Group Riding - Beneficial for a Triathlete? Why would I recommend that you join a group ride as a Triathlete when Triathlon is a non-drafting sport? Here are just a few reasons: Improve your Average Power - Normalized Power ratio - Do you ride with Power? Improve Bike Handling Skills - You will learn how to efficiently handle turns (triathletes are known to be less than skilled at left-hand turns), descents, turnabouts, and short inclines. Killer workout - it is always easier to push harder when you are in a group. Depending on the terrain the group rides on, you could get a leg-searing hill workout or steady state tempo ride at or above the level you would be able to a achieve on your own. There is a saying….if you want to get fitter, ride with someone who is fitter than you. Safety - you are more visible to motorist and if you have a technical issue (flat tire) and you either blow your last tire tube or forgot that you did not replace it after your last flat, you will not be stranded. Now, let me be clear. Solo sessions in order to prepare for the specific demands of non-drafting racing is important so you can spend time in the aero bars (not recommended in a group ride), concentrate on a focused effort and manage intensity at your paces, but I also strongly suggest adding in a weekly group ride as an excellent way to meet others, have fun, improve bike handling skills and get a killer workout. Where Should You Look for a Group Ride? Check out your LBS (Local Bike Shop), Cycling Club or Triathlon Club in your city or town. Choose the one that works for you, and get your group ride on. Julia Aimers is the Head Coach and Founder of Team Triumph Triathlon Club established in the year 2000, in Ottawa, Canada. She has coached beginner triathletes to Kona qualifying athletes.Team Triumph is a Multisport and Social club dedicated to challenging your sense of adventure.
by Julia Aimers, Head Coach Team Triumph Triathlon Club
If you do you are probably familiar with AP and NP.
The less technical your cycling is, the harder it’s going to be to keep pace.
Find out more about AP-NP and why it is important to look at those metrics here.
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman
My coach Kevin Willis is amazing. His swim practices have been a real game-changer for me. A great communicator regardless of your swim level. The whole club is supportive of everything you do. You don't need to be an Ironman to benefit from their programs. 5 stars all around!!! - Denise Pittuck
I just wanted to thank you and your team (Gabi! Brenda! Maggie! Dawn!) for making last weekend's event so amazing. I had tried to do a try-a-tri on my own last summer, and the experience was night and day.
Even though I didn't make every virtual session, I felt so prepared... I knew where to go for information, and I knew I had a team of people (coaches and our beginner tri group!) who were all there to support me.
It was interesting to watch Eric train on his own (without access to the TrainingPeaks workouts and without the weekly meetings to ask questions and learn more about proper form and race-day stuff). When we left on Sunday, he looked at me and was like "we're DEFINITELY doing the training with Julia if we decide to go for the olympic distance, right?".
So glad to have found this club and looking forward to many more triathlons in the near future!!! Tai Teleso
