Club provides help for new triathletes
Throughout the suburbs, there are groups and coaches ready to help you train for your first triathlon. One such group is the Buehler YTri Club in Palatine.
The club started in January 2008 to fill a need in the suburbs, said Becki Suthers, vice president of Buehler YTri.
“At the time, there weren't any resources like this in the suburbs. There were great triathlon clubs in the city, but joining one of those organizations didn't make a lot of sense for someone in the 'burbs,” Suthers said. “We quickly realized we weren't the only triathletes looking for a group to train with and learn from — and the club was born.”
She said the group began with four people who worked with the Buehler YMCA and volunteered their time to launch the organization. Since its inception, the club has been home to triathletes of all abilities, from first-timers to Ironman finishers.
The group loves newcomers, Suthers said. “Everyone was new to the sport once and that's truly where this club was born.”
Throughout the year the group hosts a number of clinics and speakers to educate athletes on all things triathlon. They also work with a local coach, Sam Stella of Summit Steps Coaching. He provides training plans for athletes to follow.
In the winter, the club hosts a swim clinic for those without a swimming background to refine technique, become more efficient and confident in the water.
One of the most challenging parts of a triathlon for newcomers can be the swim, Suthers said.
“YTri has helped me a lot with my swimming,” said member J.R. Bass. “Through our weekly workouts, my strokes and endurance have improved.”
Bass had been planning to do a marathon, but got injured just before the start of his training. he decided to crosstrain with swimming and cycling and ended up doing triathlons. Bass said he had a lot of fun in his first triathlon. “After crossing the finish line, I knew I was hooked,” he said.
Another thing that can be overwhelming for first-timers is the logistics, Suthers said.
“I'm going to swim, then bike, then run? Do I change clothes? Those kinds of details are sometimes mind boggling, but that's what the club is here for,” Suthers said. “We have clinics and speakers on all sorts of triathlon topics.”
Besides teaching and training tips, another important element of the club is community, which Suthers said is why even experienced athletes remain with the club.
“YTri is a very welcoming, social group and these experienced athletes keep coming back because there's a sense of belonging,” she said. “We have some of the best spectators out there — we've dubbed them 'spectathletes.' There's nothing more incredible than coming around the corner during your big race and seeing 20 of your teammates cheering you on.”
Member Tracy Keeler said the camaraderie of the group is important to her.
“It can be intimidating joining a group — perhaps assuming everyone but you are experts. But, YTri was and is so welcoming and truly takes everyone in under their wing to help them achieve whatever goal the person has,” Keller said.
For those looking to get started in triathlons, Suthers said the suburbs offer many great options.
“We typically recommend first-timers start with the sprint distance. This is among the shortest of triathlons and offers new triathletes the chance to get a taste of the sport,” she said.
Locally, there are a number of sprint triathlons featuring a pool swim, which may be less intimidating than open water for a new athlete, she says. The club typically recommends the Leaning Tower Triathlon or Schaumburg Triathlon for a pool swim. Batavia and Naperville triathlons are also great options — the swim is in a quarry, rather than a lake, she said. Finally, if you're ready to hit the open water, you can't beat Twin Lakes Triathlon in Palatine, she said.
You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to join the Buehler YTri Club. For information about the group, visit the website at www.buehlerytri.org.
Local sprint triathlons
The season is over for these triathlons and dates have not yet been set for 2015 events. But, keep an eye on their websites for upcoming information.
Batavia Triathlon
400-meter swim (in a sand-bottomed, unheated outdoor pool), 14.4-mile bike and 4.1-mile run. Quarry Beach Park, 400 S. Water St., Batavia <a href="http://www.bataviatriathlon.org/">www.bataviatriathlon.org/</a>
Naperville Sprint Triathlon
400-meter swim at Centennial Beach, 22K bike, 5K run Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville <a href="http://napervilletri.com">napervilletri.com</a>
Splash Pedal Dash Triathlon
400-meter pool swim, a 12.8-mile bike and a 5K run Schaumburg Park District Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg <a href="http://www.parkfun.com/">www.parkfun.com/</a>
Tower Triathlon
450-yard pool swim, 18K bike and 5K run Leaning Tower YMCA, 6300 W. Touhy Ave., Niles www.ymcachicago.org/leaningtower
Twin Lakes Triathlon
700-meter open water swim, 14-mile bike, 4.5-mile run Salt Creek Park District Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, Palatine saltcreek.multisport systems.com/