Summer session starts June 3 – Registration open!

Group swim and instruction for all abilities

ET Masters is a weekly swimming program designed for triathlon and fitness swimmers. USA certified coaches will provide structured workouts and stroke improvement instruction at each one-hour group session. Summer session focus will be on in-season swim sets to improve endurance and speed with a special emphasis on triathlon specific swim techniques.

“ET Masters has been an amazing help to me with my swim technique…every time I swam Masters Class, the coaches were able to pinpoint one particular area for me to work on, and with those minor changes and their encouragement, I was able to take my swim to a whole new level! Thank you, ET!!”

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Swimmers can attend one, two or as many sessions as they would like per week!!

Membership at LifeStart Central Park is not required. Class fee includes entry to the club each class.

Day/Time:

Monday at 7:00-8:00 PM

Wednesday and Friday at 6:00 – 7:00 AM

Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 – 11:30 AM

Thursday at 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Dates:

June 3, 2013 – August 16, 2013 (11 weeks!)

Location:

LifeStart at Central Park
4225 Naperville Road
Lisle, IL 60532

Price: $150 for all 11 weeks.

Registration Notes:

• Class registration fee is non-refundable.
• By registering for this activity, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Experience Triathlon Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement.

Please Contact Coach Joe for additional information.

Triathlon specific group swimming and instruction for all abilities

ET Open Water Swim Clinics at Centennial Beach is a weekly swimming program designed for triathletes. USA certified coaches will provide structured workout sets to build endurance and triathlon specific skill instruction such as open water sighting, wave starts, drafting, buoy turns, and bumping.

This program is free to ET coached athletes and ET Tri Club members. Non-ET Tri Club members are welcome to join us for one complimentary session before joining our Tri Club.

Athletes will need to pay for their own entry fee into Centennial. Daily and season passes are available at the entrance. Information on fees can be found at napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach

Day/Time: Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm
Dates: June 3 – August 12, 2013
Location: Centennial Beach, 500 West Jackson, Naperville, 60540

Contact Coach Joe for additional information.

After a long cold winter and with spring just not wanting to make a long term appearance in Chicago, Thursday April 25, 2013 finally arrived and I was about to set off on the training trip of a lifetime. Solvang, California and Experience Triathlon’s Spring Camp here I come (along with 15 of the best teammates and coaches a girl could hope for).

I remember reading Chilly Pepper’s account of the 2012 trip and somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to join the ET Team in 2013.  Then I was landing in LA and heading north to Solvang.  The two and a half hour ride went by much faster than I expected, the views of the Pacific Ocean were amazing and you could tell why some of the world’s most rich and famous made this area their home.  We arrived at the hotel and quickly changed and headed out for a short run.  We headed down the street just outside of the Santa Ynez Valley Marriot.  Who knew that not too far down we would end up on a private street with horse ranches to the right and a perfect view of the mountains?  After the long plane ride and the car ride to our little piece of paradise for the next four days, that run just got the heart pumping and the legs flushed out.  It was the perfect way to start Solvang Camp 2013. 

After the short run, everyone was hungry so we headed off into Solvang for a great dinner at Cecco accompanied by a little bit of wine.  I listened as returning campers talked excitedly about the next day’s ride.  We were heading out on a road called Happy Canyon.  Really, how any ride cannot be spectacular when you are on a road called Happy Canyon is beyond me.  The first 10 miles were nice rolling terrain as we approached the main climb of the ride.   A little apprehensive about whether or not I would be able to even attempt a short trip up part of the world famous Mount Figueroa, I hung out toward the back of the group and just took in the scenery around me.  The pictures you see don’t do it justice; being there and taking it all in, breathtaking.  The group stopped and gathered at the SAG van and talked about safety on the climb up Mt. Figueroa; Coach Sarah gave everyone some great tips as usual.  I was the last one to leave the SAG van and head toward the climb, one other great first time camper stayed just in front of me as we both started up what would be the most challenging climb I have ever done.   The best part of this ride was that everyone could do the climb they needed or wanted to do. My hill buddy and I went up a short distance and came back to the SAG van, thinking we would just hang out and wait for the rest of the riders in our group to return.  The driver nonchalantly asked, “What are you still doing here?  Go do it again, have some fun!  When are you going to be able to ride this again?”  So off I went with my hill buddy for a second and then a third trip up Mt. Figueroa.  Who knew that today’s ride would have hill repeats on that world famous mountain?  I remember reading last year that this ride was totally customizable to each rider.  I’m not sure I really believed it then, but I most certainly do now.

Once our group collected at the bottom of the hill it was off to lunch.  Another few miles of spectacular views, green rolling hills as far as the eye could see, and bright sunshine – good thing I had brought my sunscreen.  Lunch was a perfect little set up under the awning at the Bridlewood Winery with a gourmet lunch.  Lunch was followed by a little wine tasting and, of course, lots of picture taking.  Now that we were all relaxed it was time to head back out to finish up the day’s ride.  One group took a ten mile scenic route back to the bike shop, and the other took a shorter five miles back.   We completed the day’s ride and had the option of a short brick run.  Once back at the hotel there was some time for relaxation in the pool and the hot tub.  Just what the muscles needed to get ready for tomorrow’s fun filled day.  The best part was sitting around relaxing with the ET Crew, listening to the stories of the riders in the other group and knowing that next year, I wanted to do that too.

Saturday was a recovery day, but how else would a group of triathletes recover?  Run, yoga, swim and eat.  The morning was a little cool, but perfect for a nice run.  Heading out from the hotel there was a short part of the route along the main street, then a left turn and you were instantly in another world.  Instead of a “Walk in the Clouds” it was a “Run in the Clouds.”  I never imagined how peaceful it could be to run those rolling hills.  Those who know me know I don’t run with music.  Well, this morning I had music but it was from all around me.  You could hear the birds singing and then as we passed some of the horses, they added their own tune.   It was then time to turn around and head back to the hotel; breakfast in Solvang was waiting.  Have you ever heard Coach Suzy talk about the Danish Bakery and think to yourself, “Can it really be all that good?”   The answer is absolutely that good and better.  The pastries, cookies, and breads are all made fresh daily and you can tell.  One note: if you get one and think you are going to save it for later, don’t.  After breakfast at Olsen’s Danish Bakery we had a little time to explore the shops in Solvang.  The quaint little shops of Solvang have something for everyone.  Bring an extra bag so you don’t have to limit your purchases because you have no way to get them back home to Chicago.  I sadly did not think of this and was limited to just a couple of items for my beloved Shar-pei at home.

Next up for the day was yoga.  By late morning we were all waiting outside the yoga studio for our private class.  Our yoga instructor clearly understood the stress we put on our bodies and tailored the practice to our needs.  She was amazing and kept up with our group’s shenanigans like she was one of us.  She made sure that we had fun but also understood the appropriate positioning to help our bodies stretch, open up, recover, and relax.  After yoga it was off to a nice lunch in Solvang.  The sun was shining and it was truly sunny and 80 – what more could you ask for?  Swimming at the local YMCA was the next thing on the agenda for our group.

Once we all arrived at pool side, Coach Joe led us through a great swim workout.  How could it not be great in a pool like that?  Glass walls on two sides with picturesque views of the mountains around us.  This was not leisurely float though.  It was a great warm up, then some sighting drills followed by wave starts and a cool down.  I, for one, learned quite a bit.  I had never heard of polo swimming or tri-sighting.  I got a chance to learn both followed by how to turn while swimming.  Coach Suzy spent some one on one time with me in the water and although I’m not great at the techniques I am definitely more comfortable with them.

The dinner that night was at Full of Life Flatbread Pizza.  This place was recommended by the cycle shop, and once our pizza arrived we instantly knew why.   I heard more than one camper telling Coach Joe and Coach Suzy that this place is definitely a keeper.

The final workout day was upon us.  This is the long ride day with two possible routes, one 40 miles and the other 70 miles.  Both leave from the hotel and head out toward the coast.  The 70 mile trip departs that shorter group at the famous Highway 101 and makes their way to the Jalama Beach on the Pacific Ocean.   I can’t wait until next year when I can see this entire route for myself – it sounds amazing.  Those of us in the 40 mile route still got an amazing ride, as the rolling hills gave you a chance to do long steady climbs.  The very experienced tour guides from the Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours rode with us the entire way.  They even had a chance to show how good they really are with a small mechanical problem like a broken chain.  That would end the day for most riders, but not for anyone in our group.  The crew from the cycle shop got the bike back to road ready.  Then those of us in the shorter group headed for lunch at a small winery tucked away off the road, where we had another gourmet lunch and, of course, a little more wine tasting.  After lunch we made our way back to the hotel and waited out front to welcome home the longer riders.  It was exhilarating watching them all come in.  You could see that look of accomplishment on all their faces, and I am glad I was there to witness it.

One final dinner with the ET Crew, and then the trip back to LA Airport and heading home.  You can thank us now for bringing the Sunny and 80 back with us.  Something tells me I will be making this trip many more times in my lifetime.  So, until next year…

Enjoy all the photos from our amazing adventure in Solvang on the ET Photo Gallery!

ET Run Club moves to our summer location on Saturday, May 4.

Run Club is open to everyone – regardless of fitness level or running experience!! The experienced and certified coaches of Experience Triathlon invite you to come join one of our regular group runs that are held on Saturday mornings at 8 AM. We run outside year round, and we run in small groups according to distance and pace. The distance typically ranges from 3 to 7 miles on any given run, and we make sure no one runs alone. One of the highlights of our group run is the coffee social held after almost every run — after all, who doesn’t run to EAT?

Click here for additional information, directions and how to join Run Club.

In addition to the triathlon and duathlon, we have youth events to produce and support. We expect to fill to capacity again this year and we need volunteers for both the adult and kid’s race.

Helping with an event is almost as much fun as doing the race, and it’s a great way to “give back” to the sport, help other athletes, and support some great charitable organizations!

In addition to these great benefits, volunteers can also take advantage of the following perks:

• 50% off your race registration for next year
• Awesome race crew dri-fit t-shirt
• Free pizza and beer at the finish line (after your volunteer stint, of course!)

Please complete and submit the following form to volunteer:

Run to Become is the perfect blend of running (or walking), social interaction, motivation, inspiration and a morning cup of Coach Joe.

This one day a week, small group treadmill based class is customized to each athlete’s fitness levels. You laugh, you sweat, and you learn as Coach Joe shares the mental strategies needed to become unstoppable in every aspect of your life. What if the famous quote, “Anything is Possible” really could come true?

Class size: Limited to 6 athletes!

Dates: May 2, 2013 – July 11, 2013 (10 weeks. No class July 4)

Day: Thursday

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 A.M.

Location: Lifestart Central Park, 4225 Naperville Rd., Lisle, IL 60532

Membership at LifeStart Central Park is not required. Class fee includes entry to the club each class.

Registration Notes:

• Class registration fee is non-refundable.
• By registering for this activity, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Experience Triathlon Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement.

Please Contact Coach Joe for additional information.

While Ironman Wisconsin isn’t until September 8, 2013, it’s been on my mind since signing up in September 2012. Lately it’s been on my mind more than ever as I inch closer to the big date.

On one of my solitary runs on vacation I realized, with only 173 days remaining, that over half a year has gone by since I first stood in line to sign up for the race and that before I know it the day will be here. So before more time passes on this Ironman journey I wanted to take some time and document some of my thoughts.

While I love running with my fellow teammates on Saturday mornings because it makes the run fly by, it’s during my solitary run, swim, and bike workouts that my mind really focuses on where this training should take me. Each workout that gets completed takes me that much closer on my journey to Ironman Wisconsin and has the purpose of getting me there healthy and prepared. These days I don’t just mindlessly go through each workout but try and understand what I may be able to take away from that workout that will get me through that day in September. What will help make me mentally tough to fight the demons, which Coach Joe speaks of, that will almost definitely come on that day, so preparing my mind as well as my body.

At a recent CompuTrainer session I happened to point out to Coach Joe that I was focusing on how tough the last interval, thirty minutes away, was going to be. As you would expect, Coach Joe, always the quintessential coach, told me to stay in the moment. If you’re swimming, focus on swimming; running, focus on running; and biking, focus on what you’re doing right then and not what lies ahead. This defining moment, while fleeting, has stuck with me for each workout after that when I’ve found my mind wandering past the point I was at. I see this tip serving me well in September.

Also during these solitary workouts I think of all the people besides Coach Joe that are a part of this journey in some way, as no one succeeds alone. My Father, who has been gone for many years but I think about often during these times, taught me what perseverance was all about by being part of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation.” My Mother was always rock solid and taught me nothing is impossible that you put your mind to. Cheryl, my wife, probably has no idea how much strength she bestows on me and is one of the strongest women I know. Without her I’d be lost. My fellow Experience Triathlon teammates push me to become better than I think is possible and provide support when things just aren’t quite going right.

On that day in September, when everything comes together, I will summon every ounce of strength – both mental and physical – from those that have supported my journey and put it to good use.

Registration is now open!

Get ready to Tri with Experience Triathlon’s triathlon training class.  Our USAT Certified Coaching staff will help you prepare for your first tri or improve on past performances.  Both workouts and educational clinics on swim, bike, run and transitions are included in this 6-week program.  This class will have a special focus for preparing athletes for the Esprit de She and the ET Batavia Triathlon.

Membership at Central Park Athletic Club is not required.  Class fee includes entry to the club each week.

Cost: $145.00

Location: LifeStart Central Park. 4225 Naperville Rd. Lisle, IL 60532

Session 1:  Wednesdays – April 24 – May 29.

Time: 10:00-11:15am

Sold Out

We're Sorry

OR

Session 2:  Sundays – April 21 – June 2. (no class 4/28)

Time: 2:00-3:15pm

Sold Out

We're Sorry

Contact Coach Joe for additional information or questions.

April 7 is first Sunday ride.

May 8 is first Wednesday ride.

Want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, make new friends, ride in a safe group environment, be supported by experienced ride leaders and USA certified coaches from Experience Triathlon, and have big fun? Then ET Bike Club is for you!

Join us for a great ride on a variety of routes in Naperville, Wheaton, Plainfield, Yorkville, St. Charles, Batavia and Barrington on almost every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening from mid-April through September.

Over 35 group rides this year!!

All abilities from first timer to veteran rider are welcome. We divide the group into smaller groups that do various distances and speeds ranging from 13-20mph and 15-50 miles on most rides. Some of our riders do a post-ride run which is a great way to get those brick workouts in and make them a lot more fun!

Check out our Bike Club page for additional details. Weekly ride locations and start times can be found on our Calendar page.

Athletes are welcome to join us for one complimentary ride before joining our Club.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Hope to see you at a ride soon!

Spring session starts April 9.  Registration now open!

ET Masters is a weekly swimming program designed for triathlon and fitness swimmers. USA Certified Coach Judie Refvik will provide structured workouts and stroke improvement instruction at each one-hour group session. Spring session focus will be on stroke refinement, building endurance, improving speed, and triathlon specific swim skills.

Group swim and instruction for all abilities

“ET Masters has been an amazing help to me with my swim technique…every time I swam Masters Class, the coaches were able to pinpoint one particular area for me to work on, and with those minor changes and their encouragement, I was able to take my swim to a whole new level! Thank you, ET!!”

Membership at LifeStart Continental Athletic Club is not required. Class fee includes entry to the club each class.

Instructor: Judie Refvik – USAT Certified triathlon and swim coach

Cost: $90 per session selected

Days/Times: Tuesdays at 6:00 AM or Thursdays at 6:30 PM

Dates: April 9, 2013 – June 13, 2013 (10 weeks of classes)

Location:

LifeStart at Continental Athletic Club
1701 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

To register for your session of choice, click one of the links below. If you’d like to purchase 2 spaces in that same session (for a spouse, friend, etc), you’ll change the “quantity” field once in the shopping cart page. To come back to this page and purchase a second session day/time, click your browser back button. This will bring you back to this page so you can select your second session.

Registration Notes:

• Class registration fee is non-refundable.
• By registering for this activity, I confirm that I have read and agree to the Experience Triathlon Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement.

Please Contact Coach Joe for additional information.