Frederick Triathlon Club in Frederick, Maryland

Hey Club!

I recently got an email from USAT and specifically from CELESTE CALLAHAN , Duathlon Liaison to USAT Board of Directors and Team USA Triathlon and Duathlon Member.  She stated that Duathlon numbers are dwindling and she’s concerned about the future of the sport.  So, she basically made a plea for help by asking triathletes to participate in the 2009 National Duathlon Championships.  After only have 200 folks there last year, she’s trying to get 1000 participates in 2009 to show USAT folks still like the idea of Duathlons.  Although this is a national championships, it’s open to anyone.  And there are off-road and on-road options.  It’s an early season event (April) and relatively low cost ($65).  Registration starts in Dec.

I figure since the swim is not my best part, that perhaps doing a Du would be a good thing for me early in the season.  So, I’ll be signing up when registration opens.

Check out the website for this event for more info:

http://www.duathlonnationals.com/

Dave

With Fall and the end of Daylight Savings Time upon us, it becomes increasingly important to take safety measures when you’re out there training on the roads.  This point hit home recently when a Frederick News Post aricle reported on the death of Maryland State Trooper 1st Sgt Tobin Triebel.  1st Sgt Triebel was vacationing in Hillsborough NC with family when he was struck and killed by a tree-trimming truck while he was jogging.  According to the Chapel Hills News, 1st Sgt Triebel was jogging with traffic and at the crest of a hill when the truck struck him at 8:41 AM.  The driver was going 40 mph, below the 55 mph speed limit of the road, and did not see Triebel.

So a few safety words of wisdom:

- Run against traffic unless conditions warrant otherwise.  And even then, listen and check behind you often even it that means stopping and moving over for traffic.

- BE SEEN!  Wear reflective vest/clothing articles even if you don’t plan on running on the road.  You still may have to cross them.

- Listening to music and running on the road is just not a good idea.  It’s even a worse idea to do while cycling.  Ensure your safety when doing so even when you’re not on the road.

- Use a headlamp if running in the dark.

- Use lights on your bike, especially a flashing taillight if you’re still riding after sunset.

- Avoid riding/running through areas where fallen leaves cover the ground.  You may hit a hidden object or hole and end up either twisting something or worse yet crashing and getting really hurt.  Slow down and go around if you can.

Let’s all try not to be a statistic out there and train safe!

Looking to get that metabolism flowing before you feast on Thanksgiving?  Well, trot on down to the Baker Park band shell in Frederick on the morning of Nov 27 and take part in the annual Turkey Trot 5K!  There’s also a fun walk 1K as well.  Your entry fee goes to to raise money for the mentally ill population that the folks at the Way Station serve daily in Frederick, Maryland.  The race director is the Tribe’s own Vicki Bate. 

Full details can be found at:  http://www.waystationinc.org/turkeytrotinfo.htm

As my first official act as the new FTC “The Tribe” President, I’d like to announce the first meeting of the club’s third year.

 

The meeting will be held Wed Nov 12 at 7:30 PM at Chris and Fred Kelley’s new Compu Trainer facility in Middletown, which is run on their property aptly named Kelley’s Acres.  We’ll first be discussing club business, introduce the new officers, and discuss any other new business that members would like to bring to the meeting.  This month and next will also be the best time to turn in membership dues, but we’ll have to ensure we get the club account turned over to our new Treasurer first.  Probably will be our first order of business and we’ll get that straightened out so you can pay your dues.

 

After club business, Chris will talk about the Compu Trainer, their new facility, and ways the club could schedule its use as a whole.  We discussed this a bit last month and some folks have also tried the facilty out (including yours truly).  So, I thought it would be good to see if more people would like to come out to Chris and Fred’s just to take a gander and then decide how to make use of it, personally and perhaps clubwise.

Pleae note the meeting time change above.  Due to a Compu Trainer session ending at 7PM, our club meeting will begin at 7:30PM.

 

Directions to Chris and Fred’s:

 

Take Rt. 70W to Exit 49 Braddock Heights/Middletown exit. At the light turn left onto Alt 40W. Go approx. 4mi. to the center of Middletown and turn right on RT17N (Myersville Road). The entrance to their drive is approx. 2mi. on the left at 8414. Look for the mailbox and a 3 rail white fence. Follow the fence down the lane. You can’t see the house from the road. Park near the circle. 

 

BTW, Chris says to bring a soft bag chair or something to sit on.  Yeah, there’s really not a seating area at the facility.

 

 

Anyway, come out to meet your new officers, say hi to fellow club members, meet new ones, and check out Chris and Fred’s Compu Trainer facility!

Dave