UofT SWIM, ROW & GO

A last minute plug for a great little event: The UofT Triathlon Club is hosting their annual Swim, Row & Go Triathlon this Sunday, Jan 29th. There are still a few spots left in the race. You could battle the windchill on your Sunday morning long run, or you could be at UofT, working up a sweat with a great group of triathletes in a warmer environment (and still do your long run later, if you're so inclined). 

This might be the only triathlon you do this year that doesn't require you to bring a bike. Just pack a backpack with swim gear, shoes, t-shirt and shorts, and take the subway to the St George station. Walk south on St George St., turn west on Harbord and you're there. More info available here.

EXCEPTIONAL TALENT SEEKING WORLD CLASS FACILITY

That's the fundraising pitch for a new outdoor 8-lane track at UofGuelph. Dave Scott-Thomas and the Guelph Gryphons love to tackle big challenges and they've locked horns with a monster this time: to build a new, world-class 8-lane track. As with all things related to the Gryphons and Speed River programs, there is a lot of passion, commitment and hard work being dedicated to this right now. There is also some fantastic leadership driving this project, and a strong sense that this can happen. Great energy all around, and the RTC crew is brainstorming ideas to contribute. This is the same passion, energy and resolve that has resulted in a long record of excellence from Guelph runners; they will get this track built. Take five minutes to learn more about the Guelph Track Project and consider lending your support.

THE MAKING OF CHAMPIONS

A great video from runnerspace.com featuring the Gryphons/Speed River run program, and the 2011 CIS Cross Country Championships. Enjoy.

McMAHON & JONES

An interview with Brent McMahon and Kyle Jones, two hard working guys, aiming to put three men on the start line at the London Games. It's well worth a look. Watch the intro, and then the full interview at ~18:30. These guys are great role models, offering insight into what it takes to compete at the international level, and inspiring our next generation as they chase Olympic qualification.

2012 JUNIOR PATCO SELECTION CRITERIA

Coaches/athletes,

Please see the link for the 2012 PATCO Junior Championships Team Selection criteria. PATCO Championships will once again be held in Edmonton, Alberta, July 7, 2012.

CRITERIA HERE.

Edit: Links to updated TriCan Selection criteria can be found under "TriCan Selection Criteria" on the right hand side of this blog.

BRIDGING THE GAP COACHING CONFERENCE

From Kristine Chambers & TriBC:

Hello all coaches,

Just a reminder that Bridging the Gap triathlon coaching conference is coming up in TWO weeks in Victoria, BC (Jan. 28-29).  This unique weekend is designed specifically for coaches working with youth and junior athletes (i.e. teenagers).  We have brief presentations followed by a lot of discussion and sharing.  The goal is to build our knowledge and experience as a team.

The THEME this year is “Life Balance and “New” Injury Prevention”.  We have some amazing and diverse experts attending to present on topics from motivation / sport psych for youth, holistic coaching, new research in youth sport injury prevention, lessons from neurology and learning…. And of course our coach-lead discussions which will focus around long term methods of increasing volume / intensity through the growth years, integrated training, and variations in periodizing the different sports within triathlon. 

It will be an action packed, fun-filled, “don’t want to miss” weekend – and best of all a chance to network and meet some new folks who you might bump into at those Jr Series races over the next few seasons. 

For more info, please contact info@tribc.org.  There are discounts available at the Howard Johnson hotel (2 min. walk to conference location at Commonwealth Pool / Place) and possible homestays if people wish.