The beginner triathlon group for Team Lipstick NJ did their first practice triathlon at Harriman State Park last Sunday. We all arrived safely at the venue by 8:15a, unloaded the bikes and secured an area for our transitions.
Coach Andy Nelson started "The Art of Transition " Lecture at 8:30a while Coach Emma Nelson drove the bike course to make sure all of the roads were open and safe. Following the lecture on transition we discussed getting into and out of a wetsuit, a real time killer when you are trying to transition quickly.
After the lifeguards were in place, we hit the "open water" staying inside the ropes of the swimming area at Sebago Beach. With some members of the Clifton Road Runners Club and 2 coaches in the water we totaled about 14 people; great for a race simulation. The swim went very well with all of the new triathletes doing a great job. All of the coaching from Coach Lisa Picek payed off in spades. A few open water and turning tips from Andy helped to make all of the girls very confident for the swim, great news with the Diamond Girl Triathlon around the corner - August 29.
After a short transition to the bikes, Coach Emma, a former elite bike racer, led the group for all the fun that is Tiorati Dr, 2 miles of uphill 4 miles into the 15 mile bike course. The group stayed together until the first climb, which is generally the case even in the pro peloton, where newer cyclists tend to fall behind. The course was quite a lesson in strengths and weaknesses in climbing, descending and getting used to how ones bike performs at slow speeds.
Having finished the bike it was now out to the run. The more experienced group ran for 4.25 miles and the newer runners, at the coach's suggestion, ran out 12 minutes and back for 12 minutes. Some of the Clifton Road Runners ran for 5+ miles.
The beginner program is coming along nicely. Any concerns that the athletes had at the beginning of their training has hopefully subsided. All of the coaches had a goal and those goals are being met. Some of the girls (women actually) are actually starting to see themselves as athletes; Triathletes.
We have our Weekend Training Camp with the women from Team Lipstick NYC in New Paltz, NY, on the weekend of August 7th and 8th. It will be fun and a real bonding experience for the 2 teams.
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