July, 2009

YWCA Women's Triathlon
Email Newsletter

MinneMan

Thanks to all who volunteered with the YWCA at the MinneMan Triathlon this weekend. With a portion of race proceeds being donated by the race to the YWCA's Swim for Change program, you have helped the YWCA deliver on its mission to empower women and girls and eliminate racism.

YWCA Community Leader Entries

If you have been left on the waitlist or heard that the race was full, there is still a wonderful opportunity to guarantee a spot in the race. The YWCA is offering 10 Community Leader entries for $500 ($401 tax deductible). These entries support the YWCA's Strong Fast Fit youth program at the YWCA. Please contact Paul Johnson for more information at pjohnson@ywcampls.org.

Ask a Coach: Bilateral Breathing

This week's answer courtesy of Rachel VanScoy, YWCA Masters Coach/Total Immersion Instructor. Rachel swam competitively through college and did her first triathlon at age 15.

Q: I haven't done a triathlon before. When swimming freestyle in a lake do you recommend breathing to one side only or breathing to both sides?
-Jessica

A: Though there are a range of opinions, the consensus among most triathlon and open water swimming coaches is that, yes, bilateral breathing is a good skill to develop. When first learning to swim, I'm usually OK with someone sticking to their "natural" side until they learn to relax and get down the basics. But drills learning rotation and balance on both sides are hugely important for long term technique development.

For triathletes, bilateral breathing can be an advantage for both competitive reasons and managing anxiety. You never know which side you may be trying to follow a shore or buoy line (for sighting), which direction the waves or a glaring sun are coming from (nice to breathe away from both!), which side a competitor is on, etc. And if you begin to cramp or get tight on one side, switching breathing sides or alternating can sometimes help.

FAQs

There is an FAQ page on the website that answers many common questions. Please send us any questions you have as there are probably others interested in the answers!

Q: What is the difference between Buddies, Teams and Relays?

A: The Women's Tri does NOT have relays. A triathlon relay is when one person does the swim, another does the bike and a third does the run. The Women's Tri does not have relays because we feel that for the vast majority of participants, the impact of preparing for and doing the entire race provides the challenge, camaraderie and empowerment we aim for women to experience with the race.

The only thing that differentiates the Buddy Wave from the Age Group waves is that we ensure Buddies are placed in the same transition area (same bike rack) and are in the same swim wave (usually the final swim waves). Otherwise, all racers are organized by age group in both the transition area and swim waves. Buddies are still eligible for age group and family awards.

A Club Team is simply a group of women (5+) that register and are provided a designated tent space for their team, if they request it.

Family teams compete for prizes and places (1st through 3rd) in Sister-Sister and Mother-Daughter categories. It does not matter if they are in the buddy or age group waves. In fact, they can be buddies with other people if they wish. The top two (if more than two sisters or daughters) times in their category are added together for their place. For more info, please see the Teams page.

Q: Can we draft in the Buddy Wave?

A: No. No drafting on the bike is a USA Triathlon rule for both safety and fairness. Most buddies just want to be together in the transition area and be in the same wave for camaraderie and support, but do most of the race by themselves. Some buddies try to stay together and will wait for each after the swim. They may stay together during the bike but must stay far enough apart to not be drafting (three bike lengths between) and may not ride side by side (blocks other riders).

Team Profile

Details Dust Bunnies
Details Residential Services (deteailsservices.com) of Minneapolis, a residential cleaning service, is the proud sponsor of 11 sassy triathletes in training! The Dust Bunnies hope to flush their fears, mop their brows, and sweep that course! The team has a variety of race experience, from tri-newbies to accomplished long distance triathletes. We are enjoying some group training and are excited to race with so many other strong and determined women. Visit our tent on race day and cheer on the Dust Bunnies!

I started my participation in triathlons when my fellow Dust Bunnies Katie and Leta talked me into joining them in a women's sprint tri near Chicago by saying, 'if we can do it, YOU can do it!'. I hadn't swum since high school and couldn't run a block, but with a gym membership, much internet research, new shoes, and 12 weeks to train, I did it and was forever changed. Now I'm a fit mom and this will be my 9th race! The all-women venue of my first race was so inspiring, friendly, and supportive, that I couldn't wait for one to come here. Thank you, YWCA! To all of you ladies out there, I now say, 'if I can do it, YOU can do it!'
- Marie, Age 36, Minneapolis