How do I join SVTC?
What exactly is a triathlon?
I have never participated in a Triathlon. May I still join?
I don’t have a decent bike. Can I still be in the club?
What other equipment do I need?
I can’t really swim. Can I still be in the club?
I am a beginner and have no clue as to where to start. What do I do?
I am not able to attend some of the meetings or workouts. How can I stay informed on club activities?
Do I have to participate in races?
What should I wear during a race?
How do I gain access to the “Member Area” in the SVTC website?
How do I join SVTC?
The most convenient way to join SVTC is to use the online web application at Become a Member. Fill out or print the Membership Form, and either pay online via PayPal or mail the form with your check (payable to Steel Valley Triathlon Club, P.O. Box 3143, Youngstown, OH 44513). You can also bring them to a club meeting or workout. If you have any questions or problems with membership registration, send an email to [email protected], and we will get things straightened out.
What exactly is a triathlon?
Swim, Bike, Run! A triathlon consists of those three events in that order. Between each leg of the race is a quick “transition” where you change any clothing and equipment if necessary. Traditionally, the swim portion takes place in open water, such as a lake, but in our indoor races it is often in a swimming pool. For more information for people new to triathlon, consider checking out https://www.mytimetotri.com/
I have never participated in a triathlon. May I still join?
Absolutely! SVTC was established to support all levels of triathletes and runners in the Youngstown area. At a local race you might see SVTC members on the podium, last to finish and everywhere in between. You do not see many egos in this sport.
I don’t have a decent bike. Can I still be in the club?
Absolutely! At the beginning of the season, don’t worry about it. Any bike will do. Many of the triathletes currently on the team started on campus or mountain bikes or even borrowed one. As you start training, you may decide that you want to upgrade to a better road bike. If you are going to use your campus bike, we ask that you make sure your bike is in safe operating condition (particularly the wheels and brakes). And, no matter what bike you use, you must wear a helmet on all rides.
What other equipment do I need?
For swimming, you need your swimsuit and a pair of goggles. (If you’re a guy, don’t worry; speedos aren’t required.) For running, you just need a decent pair of running shoes.
I can’t really swim. Can I still be in the club?
No problem. From January until April of each year, we rent 2 lanes at the Central YMCA that are for SVTC member use only. You can spend time during these swim practices focusing on basic technique and form. There is always a wide range of swimming abilities in the club, so, no matter what your skill level is, you won’t feel out of place. We are here to help to help you meet your goal.
I am a beginner and have no clue as to where to start. What do I do?
When you join the SVTC, not only are you meeting great people, but also will get lots of help in getting started in the sport. Whether you need help in swimming, biking, or running, we have something just for you. Show up at the workouts and other club events. We have all been where you are now. The workouts are especially geared for everyone and is a good place to meet other club members.
I am not able to attend some of the meetings or workouts. How can I stay informed on club activities?
You can stay on top of club happenings several ways.
- Monitor the club website
- Monitor the SVTC event calendar
- Monitor the club’s Facebook page. We also have a members-only Facebook page where event groups are created and discount information is distributed.
Do I have to participate in races?
While many club members enjoy the competition, racing a triathlon is not for everyone and we certainly do not require that you race. If you enjoy swimming, cycling and running for the health benefits but don’t want to participate in a triathlon, we are more than happy to support your training in these areas and help to connect you with training partners. If you decide that you want to try a race, we’re happy to support you in that endeavor as well!
What should I wear during a race?
Why, Steel Valley Tri Club gear of course!
The options for triathlon racing gear are many and it will take some experimentation to find what works for you. Some prefer to race in nothing but a bathing suit from start to finish, others choose to wear cycling shorts for the bike and running shorts for the run. It’s entirely up to you, whatever you are comfortable in and there is no right option. Many find the simplest option to be gear developed specifically for triathlon that can be worn through the swim, bike and run. This can be either a one or two piece suit – the bottoms have a thin pad made of fleece to make the bike slightly less uncomfortable and the top is generally sleeveless or tank top style for women. A one piece suit tends to cover you up a bit more than triathlon garb, and some say it creates a bit less drag while on the bike – the disadvantage is that it’s a bit less convenient to get off when you’re nervously visiting the porta-potty over and over again in the morning before a race! Whatever you decide to wear, make sure that race day is not the first time you try out your new gear – that’s not a good day to find out that something doesn’t fit right or is chafing!
How do I gain access to the “Members Only” page on Facebook?
Once your membership has been accepted, you will receive an e-mail message which will invite you to access our Members Only Facebook page. If you have any problems accessing the group, please contact us at [email protected].