Getting Started

If you don't plan on training with a team program (Tough Cookies, Rogue, Team in Training, etc) then here is a little advice on what to do to get started!

Always remember why you are doing this triathlon...whether you're planning to loose some weight, want to support a cause (Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund), or a friend convinced you to do it...always set a goal for yourself. My goal every year is to finish the race with a smile. I know thats super cheesy but seriously...If you aren't having fun while you are doing it then you will most likely be miserable!

There is a time commitment when training but if you put at least 5 hrs aside a week to focus on training you will be fine. It will be hard to fathom fitting swimming, biking, and running into your already busy life but it is doable and so worth it. It won't be easy at first since you will miss some workouts due to prior commitments but no need to worry; no one is perfect and you will still finish the race.

Start by taking it day by day and focus on just getting to the gym if you aren't already. Get in the flow of alternating what you do each day, for example, run for 20 mins on Monday, do a spin class on Tuesday, swim for 10 mins Wednesday, and continue to alternate until Saturday where you will put a harder workout in (do a brick workout: bike and run or swim and bike etc) taking a day off on Sunday.

Take it day by day and start slow as you ramp up the amount of time and effort you will add along the way. I will update the blog with a general workout plan throughout the weeks, but please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

5 'I Can't Do a Triathlon Because...' Myths Busted!

Everyone has their excuse for why they can't do a triathlon so instead of me trying to convince each and everyone of you that you're nuts and have to do it, I found this great article on Active.com! If you would like to read the entire article please click here, but if you just want a summary with some 2 cents keep reading!

Here is the summary:

Excuse #1: I Can't Swim
Everyone can learn how to swim and if you think otherwise I would love to hear it! Everyone isn't a great swimmer but you can get yourself from point A to B whether its to get you from one end of the pool to the other, from a float to the boat to get a beer, or to save someone's life (bit out there but still)!

The point is that you can swim and however you propel yourself through the water works just fine! If you're afraid you might drown (you probably won't)...no worries there are certified lifeguards at every race!

Excuse #2: I Can't Afford A Good Racing Bike
If you are looking to just finish the race then you can use any bike you choose (minus a tandem, unicycle, or a penny-farthing)! Clearly the catch is that some bikes are easier for a race.

The best advice is to go to a bike store to get your bike measurements and then search for one on craigslist etc. Have the seller meet you at a bike store to get the bike shops advice (most likely you'll have to get a tune up anyways). The other alternative is to rent a bike from a bike shop the week of the triathlon. If you know you are going to become obsessed with triathlons then I would recommend buying a road bike from the get go just be ready to spend quite a bit!

Excuse #3: I Don't Have Time To Train
Training can be integrated into your everyday life quite simply. You could bike to work, get friends together for a run or swim, or just adjust your focus of your weekly workouts you already do. Most people can train for a sprint triathlon in about 8-10 weeks with at least 5 hours dedicated to training, which most people already do!

Excuse #4: A Triathlon Is Too Confusing
Three sports, lots of equipment, where to train, how to train, what to bring- oh goodness! No worries its quite simple...the best advice is to join a team or have a group of people you plan to train with. There is a great site within Active.com that is all about helping newbies into the sport so click here for more information!

Excuse #5: I Can't Complete An Entire Triathlon
Many people hear triathlon and think -IRONMAN- but no worries I had no clue there were shorter distances starting out and we aren't that nuts. The sprint is truly my favorite and I don't plan to go far beyond that.

Sprint triathlon: 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run
Olympic triathlon: 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6 mile run
Full Ironman: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run

So now that a few of your excuses have been answered make sure and sign up for the triathlon! If you have any other excuses I'd love to hear them!

Triathlon Season 2011 is HERE!

Some may find this blog welcoming as others may be thinking 'is it already that time of the year again'! Well...I am very excited about this years season and what it has in store! If you've read this blog before or just know why we tri then you know we raise money each year for the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund! Last year we reached our goal of $5,000 and it was amazing! Thanks to everyone who competed, helped fundraise, or just supported us through the process; we couldn't have done it without you!

This year I'm going to be using the blog to provide more information about donating as well as training techniques to get you ready for the big day! Please share your feedback or if you have any input on great ideas to fundraise!

We Reached Our Goal of $5,000!!!

Thanks to you, we reached our goal and raised over $5,000 for the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund.

We want to personally thank you for your continued support for this very worthy cause in helping children and families faced with childhood cancer. The funds have been used to help families deal with costs not covered by insurance, the costs of medications, and even housing for families as they go through the painful day-to-day costs of childhood cancer.

Some of our AMAZING supporters!

Mark Felice was a child who saw the difficulties in patients unable to pay for medications and he wanted to help them as he battled cancer himself. He was a very brave and mature teenager when he died at 17 years of age.

We took on the challenge of another triathlon…actually, a couple of triathlons, to help us raise money for this very worthy cause. Thank you for supporting us as I know many of you know the Felice Family and knew Mark personally.

Ann Francese (on right) in 2nd place!!

We look forward to many years to come and growing the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund. Your support will go a long way to helping other children and their families.

We have had many of you join us, if not to swim, bike and run then to fundraise and help spread the word. We do appreciate all that you do to help!

Thanks so much,

The Mark Felice Triathlon Team

The Finish Line!

The race has come to an end and we had a wonderful time! Race day started out with a few jitters as I didn't sleep much the night before, just tossing and turning in anticipation of the early morning. The morning went by before I knew it and all of a sudden I was in the water getting ready for the gun to go off. The swim ended up being 300 m longer than planned yet it wasn't the worst part of the race. The bike was one of the best courses ever as it was right in the heart of downtown Austin. But then came the run...my legs felt like jello and it was in the 90's! Ever water stop people were pouring water on their heads or running through the shower and water gun area to cool down. The past 2 years we have done the triathlons the bike and run have always been the hardest. This year I give the award to the run. I kept reminding myself why I tri to get me through and it was my main motivation that made crossing the finish line feel amazing. Thanks to all of the supporters who came out to cheer us on, I'm not sure what we would have done without you. Although it was extremely hot and the race course was longer than planned...it was an amazing day! 

Cap Tex Tri is MONDAY!

The glorious weekend has come! The Cap Tex is on Monday, Memorial Day! We would love all the support we can get if you would like to come out and support us. The race for the Sprint distance will begin around 9am. If you have a TRI-ing For A Cause t-shirt (from any year) please feel free to wear it.

After the triathlon we will be celebrating and would like to thank you all for your support while training and fundraising for the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund. We are very close to reaching our goal of $5,000 and couldn't have done it without you. You are welcome to come to the CapTex race on town lake to cheer the triathletes on or meet us at the lake for a relaxing day!

When: May 31st at 1:30pm until whenever
Where: 14323 Geronimo St, Leander, Tx (just past the Oasis)

We will have pizza and snacks so feel free to BYOB!

For more details on spectating: http://captextri.com/triathlon-information.php#att5

Donating to The Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund

We are at it again...and this year we have recruited many more people to join us in the Triathlon and to help us raise money for The Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund.

On May 31, 2010, I will be competing in the Cap Tex Triathlon. Like the past years, we will continue our efforts to raise money for the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund. Thank you to all of those who helped us to raise money last year and reach our goal of $3000. This year our goal is to raise $5000. 

Thank you to all of those who helped us to raise money last year and reach our goal of $3000. This year our goal is to raise $5000.

If you would like to make a donation please send us a check (more details below).

Make checks payable to: The Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund

Mail to:

TRI-ing For A Cause

2105 Thornton Road

Austin, Texas 78704

WHY WE TRI:

We are raising money in memory of Mark Felice who died of cancer at the age of 17. He was a close friend to many and truly anyone his life touched. The Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund was created in his name by his family, to support those who cannot afford the medications to fight cancer.  It also focuses on the needs of children and their families in the research and treatment of childhood cancers.

Thanks again for all of your support and kind donations!