FAQ:
How does the training program work? The GGT training group is a cost effective way to give you the support, knowledge and training plan to successfully complete Muncie 70.3 Ironman. You will receive you group workouts listed in TrainingPeaks (free web based software) and a meeting every month that covers everything you need to know to get to race day! You also will be included in a FB msg board specific to the training group you are in for support and more info! You will receive an email with all the info on how to get started after you sign up!
TrainingPeaks workouts, when can we see them? The workouts will be put in TP for the entire month, before the 1st of the month. The training will begin Nov 1.
What can I expect to learn and get out of the program?
You will received structured training, that is periodized (or written in a way of gradually increasing the workout amounts/stress, balanced with appropriate recovery)
Learn the resources within the community for the sport.
Learn the foundation of each individual sport.
Understand how to train by heart rate, how to train with your body.
Learn the basics of nutrition within the sport of triathlon.
Have a group to support you in your journey!
Are the workouts specific to me as an athlete and around my schedule? The training is not individualize training, but group training! There will be two different groups. The ‘White’ group will be for returning athletes who have completed a 70.3 or similar level training. The ‘Pink’ group will be specific to newbies who are new to the sport/sports. The training plans of each group will be written to the mean athlete of the group. We will talk of how to make each week work around your schedule in one of the beginning meetings!
Are there required group training sessions? No! All training, running, bike and swimming is done on your own. You are more then welcome to incorporate other classes into your training.
Do I need a doctors note to participate? No… BUT, we sure do suggest it! Talking with your physician or a sports medicine doctor can give you so much information about you, how you can be safe, healthy and successful in the sport! We have a list of suggested lab work that is very helpful, please ask us for if you are going!
What equipment do I need for the swim? You need a suit, goggles, cap, paddles, buoy and kick board (last three available at most pools) and a place to swim. Swim bands are incredibly useful add too!
What equipment do I need for the bike? You will need a road or tri bike! Indoor stationary trainer that fits your bike for the winter. Clip pedals, bike shoes, bike shoes, helmet are things you must have!
What equipment do I need for the run? Running shoes with less than 300 miles.
What other expenses should I plan on? Triathlon can become an expensive endeavor! While we listed everything we could think of that is necessary, there is no limit to what you can add on! In addition to what is listed above, race entry, possible hotel, tri kit.
Is a heart rate monitor necessary? YES! You must have a heart rate monitor that has the ability to download to TP. We coach exclusively by heart rate zones.
What are the benchmarks? And how does that work? This year we are asking that all athletes meet benchmarks along the way to make sure you are ready for race day! If you complete the training as written, you will reach the goals long before the benchmark times!
swim 1000m without stopping by 2/1, OWS 1500m by 6/30, 2 OWS by race, Bike 60 continuous by miles by June 1, run 13 by May 15 (either a 13.1 or training run)
Are there any guidelines for the completing the workouts? Yes! We are asking once once we begin the race specific workouts in February, you complete more than 70% of the workouts and in the correct zone. We realize life happens, and life doesn't always work around our schedule, but also feel it is so important to be appropriately prepared to have a successful and injury free race day!
Is this a social club? Not really. We are primarily a fitness and sports focused group! Triathlon is an individual sport, our club is about the sport, learning, becoming healthier and empowered through the sport of triathlon!
Do I have to do the race if I sign up for the training group? We created 2 different levels of groups so you can find a group that you can race with! We do ask that your goal be to do at least that distance of race. If the race we have chosen doesn’t work for you, please join the group and then make adjustments closer to race day.
Will the training include other races? YES! It will include a spring 13.1, and will include Naperville sprint tri, and Swedish Days ride.
Why are there other mandatory classes? No there are no other ‘mandatory’ classes. We strongly suggest you attend a Masters class at Delnor!
What other classes do you recommend doing? Yoga is an absolutely incredible way to keep your strength and flexibility where they should be to stay healthy, ward away injury and keep balance. We will also be doing a strength training class what we highly suggest you take part of!
What is the core values, and what do you mean by adhere to it? We want every member to be positively impacted from every GGT event! When a member displays an attitude or action that is not in line with our core values, we will have an individual discussion of how to improve.
Will my coach be at my races? We hope to be! But, as we would love to commit to, is definitely not guaranteed. Our goal is for you to be prepared and confident for race day and ready to take it on!
Can I join the group at anytime? The training groups are a continuous program that build on the knowledge, experiences and training of the months before. We will open the program up again Feb 1 for the race specific phase.
Can I cancel at anytime? Absolutely! Please email your coach, and no further charges will be made to your account.
What will the monthly meetings consist of? Each meeting will be lead by T2 coaches. Most months, there will be one meeting for all groups combined. Several months there will be breakout meetings, you can go to any or all meetings. We will do our best to stick to this schedule, but as its so challenging to know what lies ahead, may change based on scheduling or needs of the group.
What level fitness do I need to start each of these programs? It is helpful to have some background one of more of the sports of swim, bike or run. BUT, it is definitely not necessary! If you want to chat over your situation, contact christine@t2coaching.net
Where will the monthly meetings be held? Are they required? No! They are definitely not required but so very helpful! They will be located at different locations within the Fox Valley area. The dates going forward to be focused on the dates that work best for the group as a whole.
Who will be leading the group? Christine Schirtzinger will be leading the group and meetings as well as writing the training plans. Erin Hester, a multiple Ironman and Muncie 70.3 finisher. will assisting!
Oct October 24th 6:30pm How to get started and what to expect!
Location: 1525 Kautz Road, West Chicago, IL 60185 (1 mile behind Super Target across from the St Charles Mall)
Nov Correct Freestyle swim Stroke and how to use bands
Dec TrainingPeaks Understanding the metrics
Jan Nutrion for Triathlon
Feb How am I doing? How to analyze your workouts, and plan for success
Mar Tire change clinic
April Outside bike skills
May Transition Clinic
June Race specific
July Race specific
Thank you! Wow.. that seems like a lot of writing! We appreciate your time in reading, and look forward to starting the group October 1st!