Winter Triathlon Nationals Heads to Utah in 2010

Let the snow fly!  The Battle at Soldier Hollow.  The USA Triathlon Winter Triathlon Championship is now set for January 16, 2010.  Tritons will have the opportunity to run, mountain bike, and cross country ski at the world famous home of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games cross country ski events.  BASH is a perfect way to learn new sports, improve your base fitness, and expand your skills as a multi-sport athlete during the off-season.  The top three male and female American finishers in the 2010 BASH Full Distance Triathlon, will qualify for the Elite World Championship, in February 2010.  The top three Age Group athletes also qualify.  Program information is now available at www.bashwintertri.com.  It’ll be fun!

2009 USAT Winter Triathlon National Championship at Bend, Oregon

USA Triathlon – USA Triathlon June 05, 2009

Though multisport athletes are in the heart of their summer racing season, it’s never too early to start thinking about cooling things down with a little winter competition.

USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that its 2010 Winter Triathlon National Championship will be held January 16, 2010 at Soldier Hollow Resort in Midway, Utah, as part of the Battle@Soldier Hollow BASH Winter Triathlon.

Winter triathlon consists of running, mountain biking and cross country skiing, offering a great way for athletes to compete outside of the typical triathlon season while improving base fitness and expanding skills in multisport.

Whether you are a seasoned winter triathlete or new to the sport the BASH Winter Tri has something for you. BASH Winter Tri 2010 will feature a new mix of trails combining beginner and intermediate terrain for a challenging all around course.

“We are excited USA Triathlon has chosen us to host this national championship event,” said Rob Leishman of Wasatch Area Race Productions, who will be conducting the race. “We believe that the new course layout will be well suited to separate the best from the rest, while being a fun and entertaining venue for the novice and intermediate athletes.”

Soldier Hollow is nestled in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains and was home to the cross country ski events of the 2002 Winter Games. Athletes of world-class ability as well as weekend recreationalists use this beautiful facility year round. With world class groomed ski trails and the region’s longest tubing runs, there is something at Soldier Hollow for the whole family.

Find out more about the event at the BASH Winter Tri website. The website also features photos and a race video free for download.

The new BASH Winter Tri 2010 course will be planned and posted to the website in July 2009.

XTERRA Wild Horse Creek

Hello fellow triathletes!

Another fantastic race occurred this past Sunday at the Hyalite Reservoir.  Well over 100 hundred athletes showed up for a brisk morning competition.  The algae in the water was in full bloom, the temperature was just right.  The mass start, for me, is one of the most exciting parts of the race.  Will I, or won’t I hold my position?  Two laps with a “beach” run in between is great.  Although, there is definitely no beach at Hyalite.  A pretty casual T1 and I was off on the bike.  There were a bunch of competitors on the trail., which made it tricky to pass at times on the rooted, singletrack trails.  Climbing up Hood Creek, my friend Harry passed me, and decided to push the pace for both of us.  If you have never done the Hood Creek Loop up at Hyalite, it is worth it.  A nice sustained climb with a screamer downhill.  Totally worth it.  If you are not a speed freak, you can take it nice and slow and enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Mountains and wildflowers, oh my!  T2 was very quick and off to the Crescent Lake trail (times 2).  There is no steady section here, it is either up or down.  Hard to get your rhythm going.  All in all a solid race.  The Wild Horse XTERRA is growing in numbers every year.  I’ve done the race 4 years in a row now, and I am not disappointed!  I hope in the future, it will become the Mountain Cup XTERRA race.

I am off this weekend to another XTERRA race in Nederland, CO.  (5th race of year).

Matthew Parks, USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach, Bozeman Triton Coach, Nationally Certified in Therapeutic  Massage and Bodywork

Please let me know if you have any questions or need some advice.

406 580 7987 or matthewbryanparks@gmail.com.

Headwaters Half Iron Recap

This past weekend was the 1st Annual Headwaters Half Iron in Three Forks, MT presented by Fleet Feet Sports – Bozeman.  We used the term “Iron” instead of “Ironman” for two reasons…1. Ironman is trademarked and 2. this race was somewhat smaller in stature than a typical Ironman you will find in neighboring states.  Nonetheless, I must say that the race went off without any major problems and overall the athletes were pleased with how it turned out.  I think the venue was excellent, consisting of a 2-lap swim in a clean pond, a beautiful 56-mile bike on quiet roads with some interesting rollers, and a two-lap run on both dirt and paved roads.

As an employee with Fleet Feet, this was my first crack at helping co-direct a race with Tony Brendgard (owner of Fleet Feet Sports – Bozeman).  I did learn alot, including the fact that it’s easier to race a triathlon than it is to put one on.  Hopefully, we can build on the both the popularity and size of the field.  I already have some great ideas on how we could change the run course – but unfortunately it probably won’t affect the amount of shade (the heat did play a huge factor on race day).  The city of Three Forks and Manhattan were extremely welcoming and easy to work with.  I look forward to working with everyone again next year to make the 2nd Annual Headwaters better and a bigger draw.

I have to send a quick shout-out to all the athletes that competed and those who came to support.  Congratulations to the Tritons who came out to represent (Art, Ryan, Becky, Martin, Phil, Julie), and a huge thanks to Laurie Thatcher and Chris Martin who sat in the hot sun to hand out aid for more than a couple hours.  Oh, and thanks to whoever else I grabbed for help…including Eric Horn who directed traffic at the first intersection on Frontage Road.  Volunteers really are the ones that make races happen.

Complete results for the Headwaters Half Iron are available here — http://www.perfect-timing.org/results/2009/headwaters/agegroups.htm.

Till next time…happy training!

Coach Aubrey, USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, www.wenzelcoaching.com

2009 USAT Age Group National Championships, Stepping Stone to Team USA & Worlds

 

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Be a part of the action at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship, the “Super Bowl” of our season.  The nation’s best come together on August 22nd, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Tritons Aubrey Curtis, Mandy Axelson, Art Thompson, Julie Zickovich & Sherri Pearson recently qualified for the 2009 USA Triathlon National Championships at the Spring Meadow Triathlon.  What’s the connection between the 2009 USAT National Championships, Team USA, and the 2010 World Championships in Budapest?  If you’re pondering triathlon goals for this year and the years ahead, or just plain curious, here is the recent announcement and the qualification standards for Team USA and Worlds from USA Triathlon.  For sure, Triton Molly Hayes has her eyes set on Tuscaloosa and Budapest.

TOP 18 IN TUSCALOOSA QUALIFY FOR BUDAPEST WORLDS
by Amanda Duke, USA Triathlon, July 17, 2009

The 2010 ITU Short Course (Olympic) Triathlon World Championships are set to take place on September 11-12th in Budapest, Hungary.  USA Triathlon has announced the qualification information for Team USA.  The top 18 per age group, rolling down to 25th place will earn a spot on the team for the World Championship in Budapest.  For any additional questions about Team USA, email the Team USA coordinator at teamusa@usatriathlon.org or visit the Team USA website www.teamusatriathlon.org.

2010 SHORT COURSE (OLYMPIC DISTANCE) TRIATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
There is one qualifying event for 2010 Short Course Triathlon World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on September 11-12, 2010.

QUALIFIER
2009 USAT Age Group National Championship
August 22, 2009
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
http://triathlon.teamusa.org/event/event/47

2010 QUALIFICATION
1. The top 18 in each age group, rolling down to 25th place, will qualify for the 2010 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary (September 11-12)
2. Athletes must secure their 2010 Worlds slot by the date given by USA Triathlon.
3. Age group winners will have two weeks to secure their slot once USAT has contacted them via email. If the age group winner declines a Worlds slot, the roll down process will begin. The roll down process will be given a two week deadline from the deadline date of the age group winner.

PROCESS FOR ACCEPTING YOUR SLOT ON TEAM USA
1. Athletes must express their intent to be on Team USA during the awards ceremony at the National Age Group Championship by visiting the Team USA table during the awards ceremony. *Please note: By simply expressing your intent to be on Team USA, you have not officially accepted your slot on Team USA.
2. USAT will follow up with an email within a week of NAGC instructing automatic qualifiers on how to accept their slot, pay and register for Team USA. ** Athletes must go to the designated registration link provided in the email by the specified deadline to officially accept his/her slot on Team USA.
3. Roll down athletes will also be e-mailed and informed of their position on the roll down list. Any athlete who neglects to follow these instructions and does not meet the deadlines may face the consequences of losing his/her slot on Team USA.
4. If a qualified athlete does not receive an email (possibly due to spam protection or other technical difficulties), be sure to email Team USA at teamusa@usatriathlon.org or call 719.955.2674.
5.Once an athlete has registered, paid and received confirmation, he/she has officially accepted his/her slot on Team USA.

Headwaters Half Iron Volunteers, Late Season 70.3

Greetings all!  Here’s my first take at posting to the Bozeman Tritons Blog…so please bear with me as I feel my way through this. 

We are well into the race season, with a very busy endurance sports weekend in Bozeman coming up.  This weekend we will have plenty of opportunities to test the legs right in our own backyard, with XTERRA Wild Horse Creek, Tour de Bozeman (multi-stage cycling race), and of course the Headwaters Half Iron in Three Forks, MT.  As Co-Director of the Headwaters Half Iron, I would like to invite all those who aren’t racing this weekend to come out and help support our (Fleet Feet) first year tackling a Half Ironman distance race in Montana.  It will be a small field, but should prove to be a great venue for a race (old Sweet Pea Triathlon course).  If you would like to volunteer, please contact me directly (aubreycurtis@wenzelcoaching.com) or Fleet Feet (staff@fleetfeetbozeman.com). 

I know most have their race season all planned out already, but for those looking to add one more late season race, I highly recommend entertaining the idea of competing at Longhorn Ironman 70.3 – Austin.  I recently purchased airline tickets out of Billings, MT for $218, and did find some out of Bozeman for the same price (Oct 23 – Oct 26).  If you have never attempted a race at the Half Ironman distance, you have a solid 3 months to ramp up your training and show up prepared.  Plus, what better destination to do a race than Austin, Texas?  You could enjoy some good music, as well as visit Lance Armstrong’s bike shop – Mellow Johnny’s.  www.longhornironman.com. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the sunny weather…see you out on the road.

Happy Training,

Coach Aubrey, USA Triathlon Level 1 Coach, www.wenzelcoaching.com

2009 Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship

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July 5th was a great day for the Germans in Frankfurt. Sandra Wallenhorst & Timo Bracht took the crowns. Bracht used a blazing 2:43 marathon split to run his way to the men’s title, while setting a course record of 8:59:16. Check out this rockin’ video, and enjoy it in HQ. The Frankfurter Sparkasse Ironman European Championship is the most competitive Ironman race of the year outside of Kona.

Triton Tweets Now Available on Twitter

TRITON TWEETS
Follow the Bozeman Tritons on Twitter.  It’s Tweeter!
For Immediate Triton Training Updates & News
It’s Simpler – More Timely, More Concise, More Consistent

Why do so many people seem to like Twitter?  Simplicity has played an important role in Twitter’s success.  People are eager to connect with other people and Twitter makes that simple.  Twitter asks one question, “What are you doing?”  Answers (“tweets”) are under 140 characters in length and can be sent via mobile texting, instant message, or the web.

The Bozeman Tritons are now sending tweets and using the Twitter communication channel much more frequently, and more consistently, than email.  It’s quick, and allows us to instantly communicate with members and Twitter “followers” easily, via short mobile phone text messages.

The Club is using Twitter to alert members of training sessions, last minute changes, immediate Triton race results, quick hitting news, sound bites, etc.   These Triton Tweets efficiently provide members with a more timely stream of Triton news. 

Based on initial testing and use, Twitter will likely be the Triton’s primary communication tool.  It may be already.  It’s so simple.

Triton Tweets are now available for all Tritons, Twitter users and non-users alike.  For Twitter users, Triton Tweets are available as a text message on your mobile phone (check your rate plan!) and on your Twitter home page.  For Twitter non-users, tweets are available as a news-like feed on this blog and at http://twitter.com/BozemanTritons

The Club recommends members joining the Twitter network (it’s VERY easy) and following the Tritons.  To stay absolutely current with Club news and activities, check Triton Tweets (and this blog!) frequently, not your inbox.  Click here to join Twitter today — http://twitter.com/BozemanTritons.  Enjoy!

Triathlon Motivation

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more about “Triathlon Motivation – 2008 Hawaii Ir…“, posted with vodpod

 

More motivation for Triton training and triathlons!  Video and music clip from the 2008 Hawaii Ironman World Championships.

Triton Coach Aubrey Curtis Wins Spring Meadow Triathlon!

Aubrey getting props and feeling the post-race love in the transition area of the Spring Meadow Triathlon.

Triton Coach Aubrey Curtis finished first in the  olympic distance Spring Meadow Triathlon yesterday.  At a 5:55 pace, Aubrey blistered the run, passing eventual second place finisher Geoff L’Heureux for the win.  His final time was 2:03:30.  With a finish time of 2:19:42, teammate Mandy Axelson joined him on the podium, finishing #2 female overall. Congrats Aubrey and Mandy!

Mandy’s totally happy with her second place overall female finish, and her triathlon racing improvements!

The olympic distance Spring Meadow Triathlon was a Special Qualifier for the 2009 USA Triathlon National Championships.   Tritons Aubrey Curtis (1st in his age group), Mandy Axelson (1st), Art Thompson (2nd), Julie Zickovich (3rd), and Sherri Pearson (4th) qualified to compete in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on August 22nd.  The top finishers in their age group at the National Championships will qualify for the ITU World Championship on August 29, 2010 in Budapest, Hungary.

  

Triton Ryan Takeshita basks in the afterglow of his awesome PR.  Here’s a vote for Ryan, as the Bozeman Triathlon Club’s most improved triathlete.

In the sprint distance, Tritons Tom DeLuca and Katie Boyce finished first in their respective age groups.  Additionally, Tom was the male overall  master winner.  This race was an official event on the USA Triathlon Pacific Northwest Region Club Championships circuit.  With their 1st place finishes, Tom & Katie earned 25 points each for the Bozeman Triathlon Club.  Congrats to Tom, Katie, and all Tritons for your terrific races today! 
 

Olympic
Div Plc	Triton	Div	Time	Fastness!
1	Aubrey Curtis	M30-34	2:03:30	#1 Overall Male
1	Mandy Axelson	F25-29	2:19:42	#2 Overall Female
2	Art Thompson	M50-54	2:41:51
3	Julie Zickovich	F30-34	2:30:24
4	Sherri Pearson	F30-34	2:39:10
6	Ryan Takeshita	M30-34	2:40:59
6	Becky Hochstein	F25-29	2:53:09
Sprint
1	Tom DeLuca	M45-49	1:10:03	#1 Overall Master
1	Katie Boyce	F20-24	1:38:37

 
Check out the complete results here — http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=3830
 

Competitors in the Olympic series triathlon event tackle the 1,500 meter swim in Spring Meadow Lake.  The swim was followed by a 24.9-mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run.

Triton Quote — “I’d like to finish the swim in less than 45 minutes.  For me, it’s the hardest part.”  Check it out, included in this Helena Independent Record feature article here — http://www.helenair.com/articles/2009/07/13/top/top/50lo_090713_springmeadow.txt

Triathlon Open Water Swimming Essentials

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Here are solid open water swimming techniques for triathletes. Tips include putting on your wetsuit, starts, sighting, drafting, buoy turns, and exiting the swim. The backstroke buoy turn is demonstrated at the 7:45 mark.