$180? ARE YOU NUTS?
Ron Saetermoe
It’s been three months since we opened Triathica with much fanfare. So far, the experience has been great. We’ve had the chance to work with some amazing athletes and we’ve had the chance to help develop some athletes that will be amazing someday.
But we want (and need) more!
Therefore, we’re announcing our best deal to date . . . one that will probably NEVER be repeated . . . a six-month membership for just $180.00!!!
We know the economy is tough and many of you have been holding off on spending any extra money. However, we also know how dedicated you are to the sport of triathlon. So we’re hoping that this offer will get those of you that are on the fence to come on in and “train like a triathlete.”
Here’s how it works: Enroll in our level 1 membership from September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009 and you will get to train here at Triathica for just $180.00 ($30.00 per month). Your fees are due upon enrollment but we do have a monthly installment option of $210.00, or $35.00 per month.
Your membership begins October 1, 2009 and runs through March 31, 2010. If you want to come in before October 1st to train you will need to buy a regular membership for $40.00 (for an “associate” membership) until October 1st (for the month of September we’re bringing back the three training zone assessments in swim, bike and run with your paid membership ($150 value.))
Our thought is that with winter coming and daylight savings going, you’ll want to do more of your training indoors. And what better way than with our PowerTap spin bikes, CompuTrainers and Endless Pool?
Give us a call or come on in. 949.273.6223, Jarrett@triathica.com or 26475 Rancho Parkway South, Lake Forest
FUNDRAISER FOR WORLDS IN AUSTRALIA
Sara Davis
Being a struggling athlete, and someone who is trying to become a professional triathlete in the near future, I don’t have a lot of money to spend. If you don’t know already, I recently qualified for the World Championships in Australia, which is on September 13, 2009. This race is ridiculously expensive. Not only do I have to pay for race fees, Team USA fees, uniform fees; which are all required, I have to buy a ticket to Australia.
So with this said, on Monday August 31, 2009 the OC Tavern in San Clemente is hosting a fundraiser for me at 8:00 p.m. There will be music played by Devin Tolentino, a fellow triathlete, and my friend’s band Jupiter and the Moons. We will also be having a few raffles! The cost is $10, so bring your dancing shoes, your smile and be prepared to have a great time!
I hope to see you there!
OC Tavern
2369 S El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672-3256
(949) 542-8877
INTRODUCING THE TRIATHICA ACADEMY
Ron Saetermoe
One of the projects we’ve been chipping away at for several months now is a cycling workout video. Some of you may have even been in on the filming of one or two of these videos.
This first release will come under the umbrella of the “Triathica Academy.” The purpose of the Academy is to provide tools to help develop triathletes. Included will be:
- Workout videos
- Instructional videos
- Training classes
- Training clinics
- Training camps
We’ll let you know when the first video release is ready. We’re very excited about it because these groundbreaking videos will incorporate some features not yet seen in any other exercise videos.
Cheers!
TO STRETCH OR NOT TO STRETCH
Alyson Wolfe
Most athletes do it, regardless of the sport they are training for and the goals they are trying to accomplish in their training. Stretching has been ingrained in the psyche of almost all athletes as the proper way to warm up and get muscles ready for the work they are about to perform. 
But why do people stretch? To get the muscles warm? To prevent injury? Research is showing that common static stretches performed by millions of athletes around the world might not do anything of the sort.
Many triathletes spend hundreds of hours per year preparing for competitions. Many times, gains in performance are limited by the incorporation of poor pre-race training techniques, including static stretching before workouts. Some effects of static stretching have a negative effect on power output leading to a decrease in performance.
There are a number of choices that should be considered as an alternative. Before we decide on which type of stretching technique should be performed, we must look at what we are trying to accomplish to be successful in a race or in training. In triathlons, we are trying to maintain an optimal power output level throughout the entire race, which will not dramatically differ from one event to the next.
We do not want to impede the process of optimal power output of muscles by incorporating the wrong training techniques that could decrease power production. The question is, which type of stretching exercises will provide the best possible result and not limit power?
The two most common forms of stretching are static and active (dynamic.) Static stretching lengthens the muscles by holding a stretch for a period of time. Dynamic stretching involves active movements such as arm circles, leg swings and shoulder shrugs.
From a physiological perspective, dynamic stretching is the preferred choice and can be part of every triathlete’s pre-race routine. It is the preferred choice because static stretching can interfere with the muscles ability to create power resulting in a negative impact in performance. Studies have shown that static stretching decreases the dynamic strength of the muscle and some research professionals feel that static stretching may put the athlete at a greater risk of injury.
Static stretching causes the muscle to lengthen, which can reduce the ability of the muscle to recoil or contract forcefully. The application of power is dependent on the ability to produce a quick contraction, especially during a race. A muscle that is statically stretched prior to the competition will not have the capability to perform this type of contraction at an optimal level.
If the goal is to maintain power, athletes should be involved in a limited, non-aggressive, dynamic stretching program prior to the competition. Some athletes may be tight in certain areas or dealing with injury. Under these circumstances, a limited amount of static stretching could be considered. Foam rollers are another great alternative. They will loosen the muscle and get the blood flowing without lengthening the muscle.
For more information on the proper use of pre-race stretching please consult a professional. The knowledgeable staff at Triathica will be happy to help.
WHERE’S TRIATHICA GOING?
Ron Saetermoe
A friend of mine asked me the other day what our goals were for Triathica. Great question . . . one that I contemplated for months while writing our business plan. The answer to that question has changed as things have developed.
Our immediate plans are to get 200 regular members before the end of the year. If you read our last newsletter you know that if we hit that mark by September 1st I’m going to take Jarrett to Kona with me to watch the Ironman World Championships.
We feel that this level of membership will validate our idea that there is a market for a facility dedicated to developing triathletes. We’ve got some obvious obstacles: the economy, our location and our facility.
We know the economy has impacted our business. Even good friends of mine are telling me that they would like to join but can’t right now because of economic reasons. Bummer, because we need every membership.
We also know our location isn’t the best. We’re way up on Bake Parkway almost to Foothill Ranch. While it’s a great place to live and work, it isn’t exactly central to our market.
And finally, our facility. I own the building that Triathica resides in. Before we moved into this space we looked for more suitable space to rent in Irvine and found some really great places. The problem is that my tenant of 2 ½ years went out of business and left the space empty. Well, it didn’t seem prudent to rent space when I was already paying for space that I couldn’t rent. That’s how we ended up here.
Also, we’d like to have more room. While the space will easily accommodate 200 members we’d like to have even more room for more spin bikes and floor space for other activities.
We’ll get there with your help. We’d like to have the premier triathlon training center in the world – right here in OC, but we need your help (membership).
Thank you for your support!
