Triathlon dreams? Go get 'em

Whew, it's barely June and we're already in the thick of tri season. In the last couple of weeks I've gotten lots of questions about the August 30 Chicago Triathlon. Is registration still open? Yes (click here to sign up). Is there a Sprint and Olympic distance option? Yes and yes. Is it fun? YES! I did the Olympic distance course last summer and had a blast training and participating. Looking back on my newbie summer with the sport, there's a lot I could've done better. Some pointers in the water would've been a big help, advice on my riding position and pedaling would've improved my bike speed, and knowing how to split up my time more efficiently between the three disciplines might have made me stronger in my weaker areas. Which is why I'm telling all you would-be triathletes out there about a new tri training class called Vision to Tri, starting tonight at Vision Quest in Highland Park.

Created for beginner athletes training for sprint- or Olympic-distance triathlons, the class meets three times weekly (Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings) and prepares athletes for the swim, bike and run. It also gets you ready to compete with race day strategies, a race day dress rehearsal, nutrition advice, transitioning practice and injury prevention info. Plus, coaches will give participants a day-by-day training schedule to follow outside of group sessions (the class runs for 11 or 13 weeks, depending on whether you opt to compete at the Pleasant Prairie Tri on August 16 or the Chicago Tri on August 30). VQ hosts this training program at its Highland Park venue (1923 Skokie Valley Road). The price tag ($395) sounds steep...but if you're serious about prepping for a tri this summer, the fee for six+ hours each week is totally worth how fit, fast and prepared you'll become. Believe! Click here or call 877-851-8787 to sign up.

Now for all of you triathletes who aren't newbies, VQ is hosting an event that will be more to your liking tomorrow evening: Expert Series Clinic #3: 10 Minute Toughness with sports psychologist Jason Selk (7pm on Wednesday 3, 1923 Skokie Valley Road, $15). Besides the gems of knowledge you'll get from Selk, a well-respected author and sports psychologist, there's food and a raffle. Happy training!