FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

I haven’t exercised in years; can I do this?
We have learned many things from our Triathlon Team since establishing the team in 1999. One of the things we have learned is that we can be most successful with women who have the following basic skills and qualities before they commit to our class. And we want you all to be successful!
If you can answer yes to the following questions, we welcome you aboard. If you are struggling with one of the questions, think about taking a winter class, hiring a personal trainer, or starting your own “pre-tri” training plan BEFORE the program begins.
1. I can swim 2 lengths of the Hot Springs Pool with a short rest at each end and with continuous breathing.
2. I can run or walk or run/walk a mile in 21 minutes or less.
3. I can ride a bicycle for 3-5 miles without assistance.
4. I can devote a minimum of three workouts a week for one hour each workout to train. This can include my twice-a-week training classes with the Roaring Fork Tri Team.
5. I can commit to attending a minimum of 80% of the 13 weeks of classes. (30 regular classes and 5 Optional Classes = about 7 absences overall)
6. If I need individual or special assistance to help me swim, bike, or run/walk, I can provide for a training buddy to workout with me during class.
7. I have a positive attitude and like to challenge myself to try new and different things.
8. I enjoy training in groups, and I have the patience and appreciation for the ups and downs of “group” work. I am a team player!
9. I have a working email and can check it every Tuesday evening!
I am intimidated to join a triathlon team– everyone is fitter and faster than me?
We highly suggest you come to our first Question and Answer Orientation Meeting held in the spring before the beginning of our season. You will meet women from never-evers to beginners, to advanced, from tall to short, from small to large, from gregarious to shy. You will have a chance to ask that question in person and receive some comforting answers. It’s normal to have fear–after all, this is a new, challenging, and frightening experience for many first-timers. Yet it will also be one of the most rewarding of your life as you learn to manage your fears and reach dreams you never thought possible. WARNING: The registration may close BEFORE this meeting, so let us know if you would like us to connect you with some “alumni” to answer your immediate concerns. We don’t want you to be disappointed if we close registration.
Do I have to do the Diva Triathlon in Longmont to be part of the Team?
Many women start the Roaring Fork Women’s Triathlon Team summer program wanting to get in shape and have fun without the intention of completing the Diva Triathlon. That is just fine with us. However, our experience has shown us that having a race goal is a great way to stay focused and in shape. We often find that by the end of the summer, many of the women have changed their minds and decide to travel with us to the event. After all, who wants to miss a girls’ weekend in Longmont? But it’s your choice, and we will honor your decision.
I’ve already done a couple of triathlons; is this training still for me?
Many of our athletes are “repeaters” and continue to join our training group year after year, long after they’ve completed their first triathlon. They enjoy the set training times, the end-of-season goal, and the camaraderie that comes with being part of the Team. We set the agenda, but you set your own pace. Our coaching assistants are skilled at assisting women with different abilities, from beginners to experts. That being said, we like to remind folks that our primary focus is on Triathlon 101–the basics. If you completed the Ironman last year, you may find our training on the light side. But if you are looking for a supportive environment to enhance your own training schedule, we can help you meet your goals.
What does my registration fee cover? What other expenses will I have? What is NOT included?
Most of the women in the group will tell you your registration fee will be one of the best investments in your health you have ever made. Your fees cover our two-times-a-week classes. Each Wednesday, class includes a lecture, a workout, and a hand-out. Each Saturday or Monday evening class includes swimming instruction and a workout. In addition, your fees cover a member folder, weekly homework hand-outs, a team tote bag, our cost for room rental, pool rental for swimming, our insurance and liability coverage, coaches and assistant salaries, and email and coach time as needed. We have 13 weeks of classes two times a week with several evening specialty classes, such as a tire changing clinic and an advanced transition clinic. At over 30 classes a summer, it works out to be about $12 a class. We have some stipends available from our new scholarship/team fund that can help women in need. Just let us know.
We want you to know that your fee DOES NOT cover the cost of a swim pass at the Hot Springs Pool nor at the Community Center Pool. You will need this for swim practice outside of class.
Also, NOT included in your registration fees are:
1. Glenwood Springs Community Center passes (if you don’t have a Glenwood Springs Community Center pass already) for team swim instruction, swim punch pass available from team
2. Race Entry Fees: Diva Triathlon: There will be discount codes available throughout the season. Some scholarship money is available.
3. Lodging in Longmont for the Diva Triathlon Weekend: Lodging price (e.g., $99 per room) split between two people if desired.
4. Dinner during Tri Weekend: $25
5. Uniform Top: $25
6. Swimsuit, goggles, bike, helmet, run/walk shoes. The cost depends on where you shop.
Can I just sign up for the Saturday swim training? Or just the Wednesday training?
No. We offer only the “total package” of both Wednesday and Saturday training. In the course of the summer, we developed a well-trained and bonded team. This is only made possible by consistent attendance two days a week. Of course, everyone misses a couple of classes or takes a vacation during the summer.
I am afraid of the water. In particular, I am afraid of open water. Do I have to do it?
Many women are fearful of swimming and of open water swimming, and we understand that. Our swim coaches are some of the best in the valley and will take you through a graduated swim training program that will help alleviate your fears. However, we are not a “teach you to swim” program. If you need a head start on swim lessons, we recommend you join a spring swim class at the Hot Springs Pool or the Community Center Pool. We start the season in the swimming pool, and midway through the summer, we begin training at Harvey Gap in Rifle, CO. We practice with rental wetsuits as well. You will have plenty of opportunities to get comfortable in the water. And of course, it’s all your choice. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to do it. When we go to Longmont for the Diva Triathlon, we often have a few women who want to wait a year before they do the open-water swim in Union Reservoir. We’ll help you with that decision every step of the way.
What kind of bike do I need?
You must have a functioning bike and a helmet to participate in the training. Many women train and complete their first year using a mountain bike with “fat tires”. We have found, however, that by the second year, most women want to get a road bike with “skinny tires” as a way to go faster with less energy. You can purchase a bike at Sunlight Sports, Basalt Bike and Ski, Ute City Cycles, and the used Gear Shop. In addition, you can often pick up a used bike from a team member or by checking the want ads or posting on our Facebook page.
I can’t run. Can I still be on the Team?
Yes. Many of the women do not run for one reason or another. We have a special assistant coach who teaches the art of fitness walking! In addition, our running program is based on a run and walk and run method. Both walkers and runners are welcome on our team.
What if I start the class and need to drop out for one reason or another?
We do not give refunds, but depending on the circumstances and when you drop out, we can roll part of your fee over until the next year. This is always tricky for us. If we take your registration and turn someone else away, and then you decide to drop out, we have lost you in the process (of which we are sad!) and have turned away an interested participant as well.
How old do you have to be to be on the Team?
You must be 18 years or older to be on the Team. On the upper limit the only criteria we have for age–is that you be young at heart! Our Team members range from 18-73…the majority are 40-60.
What is the training program?
We are a full-service program that takes all levels of athletes through a progressive training season. We kick off in May, and our race is in August. We meet twice a week for training as well as some other workshops we organize for our athletes. This is a full training plan with progression through the season. If you would like to learn more about the program, you can visit our website at https://roaringforktriteam.com/
What days do you work out as a team?
We meet most Wednesdays from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM starting in May and ending the week before the race. We swim as a team on either Saturday AM or Monday PM, depending on what stage of the training program we are in.
Can I just “drop in” for some workouts?
No, you must be a team member to participate in any workout. This is due to the ratio of coaches to athletes as well as our insurance. Insurance covers our team members and volunteers only.
Is it ok if I come late to practice or miss some practices?
To get the most out of the program, you should expect to have 80% or more participation. That being said, it is your race and your training. We are never upset when someone comes late or leaves early. At least they made it. We are always happy to see someone walk through the door.
Is there a way to participate in the program without being on the team?
Yes, we are always in need of volunteers for open water swims and some of our bike rides. If you are interested in connecting with other athletes to work out, check out our Facebook page “Roaring Fork Women’s Triathlon Team”. Many athletes from the team post on this page, looking for workout buddies.
How much does the team cost, and what does the registration fee pay for?
To register for the team, the fee is $360 for the season. This fee pays the
coaches a nominal check at the end of the season. It pays for our team insurance, rentals of swim lanes with a life guard, and meeting rooms on Wednesday mornings/ orientation. It also pays for our website. It offsets the cost of our team uniform and equipment.
I can’t afford the full registration fee but want to be part of the team. Are there options for scholarships?
Yes, we offer scholarship money to those who apply. Scholarship money is generously donated by sponsors of the team, team members, and friends of the team to help offset some of the financial demands of the training seasons. Scholarship money can also help pay for race registrations, punch passes to swim at the community center, etc. To apply for scholarship money, please email us at [email protected]
If I register for the team but get injured or sick, can I get a refund?
No refund will be made for short-term illness or injury.
• Members with a long-term illness or injury (that excludes the member for the whole season) may be eligible for a refund or partial refund upon receipt of a medical certificate in writing from their GP or specialist. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the number of weeks left in the season and the likelihood of replacing the member.
What if I register and decide not to do the team before the season starts?
Cancellation Policy:
• Memberships are non-refundable
• Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration by the coaches – due to sudden relocation; medical reasons