so there isn't any ongoing costs (usually just a once off membership fee).
I was thinking this might be a good option for me as I don't feel I want (or need) the benefits of a coach.

[kathmandu]

sorry to slightly hijack your thread Sunset, but i'll be quick and then buzz off (i just didnt want to start a whole new thread for one quick offer).

As part of my coaching accreditation i have to prepare a 3 month training program for a triathlete. It needs to focus on an event, so needs to be tailored to a 3 month period in preparation for an event, using the base phase, strength phase, yardy yarder.

I was just going to make up an imaginary person, but this thread just gave me the idea.....

If anyone out there would like a FREE tailored 3 month triathlon program, PM me. I was going to get a start on the overall structure this arvo, so today or tomorrow would be fab. You'll need to provide your name, a target race (can be sprint to IM, but i kinda prefer Oly Distance for my own value) and background info (injuries, current training, time available, training locations available).

Let me know if anyone is keen.

Cheers, and sorry again Sunset!!

To answer your question - i dont train with a squad, i only have a running coach. I just make my own programs for bike and swim. But running i like having structure and purpose.

[TynoMite]

Sunset, on Jun 15 2008, 11:48 AM, said:

see there are a few 'social' type squads that appear to not be coached sessions and so there isn't any ongoing costs (usually just a once off membership fee).

Hmm, you have me intrigued, must see if I can find them now.

[Sunset]

TynoMite, on Jun 15 2008, 10:31 AM, said:

I ride usually by myself or on free shop rides with Fusion Cycles. I'm a sceptical about the benefits of a coached ride.

I've looked at the BTS site, the InTraining Site and Croc Squad sites here in Brissie and just can't convince myself to join up or pay for the coached sessions

I guess what I'm after is a social group of people who want to train together but not necessarily to be the best they could ever be (therefore no need for a coach).

The free shop rides are something I would be interested in. I'm particularly keen to do some group rides as it is a lot easier to ride in a pack.

Balri, make sure you have a LOT of spare money if you want to do tris... it's a never ending pit

[TynoMite]

Sunset, on Jun 15 2008, 04:43 PM, said:

The free shop rides are something I would be interested in. I'm particularly keen to do some group rides as it is a lot easier to ride in a pack.

The ones I go on are here: http://www.fusioncyc.../html/rides.php
Chelsie, who takes the 25km/h rides (the average at the end of the ride is more like 20 - the 25 avg is on the flat, slower up hills of course ) is talking about starting a tri group from the shop, but not until August or so.

[Plazbot]

Sunset, on Jun 15 2008, 04:43 PM, said:

I guess what I'm after is a social group of people who want to train together but not necessarily to be the best they could ever be (therefore no need for a coach).

The free shop rides are something I would be interested in. I'm particularly keen to do some group rides as it is a lot easier to ride in a pack.

Balri, make sure you have a LOT of spare money if you want to do tris... it's a never ending pit

I will miss Mr Cranky's shot out of the post



i think the major benefit of a club is finding like minded people with similar goals. From memory you are in Brisbane? pretty much, each club has a focus. Cycos is IM, Fidler's is Olympic, BTS seems to be more of an introductory group and so on. A training 'group' does sound more like what you are after than an actual club. However Phoenix are quite relaxed and I know a few who train with them and have done so in the past. Note, the 'coach' is an ex Cyco so beware... just kidding (he is an ex Cyco though) A very large female membership as well.

http://www.phoenixtriathlon.com.au/

[Chopper the Hands man]

Hi Sunset,

I only did triathlon for one year or so and was not part of a squad.
If I was to do triathlons again I would join a swimming squad (not triathlon swimming squad), continue running how I run now (with PCRG etc), and purchase individual windtrainer sessions with Crocsquad or even casual spin sessions at the gym. Something like that. As you mentioned it can get quite expensive so I would try to incorporate sessions with work (eg riding to work etc).

Good luck. If you want anymore info, just ask

Chopper

[onthebass]

Southport Triathlon Club on the Gold Coast.

Has a coach, squad environment, great bunch of diverse and interesting peeps to train with, training facilities are second to none and close to home.

[Fitnhealthy]

Does anyone use a Triathlon Club in South Australia?

[downunder runner]

onthebass -
My hubby and I (and children) are moving to the Gold Coast in December.......we are keen triathletes but not overly serious - we just want to do our best and just as importantly, have lots of fun too.

we have heard of Jenny at the Gold Coast Triathlon club - but sounds like they are ULTRA serious and mainly for young wipper snappers - not those in their late thirties and forties!

AT this stage we are thinking of moving to the Miami/Burleigh/Mermaid Beach area. Can you tell us more about where the different sessions are held? Do you do track running sessions? Where?

opps- maybe this is hijacking - should I send you a PM?

[Ewoksta]

PsychoChicken, on Jun 15 2008, 01:15 PM, said:

sorry to slightly hijack your thread Sunset, but i'll be quick and then buzz off (i just didnt want to start a whole new thread for one quick offer).

As part of my coaching accreditation i have to prepare a 3 month training program for a triathlete. It needs to focus on an event, so needs to be tailored to a 3 month period in preparation for an event, using the base phase, strength phase, yardy yarder.

I was just going to make up an imaginary person, but this thread just gave me the idea.....

If anyone out there would like a FREE tailored 3 month triathlon program, PM me. I was going to get a start on the overall structure this arvo, so today or tomorrow would be fab. You'll need to provide your name, a target race (can be sprint to IM, but i kinda prefer Oly Distance for my own value) and background info (injuries, current training, time available, training locations available).

Let me know if anyone is keen.

Cheers, and sorry again Sunset!!

To answer your question - i dont train with a squad, i only have a running coach. I just make my own programs for bike and swim. But running i like having structure and purpose.

PC,

Just Pm'ed you. and then checked the date

Cheers
Andrew

edited for stupidity....

Edited by Ewoksta, 20 August 2008 - 03:36 PM.

[onthebass]

downunder runner, on Aug 19 2008, 11:59 PM, said:

onthebass -
My hubby and I (and children) are moving to the Gold Coast in December.......we are keen triathletes but not overly serious - we just want to do our best and just as importantly, have lots of fun too.

AT this stage we are thinking of moving to the Miami/Burleigh/Mermaid Beach area. Can you tell us more about where the different sessions are held? Do you do track running sessions? Where?

I'm Club President of Southport Tri Club (STC) so of course i'm going to say come and check out our club

Surfers Paradise Tri Club is based out of Miami Pool. Southport Tri Club is based out of Southport Pool. This might answer your question right there...unfortunately.

STC holds one track session a week @ Griffith Uni's excellent training facility (6pm Wednesday's) and a range of other coached sessions spread across the week at various locations, mainly at the northern end of the Coast (Southport, Parkwood, Runaway Bay, Main Beach).

Feel free to drop me a PM if you have anything specific you would like to know. Would be great to meet you later in the year

Tristan

[downunder runner]

thanks onthebass - checked out your club website - looks great.

I will not be starting any serious training again this season I am due with baby number 2 in January............but once we settle in and know where we are.......I will certainly be looking your club up! do you have a club house at Southport pool?

[erinsay]

Hi Fitnhealthy,

There are a number of Tri clubs in SA. Your location would be a big factor in choosing a club, and also what you want to get out of your membership - group training/coaching/social events/whatever. The TriSA website has a list of all the clubs and their contact details: www.triathlonsa.org.au Go to the red toolbar at the top of the page and click on "Training" and "Clubs". Most of the clubs have their own webpages that will indicate their group training times/locations.

Feel free to PM me and ask any questions.

[onthebass]

Blatant plug - new website launched for those seeking a tri club on the Gold Coast

www.southporttriclub.com

[Goughy]

I went for my first training session with a tri squad on Saturday. I'm doing the Gold Coast BRW with my wifes boss so I joined the group he trains with. There were some serious triathletes there though all were friendly and still joking around etc. Now, I consider myself fit compared to the average person, and still behind most on here, but some of the guys were insane!! I am so far behind them it's not funny. But I loved it.

They train out of a state school indoor pool. Now, I like to sleep in to at least 6:30 on Saturday mornings if I can help it, but was up at 4:20 to get there for the sessions, of course leaving half my gear behind and having to drive home. I started about 5:00 and finished at 7:30. I gather some had been there since 4am, and do this several times a week. A local personal trainer (owns his own gym too) organises the sessions etc and the cost was $10. It was costing me $5 to do my Saturday swimming anyway so I felt this was pretty good. The more sessions a week you do the cheaper it gets. But I'll just be doing Saturdays for now.

I turned up just in time to see them doing some stroke analysis, with us watching 2 at a time swim while he corrected flaws etc, and spoke about the strengths and weakness's of those swimmers. Then straight into the pool for a series of 20x25mtrs every 30secs. This really showed me up and I had to rest out 2 sets in the middle. I had squad trained for like 10years but over 20 years ago now. It was nice of him to comment that my stroke was pretty good for someone so unfit And here I was thinking I was getting fitter.....

Due to the weather we couldn't ride, but he sent us down to his gym to hit the bikes there. I couldn't work out completely what we were 'spose to be doing, but I think they were 6ks a an rpm (cadence) above 100 followed 2min easy, then 5k/2min, 4k/2min etc. Firstly, even on like resistance of 1 I just can't turn my legs over that fast yet so I worked on keeping it above 90 and was on a resistance of 4. The other guys were like on a resistance of 6 and 7 and doing rpm's approaching 110!!!! That really put me in my place. After 50mins of this I was like 5k behind the other guys, one was actually blasting the other guys too.

Straight back to the pool then for some swim/runs. 25mtr/200mtr, then 50mtr/400mtr, 75mtr/600mtr then reversed. The trainer was handicapping us by starting us off at different times. I was often near the first to go . On the swims I felt they were short enough for me to hold my own which I felt I did. But dang if everyone (girls and guys) didn't half blast past me on the runs. Did I mention it before but these guys are insane!! On the last 25/200 I was in second with 100 to go when I heard the full on tri guy coming up behind me. The trainer was yelling out to me to not let him pass! Luckily this bit was slightly down hill and I found an extra gear and just piped him home!

I thought getting up to 3 hours with a personal trainer, pool facilities, his gym facilities etc was great value for $10. He also takes into account your individual abilities and also takes into account what races you are about to do and works programs out up to 3months in advance for them. I'm not the most competitive person on the planet so I tended to joke around with them a bit, giving them stick about overtaking me on the runs etc. At one time on the 600mtr run when I was in front of my wifes boss I called him a pussy only for him to storm past me 100mtr out from the finish. At the end of the day the trainer asked me what I thought - I said I won't call Dan a pussy again...

If this is something you want to get in to I'd say find a squad or training group or something. I really loved it and will be giving up my Saturday sleep in's for this. I may never be as fit as these guys and gals but I didn't feel out of place. I have a feeling I'll be a bit of a joker as I deal with my inadequacy's, but that's just me.

I suggest anyone who wants to give tri's a go try finding a squad. Firstly, if your on coolrunning your probably quite a bit fitter than me and won't be as far behind everyone as I was. But if I can handle it anyone can. It was a lot of fun, and I know that I pushed myself harder than I do when I train on my own. And just having those others around you supporting you was great too.

If anyone lives in the vicinity of Toowoomba Qld and wants to give this a go let me know and I can get the details for you.

[abmacca]

Goughy, on Nov 9 2008, 09:45 AM, said:

I went for my first training session with a tri squad on Saturday. I'm doing the Gold Coast BRW with my wifes boss so I joined the group he trains with. There were some serious triathletes there though all were friendly and still joking around etc. Now, I consider myself fit compared to the average person, and still behind most on here, but some of the guys were insane!! I am so far behind them it's not funny. But I loved it.

They train out of a state school indoor pool. Now, I like to sleep in to at least 6:30 on Saturday mornings if I can help it, but was up at 4:20 to get there for the sessions, of course leaving half my gear behind and having to drive home. I started about 5:00 and finished at 7:30. I gather some had been there since 4am, and do this several times a week. A local personal trainer (owns his own gym too) organises the sessions etc and the cost was $10. It was costing me $5 to do my Saturday swimming anyway so I felt this was pretty good. The more sessions a week you do the cheaper it gets. But I'll just be doing Saturdays for now.

I turned up just in time to see them doing some stroke analysis, with us watching 2 at a time swim while he corrected flaws etc, and spoke about the strengths and weakness's of those swimmers. Then straight into the pool for a series of 20x25mtrs every 30secs. This really showed me up and I had to rest out 2 sets in the middle. I had squad trained for like 10years but over 20 years ago now. It was nice of him to comment that my stroke was pretty good for someone so unfit And here I was thinking I was getting fitter.....

Due to the weather we couldn't ride, but he sent us down to his gym to hit the bikes there. I couldn't work out completely what we were 'spose to be doing, but I think they were 6ks a an rpm (cadence) above 100 followed 2min easy, then 5k/2min, 4k/2min etc. Firstly, even on like resistance of 1 I just can't turn my legs over that fast yet so I worked on keeping it above 90 and was on a resistance of 4. The other guys were like on a resistance of 6 and 7 and doing rpm's approaching 110!!!! That really put me in my place. After 50mins of this I was like 5k behind the other guys, one was actually blasting the other guys too.

Straight back to the pool then for some swim/runs. 25mtr/200mtr, then 50mtr/400mtr, 75mtr/600mtr then reversed. The trainer was handicapping us by starting us off at different times. I was often near the first to go . On the swims I felt they were short enough for me to hold my own which I felt I did. But dang if everyone (girls and guys) didn't half blast past me on the runs. Did I mention it before but these guys are insane!! On the last 25/200 I was in second with 100 to go when I heard the full on tri guy coming up behind me. The trainer was yelling out to me to not let him pass! Luckily this bit was slightly down hill and I found an extra gear and just piped him home!

I thought getting up to 3 hours with a personal trainer, pool facilities, his gym facilities etc was great value for $10. He also takes into account your individual abilities and also takes into account what races you are about to do and works programs out up to 3months in advance for them. I'm not the most competitive person on the planet so I tended to joke around with them a bit, giving them stick about overtaking me on the runs etc. At one time on the 600mtr run when I was in front of my wifes boss I called him a pussy only for him to storm past me 100mtr out from the finish. At the end of the day the trainer asked me what I thought - I said I won't call Dan a pussy again...

If this is something you want to get in to I'd say find a squad or training group or something. I really loved it and will be giving up my Saturday sleep in's for this. I may never be as fit as these guys and gals but I didn't feel out of place. I have a feeling I'll be a bit of a joker as I deal with my inadequacy's, but that's just me.

I suggest anyone who wants to give tri's a go try finding a squad. Firstly, if your on coolrunning your probably quite a bit fitter than me and won't be as far behind everyone as I was. But if I can handle it anyone can. It was a lot of fun, and I know that I pushed myself harder than I do when I train on my own. And just having those others around you supporting you was great too.

If anyone lives in the vicinity of Toowoomba Qld and wants to give this a go let me know and I can get the details for you.

[abmacca]

Goughy - oops am new to this and just posted a blank reply.

I would be interested in finding out more about the Toowoomba tri training. I have done a few tris around South East QLD now and have been really enjoying it but I know I need to push myself a bit more with the training. I was wondering if there is a training squad in Toowooomba and I haven't been able to find one. It sounds pretty full on but I know I need to be pushed a bit. Who is the trainer for these sessions and where do they actually hold them?

Thanks!

[Oscarjane]

abmacca, on Jan 28 2009, 03:45 PM, said:

Goughy - oops am new to this and just posted a blank reply.

I would be interested in finding out more about the Toowoomba tri training. I have done a few tris around South East QLD now and have been really enjoying it but I know I need to push myself a bit more with the training. I was wondering if there is a training squad in Toowooomba and I haven't been able to find one. It sounds pretty full on but I know I need to be pushed a bit. Who is the trainer for these sessions and where do they actually hold them?

Thanks!

I think Goughy is talking about Gerrad Ryder in Toowoomba, is that right Goughy?. Also you can try John Rafter and Amanda Richards (Bodyfit Massage) who are Tri trainers i think they do programs and also take out groups of people. I know some people who go and they have had good results. If you have raced in Toowoomba then you would know Amanda as the top female athlete and John not too far behind.

Or you could visit your local bike shop and ask them

Let us know how you go

[TallGeoff]

Sunset, on Jun 15 2008, 09:40 AM, said:

I know there are a few triathletes on these forums - do you train alone or with a squad? If you are with a squad, what makes training with them worthwhile and enjoyable?
If you train by yourself, why have you chosen to do that?

If you live in the Inner West of Sydney, Balance are a great club.
They have a good mix of abilities and a good social side.
I believe thay have 18 training for IM Port Macquarie at the moment.

Disclaimer: I am not a member

TallGeoff

[Aunty K]

TallGeoff, on Jan 29 2009, 12:29 PM, said:

If you live in the Inner West of Sydney, Balance are a great club.
They have a good mix of abilities and a good social side.
I believe thay have 18 training for IM Port Macquarie at the moment.

Disclaimer: I am not a member

TallGeoff

All true TallGeoff

Only difference is that I AM A MEMBER OF BALANCE!! Also, a member of Hills Tri Club.

Cheers,
Ak

[Goughy]

Oscarjane, on Jan 29 2009, 09:54 AM, said:

I think Goughy is talking about Gerrad Ryder in Toowoomba, is that right Goughy?. Also you can try John Rafter and Amanda Richards (Bodyfit Massage) who are Tri trainers i think they do programs and also take out groups of people. I know some people who go and they have had good results. If you have raced in Toowoomba then you would know Amanda as the top female athlete and John not too far behind.

Or you could visit your local bike shop and ask them

Let us know how you go

That's him OJ, are you from up here too? When I did my first tri at highfields on the weekend I saw that John and the tri club hold some training and information sessions. I was impressed with their setup and organisation for what I figured was just a little local club. Here is the TMBA Tri clubs website; it'll have some info on it
http://www.geocities...owoombatriclub/

The Saturday training I go to is held at the Centenary Heights State School pool, starting at 4am. It's on the corner of South and Ramsey Sts. Most of the people who go to this do several sessions a week, many based at his gym which is on Neil St near the Empire Theatre. I can't afford the time and the money to really do more, which I'd like to, but in saying that the Saturday session is $10 which I feel is a bargain. It goes until about 7am.

It is pretty full on, but I like it. I'm not overly competitive in nature and it still suits me. I was a total couch potato until June last year when I started running (c25k) and only started the tri stuff in November and I don't feel it's too much for me. To a degree he does take into account your abilities, but does push you as well. The programs and training do vary each week, but this Saturdays is a repeat of 2 weeks ago, I think because he was timing us on some stuff and wants to do it again to see how we're progressing.

It'll be 1hour swimming with a varied program up to 3k long (do what you can of it). Then we'll be doing a tri which I think he'll time. Then we'll do a series of short tri's one after the other with no rests. Then some swim/runs. It sounds tough, which it is but it's fun too. I'm one of, if not the slowest there. There are some gun people there too - one who's just got back into it and won the 20-24ag ate the last gatorade last year on the goldie.

I wouldn't think it would be any issue if you just wanted to turn up out of the blue. I got one of my mates into it and he just came along. But you could also drop into or give his gym a call to introduce yourself if you wanted to. It's a friendly bunch and we usually all head out for a coffee afterwards, sometimes for an hour or so.

[ratdog]

Im a new member of Hills Tri Club and have found that they are very friendly and helpful. They have alot of training sessions a week so you can pick and choiose which ones you want to attend.

Noteably is the saturday brick sessions at Parramatta park, they are packed full of great friendly people and and well catered.

[TynoMite]

Starting to sound like a cult this "Hills Tri Club"

[abmacca]

Thanks Goughy and Oscarjane . I will look into it. Might even see you there. I am a bit scared but there is no harm in giving it a go.

[shotis]

They got nuthin on that bunch from Brisvegas though, East Coast something or other!

TynoMite, on Jan 29 2009, 10:41 PM, said:

Starting to sound like a cult this "Hills Tri Club"

[Goughy]

Crawling through some old threads. How it's changed.

My tri squad has kind of dissipated. The Saturday squad doesn't seem to exist in it's old form. So I don't think there are really any squads as such around Toowoomba anymore. The tri club does have sessions every now and then, and still has races most months of the year.

But rather than training on my own, I've joined various other groups. I swim with a squad wednesdays and saturdays with has a lot of triathletes in it. Then I ride with some of them on Tuesday mornings. I ride Sundays with another group of mates and join in with the toowoomba road runners once or twice a week. I find it much easier to get the training down when I don't have to do it alone. I just have 3 or 4 different groups now to get it all done.

[OscarZarate]

Sunset, on Jun 15 2008, 08:40 AM, said:

I know there are a few triathletes on these forums - do you train alone or with a squad? If you are with a squad, what makes training with them worthwhile and enjoyable?
If you train by yourself, why have you chosen to do that?

I train by myself because I don't have "a time to train" I do it when I feel like doing it, when my work leaves me, when at the planet are in a line

I'm thinking to start doing something with a team (or swimming or riding, don't think running, I'm a runner that enjoy his running and use it as "my time")