9 replies to this topic

[Runset]

Hi all,

Keen on getting involved in triathlon and have found, to my surprise, at least 3 clubs in my local area! The tricky thing is I can't tell which one would be the best to join. I don't want to name them publicly so as to avoid a 'my club vs your club' face off.

Short of tagging along to a few sessions of each of the clubs to trial them out (is that a common practice? I get the impression that unlike a run club, a tri club has more facets to it that would take longer to judge) I was wondering if there is a certain 'checklist' that a good tri club should tick.

For instance, one of the clubs I'm looking at includes coached swim sessions + pool entry in it's annual membership fee which is definitely a bonus.

Any advice is greatly appreciated because at the moment I'm likely to make my decision based on which club has the best looking uniform

Cheers,

RS

[Abby]

Hi Runset,

Sorry if you are already aware of it - but there is an Aussie Triathlon forum website at transitions.org.au....

Certainly has a different 'feel' to CR - but you'll get plenty of tri-specific advice from there, and they are generally a good bunch...

Best of luck!!

Cheers,
Abby

[Runset]

Cheers Abby

Many thanks, was not aware of that

Ta

RS

[SirPlod]

This is just a bit of a personal opinion... but I’d be looking for the one with the least attitude, or the one that is the most welcoming.

I find that (in my limited experience) triathletes in general are a lot more serious than runners and don’t have as much time for beginners as runners do.

You’re lucky with being spoilt for choice with 3 clubs! I’d join a club if I had one near me, but sadly – none.

[PlodBod]

hehe... the club colours are important, but if the members are a bunch of jerks, no matter how good everyone looks you won't look forward to spending time with these people.

I joined mine the moment I got home from my first track session with them because they were very welcoming and answered my stupid newbie questions with grace and a smile, and were not in the least bit up themselves. It helped that there were a couple of other new ladies the night I rocked up so we kind of stuck together and have become firm tri friends already.

A friendly and encouraging culture is worth its weight in gold I'd say.

Jump in and do it if you find the right club for you though - it's a heap of fun

[miners]

Join them all!! If you're lucky with race scheduling, you could be racing every weekend

join our club too while you're at it, we're not fussy

[zandrsmum]

SirPlodAlong, on Nov 13 2009, 02:46 PM, said:

This is just a bit of a personal opinion... but I’d be looking for the one with the least attitude, or the one that is the most welcoming.

I find that (in my limited experience) triathletes in general are a lot more serious than runners and don’t have as much time for beginners as runners do.

You’re lucky with being spoilt for choice with 3 clubs! I’d join a club if I had one near me, but sadly – none.

Hi SPA, I noticed you are in SE Melb, the Knox Tri club is very good. I am not with them currently but have been in the past and I found them to be very knowledgeable, organised and supportive. They do cater to beginners but like previously mentioned not quite as well as runners in general. Lots of varied training nights/mornings. K

[SirPlod]

zandrsmum, on Nov 13 2009, 04:14 PM, said:

Hi SPA, I noticed you are in SE Melb, the Knox Tri club is very good. I am not with them currently but have been in the past and I found them to be very knowledgeable, organised and supportive. They do cater to beginners but like previously mentioned not quite as well as runners in general. Lots of varied training nights/mornings. K

Hey Z,

Thanks for that – I’ve had a look at Knox but it takes me an hour each way to drive there, on top of a 1.5 hour each way commute. Wonder if they do midnight sessions?

I really need to move.

[aDrain]

Hi runset,

I'm not a tri'er (teenage kids might suggest a try hard?) but have been doing a weekly Thursday evening run at the Bay Run (ie Haberfield) with a tri club there. Their web site is http://www.balancetriclub.com.au/.

They've made me welcome as a runner, with a range of ability levels. Attitude seems good - certainly plenty of jolly interaction, encouragement and occasionally eats afterwards and such like.

If you feel like the Thursday evening run we meet at the Le Montage car park, just by the park closest to Lilyfield Rd.

[Runset]

Thanks to all for your help