Beginner's Page:
Help Every Step of the Way!

If this is your first triathlon, we're here to help with special training and race-day programs designed just for you!

Training

• Watch for First Tri clinics, designed to give first-timers a chance to ask any and all questions about triathlons.
• Got a training or racing question? Ask a Coach! Email with anything and we'll get you an answer or at least the lead you need. Paul Johnson, a certified USA Triathlon coach and race director, with help from the race management team and YWCA fitness professionals, are ready to support you!
• Your FREE 12-week Triathlon Training Plan, an expert-designed plan with accompanying notes, will get you started in your training regimine. Plans will be available in May. Registered participants may contact to request the plan.
• Watch for the YWCA's summer Triathlon Race Skills classes, which provide skills training, tricks of the Tri, and other advice to prepare you for an enjoyable triathlon season.
• Watch for Course Preview workshops to get a visual of the swim, walk through of the transition area, and bike the run and bike courses.
• By overwhelming demand we have created two NEW classes: Swim Conditioning and Strength and Conditioning for Runners & Triathletes Learn more about these classes on the YWCA Endurance Sports pages. Sign up quickly to save your spot.
• Get training advice from us and others with our free training programs, like our email newsletter, Google group and Facebook page.

Learn more about our training programs on the Training section, or sign up for our Triathlon Email Newsletter.

» Training
» Newsletter Signup

Race-Day Programs

Noodle Swimmers
Need a break during your first triathlon open-water swim? Look for our Noodle Swimmers! These volunteers are in the water for encouragement and support. You will know them by the orange caps they will be wearing and their big foam floating noodles they will have in the water. They are there to offer encouragement and a chance to rest on a noodle if a swimmer needs it. Resting on a noodle or lifeguard surfboard will not disqualify you as long as they are not providing you forward progress. If you are a novice swimmer, do your training! Take advantage of swim classes and masters coaching. But rest assured that you will have great support through the swim thanks to the Noodle Swimmers! Please note that the Noodle Swimmers are NOT lifeguards. Trained lifeguards will also be stationed along the entire swim course.

Transition Area Pit Crew
Not sure how to rack your bike? How to put on the bike number? Where the bike goes out? Need help zipping your wetsuit? Our Transition Area Pit Crew will be there to help and answer questions.

Buddy Wave
If you decided to try your first triathlon with a friend, the Buddy Wave is for you! The Buddy Wave will be the last wave (or group) of participants to start the event. We will also assign you adjacent transition area spots. Note: Buddies must indicate their interest in the Buddy Wave during registration or by contacting by August 1. Buddies may sign up in groups larger than 2, e.g. 3, 4 or more buddies.

Athlete Quote:

[The tri] was one of the toughest things I have done physically ever, but it has motivated me into a new fitness lifestyle. Now I have an idea of how much training and preparation must go into these races and I have SUCH respect for the athletes and women and men who do multiple of these and bigger/longer ones year to year, WOW!!! Thank you again and I look forward to getting more of my girlfriends and family to do it with "us" next year!