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?

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

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

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).

East Coast Cycos.

The end.

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.


even more annoying than sydney striders.

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.

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.

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

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

The ones I go on are here: http://www.fusioncycles.com.au/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.

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/

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

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.

Does anyone use a Triathlon Club in South Australia?

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?

PC,

Just Pm'ed you. and then checked the date

Cheers
Andrew

edited for stupidity....

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

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?

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.

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

www.southporttriclub.com