2010 USAT Junior Elite Season Overview

To get the latest news related to draft-legal racing for 16-19 year olds, attend this FREE informational webinar from USA Triathlon. Topics will include camps, race opportunities, world championship qualification and the new 2010 rankings system. If you are not able to attend in person, a recording of the webinar will be available on the Junior Elite page of the USAT Website.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

7pm Central

Register Here

Triathlon Training Comes to McHenry County College

We're pleased to announce that triathlon training will be coming to McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL this summer.   Classes will be held on Wednesdays, 6-8pm, June 30 – Aug 18.  There will be three optional workouts on the Danskin race course in Pleasant Prairie.  Details and registration information will be available in this spring.

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Winter II Triathlon Training at the RecPlex

Registration for Winter II Triathlon class is now open for RecPlex members. Non-member registration opens Tuesday, February 16.  Register by the end of the day on Thursday, February 18 and receive $5 off the program fee.

Triathlon Swim Clinic - last class session before Fall - Sundays, 7:00-8:00am, Feb 28 through April 25.  $23 RecPlex Members / $37 Non-Members

Tri Brick - last class session before Fall - Sundays, 8:80-10:00am, Feb 28 through April 25. $23 RecPlex Members / $37 Non-Members

Triathlon Cycling - Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm, Feb 25 through April 22. $26 RecPlex Members / $42 Non-Members

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Danskin Registration Open

Registration is now open for the Danskin Triathlon at Pleasant Prairie on August 22.  Download a registration form here, or register online.

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Bike The Drive 2010

Soak up the Chicago sun and bike on a car-free Lake Shore Drive May 30, 2010 for Bike the Drive, the Active Transportation Alliance’s annual fundraiser.

Save $5 when you register by Feb. 28 at BikeTheDrive.Org.

Buy ZYM Elecrolyte Tabs & Support Haiti

In the midst of the tragic disaster that struck Haiti, ZYM is donating both proceeds and electrolyte drink tabs to the victims. Through February 28, 2010, ZYM will donate 30% of purchases made from the goZYM.com website to the Haiti Relief Fund. To take part in the contribution, please type “Haiti Fund” in the comments section during checkout.

TriBike Bike Transport for IM events

TriBike Transport is the Official "TriBike" Transportation Provider for all Ironman Events in North America.

TriBike Transport is currently accepting reservations for the 2010 events listed below at their 2009 pricing. This offer expires February 1, 2010. Enter the promo code TBT2009PC at check out.

2010 Service Schedule (subject to change):

Ford Ironman Arizona
Rohto Ironman 70.3 California
Ford Ironman St. George

Rohto Ironman 70.3 Florida

Ironman 70.3 Hawaii

Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene

Ford Ironman Lake Placid
Ford Ironman Louisville
Ford Ironman Wisconsin
Ford Ironman Florida
Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3
Ford Ironman Arizona

Athletes and H1N1

[From Andrew Silver, Sr Editor, Swim Network.com]

Athletes are more likely to be physically and mentally stressed, making them more susceptible to illness, warns Charlie Thompson, the chairman of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association’s college and university athletic trainers committee.

Here are some tips from trainers, doctors, and the CDC. Although this was compiled for swimmers, it is applicable for all athletes.

Stay hydrated

A common side effect of the flu is loss of appetite, resulting in less fluid intake and even dehydration. Try drinking small amounts of fluid often and choose drinks that contain electrolytes, such as sports drinks. Michael Castleman, author of Cold Cures: The Complete Guide to Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold and Flu, recommends drinking lots of hot fluids at the first onset of flu symptoms. Hot fluids impair viral replication, plus they have a mild decongestant effect.

Eat small, healthy meals

If your appetite is squelched, try eating small meals more often. And remember that fresh fruit and vegetables contain antioxidant nutrients that bolster the immune system, which in turn helps reduce your risk of other infections.

Sleep it off

Anecdotal evidence among those with swine flu reveals that the virus often comes in waves. You may feel better, but then the fever returns along with other symptoms or possibly a bacterial infection. To give our body its best chance, sleep it off. Doctors recommend sleeping between eight to 10 hours a day to help your body recover and avoid other infections. According to Dr. Maoshing Ni, your immune system function drops by an average of 60 percent after just three nights of poor sleep.

Protect your towels

To avoid spreading germs during flu season, don’t share towels. Flu viruses can linger on linens such as your swimming towels.

Don’t waste money on miracle cures

Despite what you may read on the Internet, swine flu has no miracle cure. The government’s www.flu.gov website lists more than a handful of fraudulent H1N1 flu “treatments” including air systems, body washes, gels, inhalers, and herbal extracts. Also note that vitamins and other supplements don’t boost the immune system or fight the flu, so don’t count on vitamins to work recovery magic.

Ease back into your workout

Once you are feeling over the worst, doctors recommend that you start slow. Go for a gentle walk to get some fresh air and open up the lungs again. But don't over-exercise, and gradually return to your normal workout routine. People who get the flu typically run a fever and experience muscle aches for several days. So that’s not the time to put your body through an intense workout. Check your temperature to ensure you have no fever before you head back to the pool. Even though the H1N1 flu virus cannot live in a properly chlorinated pool, you could spread germs in the locker room if you go back too soon.

Chocolate Milk

Many athletes swear by chocolate milk as a recovery drink after exercise -- protein, carbs, and ice cold!

So go ahead, without guilt. Recent research reported on in The Dairy Report shows that children who drink flavored milks do not have higher intakes of added sugars or total fat. And milk consumption, including flavored milk, is not associated with a higher percentage body fat.