Training & Support
FREE Programs For Race Participants
Training Plan Template - FREE
For participants who request it, we will send a free 12-week training plan template.
Registered participants may contact to request the plan.
Course Talks at packet pickup - FREE
At packet pickup, be sure to catch a Course Talk to learn about the course and specific tips for how to
make your day go smoothly and meet your goals! Highly recommended for beginners.
We will add these to the Schedule and announce them in the newsletter as they become available
First Tri Clinics- FREE
We will be scheduling free "My First Tri" clinics for our beginner and novice race participants to
learn about how to approach their first tri and ask all the questions their hearts desire!
We will also let you know about "Your First Tri"
clinics (same approach just a different name) offered by local triathlon clubs.
- April 26: First Tri Clinic (in partnership with Minnesota Triathlon Club), Midtown YWCA, 1-2pm, Room 155/156
- May 19: My First Tri clinic for Gear West Tri Club and registered participants of the YWCA Women's Tri , 6:30pm, Gear West Bike & Triathlon, 1786 W Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake.
- June 1: Open water swim clinic, Lake George Regional Park (Oak Grove, MN), 8:00 am. Led by open-water specialist Dave Cameron, YWCA Masters swim coach and Total Immersion Area Leader.
- June 7: My First Tri Clinic, for Women ONLY (in partnership with Gear West Run Store), 1:00 pm. Gear West Run; 1786 W Wayzata Blvd; Long Lake, MN 55356
Email Newsletter - FREE
Get training tips, class information and other helpful race updates. Sign up.
Neighbor Connection Map - FREE
Find other women who are doing the Tri who live near you or where you work.
You may use it to find a training partner, carpool to a First Tri clinic,
packet pickup, triathlon class, or the race; make new friends; or just keep
each other inspired! We have created a Google map of all the "Neighbors" that
includes individual email addresses. See a
sample map here (without the email addresses).
How to Join: The link to the Neighbor Connection Map is only available to
registered
participants who request inclusion during or after registration. If you have not registered,
please sign up for Neighbor Connection Map during registration. (If you have already registered, but
did not sign up for the Neighbor Map, please email .) After signup,
you will be emailed a link to the Neighbor Connection Map to start making connections!
Email Group - FREE
We have created a Google email group that is restricted to registered participants.
You may use it to organize training groups and carpools, ask questions, etc.
Please note that you can choose to receive emails individually, once per day or no emails
(check them on the Google email group website). Most will choose individually
(no delay in delivery) or once per day. Topics should be restricted to those related to
triathlon or access to the group may be suspended.
How to Join: All registered participants will be sent an invitation to join.
A Google account is necessary to view the group's Google web page but it is not necessary
to be part of the group to send and receive emails. If you have trouble joining the list,
please contact Paul at to be added directly.
Group Website: http://groups.google.com/group/ywcawomenstri
At the YWCA of Minneapolis
Triathlon Classes
The YWCA of Minneapolis offer two triathlon classes: Triathlon Training and Triathlon Race Skills.
| Triathlon Training | Focuses on progressing your training through coached workouts and skill sessions while teaching you proper training progressions and recovery strategies. |
| Triathlon Race Skills | Focuses on specific skills needed for outdoor triathlons such as bike handling, open water swimming, transitions, racing strategies, etc. |
Schedule and Registration Information: These classes are part of YWCA Endurance Sports (YES!) at the YWCA of Minneapolis. For class times, locations, prices and registration information, see the YES! Triathlon page of the YWCA website.
Running Classes
Enjoy the social support and camaraderie of running with others combined with professional
coaching support and instruction.
Classes offered include:
| Beginning Running | This class is designed for true beginners, those starting to get back into shape or preparing for their first local 5K. |
| Run Performance | Structured, coach-led workouts and seminars to help you take your running to the next level to chase a personal record or move up to the half marathon distance. |
Schedule and Registration Information: These classes are part of YWCA Endurance Sports (YES!) at the YWCA of Minneapolis. For class times, locations, prices and registration information, see the YES! Running page of the YWCA website.
Personal Training/Coaching
If you, a training partner or small group would like more personal attention to learn skills or create an overall training or injury prevention plan, contact Paul Johnson at or 612-215-4345. The YWCA has certified triathlon coaches as well as personal trainers with triathlon and endurance sports experience.
Total Immersion Swim Coaching
If swimming is your third strongest sport of the tri, consider Total Immersion. Swimming requires a great deal of comfort and technique often not fully realized with traditional swim classes and group swims. The YWCA of Minneapolis is the Regional Center for Total Immersion swim training, the premier method of teaching efficient swim technique. Our Total Immersion swim instructors have been teaching and working with all levels of triathletes for many years and can help you become a stronger swimmer and learn specific strategies to master or complete the swim leg with confidence.
Sign up for individual instruction or with a partner or small group. Or try a two-day freestyle weekend workshop offered March 8-9, May 3-4, and June 14-15
Masters Swimming
Although the name may be intimidating, Masters swimming simply means group swimming for those 19 and older. All speeds and skills are represented on the Masters team, and more experienced swimmers always enjoy helping new swimmers get a feel for the workout and the group. The YWCA Masters program is open and free to all YWCA health & fitness members. Non-members can sign up for practices under a punchcard system for $70 for 10 practices.
Adult Swim Instruction
The YWCA has some of the most experienced and qualified swimming and safety instructors in the Twin Cities. Instruction is focused to help you learn on your schedule and at your pace. Adult lessons are available in group classes, as well as in private or semi-private lessons.
More Information
For more information on training services at the YWCA of Minneapolis, visit www.ywcampls.org or contact:
| Triathlon & Running: Paul Johnson |
Swimming: Dave Cameron |