What is a triathlon? A triathlon is a single event that combines swimming bicycling and running.
What is the difference between a triathlon for adults and a triathlon for kids? Triathlons for kids are composed of distances that kids are capable of completing with minimal preparation while adult triathlons are typically longer and require significantly more preparation and endurance.
What are the distances involved in a kids triathlon? Distances vary depending on the event and children's ages but typically range between 50 to 200 meters for the swim (1 to 4 laps in an Olympic sized swimming pool), 1 to 5 miles on the bike and ½ to 1 mile for the run.
What equipment is needed to be a part of the triathlon team? Each child should have as a minimum a swim suit, swim goggles, a well maintained bicycle, a bicycle helmet, running shoes and clothing suitable for working out in various weather conditions.
Why join the triathlon team? The Youth Triathlon Team aims to introduce children between the ages of 7 and 17 to the sport of triathlon and help children of all experience levels to improve their skills in the sport of triathlon. Emphasis will be placed on developing healthy exercise and eating habits for life, sportsmanship, knowledge and camaraderie in a safe and fun environment.
What is involved with being a part of the team? The team will meet once or twice a week for approximately one hour. The first part of each practice will involve classroom-like instruction on topics ranging from proper stretching before a workout to the history of triathlon. The second part of each practice will involve a group workout consisting of swimming, biking, running or some combination of the three. The coaching staff will provide all team members with a training schedule and log. The ultimate goal of the team will be to prepare children to complete the PowerKids Triathlon in June and the Twin Hickory Youth Triathlon in August both of which are in Richmond, VA. Total training for each child will involve a maximum of a couple hours each week.
Will there be any travel involved? The two youth triathlons that the team will train for specifically are both in Richmond, VA. The team will also travel to local adult triathlons to volunteer and get a behind the scenes look at triathlons.
How much does it cost to join the team? To be part of the Youth Triathlon Team children must be members of the Colonial Area Triathlon Club (CAT). A CAT student membership is $20 and a family membership is $40. In addition there is a fee of $50 to join the youth team. We plan to hold fund raisers to offset the cost for entering the 2 scheduled youth triathlons but parents will be responsible for the remainder of the registration fees. Optional uniforms will be available through CAT.
Who is on the coaching staff? The coaches are all members of the Colonial Area Triathlon Club with years of experience in triathlon. Two have several years experience coaching NCAA Div. 1 Cross Country and Track teams in successful college programs, there are two local public school teachers and a duathlon world champion.
How can I find out more information? Visit the CAT website (www.colonialareatri.org), email Chris Wells at CATkidscoach@yahoo.com.