New to the sport of triathlon?  Whether you've never done a race or you're still gaining confidence in tri's, the Chicago Tri Club's Newbie Program will help get you to the finish line.

This program is complimentary to members and includes a variety of clinics, meetings and training plans specifically designed to help you learn the basics of each discipline within triathlon.  Our goal is to help give you the tools to become comfortable and start training to swim, bike and run your way through your first event.  Plus, you'll have a chance to form friendships with other CTC newbies and veteran members, all of whom will help make the experience of your first race more enjoyable.

If you have questions or feedback on anything related to the 2010 Newbie Program, please contact Henry Heisler via the member profile pages. 

Overall Schedule of Events/Meetings:
2/17: Program Kickoff and Tri Gear Overview @ Running Away Multisport
3/10: Triathlons and Your Bike @ Get A Grip Cycles
3/24: Newbie Training Program and Coaching Clinic, presented by All3Multisport.com @ Running Away Multisport

Training Plans:
2010 Newbie Prep Plan - designed for use prior to starting your inseason training

Future events with dates TBD:
Open Water Clinic
Transition Clinic/Practice
USA Triathlon Rules/Race Day Clinic
CTC Stroke and Stride (weather permitting)

Official CTC Newbie Race
6/27 Bigfoot Triathlon, brought to you by Running Away Multisport (one of our sponsors)

How to change a flat tire:
This is one of the most frequent questions newbies have.  In triathlon you are responsible for fixing your own flat tires during a race.  You may also need to do it in training. So, it's a good skill to have.  Here's a great video from our sponsor Get A Grip that you can follow along.  If you have a CO2 pump and you've never used it before you'll want to practice with it before you really need it!  Chrissie Wellington herself almost lost Kona because she didn't get the CO2 into her flat!

What to bring race day (from USA Triathlon): 
General:  USAT membership card, photo ID, registration confirmation, money, race uniform, numbers and timing chip and holder, nutrition, sun block, sun glasses, water bottle, anti chafing, extra clothes, directions to race and course map
Swim:  wetsuit, goggles, swim cap, towel
Bike:  bike, helmet, bike shoes, socks, flat repair kit (extra tube, pump/CO2, patch kit, tools), gloves (optional)
Run:  running shoes, hat/visor, race number belt, socks