The Best Triathlon Training In Chicago

The Transamerica Chicago Triathlon isn’t until August 2017, but if you’re planning on participating then you’re likely already in training. For a slow start over the winter season, try joining a new gym or taking an unusual fitness class. For those who are ready to hit the ground running, try out these prime training tips.

Tri 101 Beginner Webinars

New to triathlons? Don’t sweat it. The Transamerica Chicago Triathlon website hosts free, one-hour webinars covering training tips, course reviews, race details, Q&As and more. The 2017 dates haven’t been announced yet, but you can watch an archive of last year’s info sessions while you wait here.

Try an Indoor Tri

Train for the regulation, outdoor triathlon with a condensed, indoor one. On January 8 and 15, several suburban gyms will host these mini tris. Instead of the full-length experience, you’ll do 10 minutes of pool swimming, 30 minutes on a stationary bike, and 20 minutes on a treadmill. Anyone 12 and older and at any fitness level can participate.

Consider a Coach

It doesn’t matter if you’re competing to win the triathlon or just competing to finish. Everyone can benefit from a little extra help. Troy Jacobson of Lifetime Endurance founded his training and coaching company to help people develop their passion for triathlons. You can hire a coach for one-on-one time, heed their advice through the internet, or attend their group camps and workshops.

Join the Chicago Tri Club

The Chicago Tri Club is the perfect group to join to help you get motivated before race weekend. They have a mission to ‘provide an outlet for Chicago area triathletes to grow their athletic abilities and develop friendships through tri-athletic endeavors and meaningful social contact.’ You have to pay a small membership fee, but you’ll get access to hundreds of new tri friends around the Chicagoland area, weekly workouts and activities, sponsorship discounts, and so much more.

Do the Swim Clinics

Starting in June 2017 the Transamerica Chicago Triathlon will host their Open Water Swim Clinic Series at Ohio Street Beach. Swimmers will be grouped by experience level and trained as such. Beginners can expect to learn the basics of open water swimming, etiquette at the beach, race day rules, wetsuit overviews and more. They only suggest a $5 donation and separate fee for renting equipment. The clinics take place throughout June and July, leading up to race weekend.

Take Advantage of the City

If a little cold doesn’t scare you, get outside and train wherever you can. The lakefront path is 18 miles long and perfect for your bike training. It’s not advisable to hop in the lake in January, but the city’s best gyms have plenty of pools between them to get your laps in. And if you’re bored (or freezing) of the lake path, head west to the 606 trail for a quick winter run through Wicker Park. By the time the city thaws out in April, you’ll be well on your way to triathlon victory.