Breaking into a sport can be daunting, especially when the pinnacle of that sport is the world-famous Ironman, held each year in Kona, Hawaii. This storied triathlon challenges its athletes to a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run.
Most triathlons’ distances are not as long as the Ironman’s, but all require swimming, biking, and running—in other words, lots of training. These days you don’t have to put in the long hours alone. More and more women’s triathlon training programs are popping up.
“I joined Iron Chicks,” says Erica Bono of Austin, Texas. “It’s a local all-women camp that prepared me for the 2001 Danskin triathlon. I joined to improve my swim stroke, make me better on the bike, and push me on my running. The coaches also taught me little tricks for the transitions, like wearing my goggles under my cap.”
Another camp, TriChic, held in California’s wine country and on the beaches of Florida, combines training with a little bit of pleasure too. Its founder, Brenda Gilchrist, says, “Most triathlon camps are co-ed and/or designed for elite athletes. Our camps give female triathletes an opportunity to train in a supportive yet competitive environment while building lifelong friendships during a fun girls’ weekend getaway.”
Erica says the Iron Chicks camp jumpstarted something for her and that she has since competed in about 10 triathlons. “It spurred a passion in me. The camp’s coaches challenged me and gave me a lot of useful information. I think the next step now is becoming a camp instructor myself.” —Mariko LeBaron
All-women Triathlon Camps
Her Tri Clinic Manassas, Virginia
One-day triathlon clinics held every January on the campus of George Mason University, near Washington, D.C. Geared toward beginners, Her Tri Clinics offer an overview of the sport, tools, and motivation. $190. http://shetris.triitnow.com
viXen Los Angeles, California
viXen training offers eight- to 12-week clinics geared toward specific triathlons in the Los Angeles area. $350–$400. www.vixentraining.com
TriChic Triathlon Camps Clearwater, Florida, and Calistoga, California
TriChic offers four-day camps that include coaching in all aspects of triathlon training. For groups unable to travel, TriChic can host camps in their hometown. $399–$599. www.TriChic.com
Tri Divas Kona, Hawaii; Las Vegas, Nevada; and various locations in California and Ohio
Tri Divas’ offerings include ongoing workshops throughout southern California; destination camps in Hawaii, California, and Nevada; and nine-week workshops. $95–$425. www.tridivas.com
Iron Chicks Austin, Texas
A 10-week training program includes four group workouts weekly, two open-water trainings, one practice triathlon, a weekly online training schedule, informational seminars, and more. $300. www.runtex.com
