I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying the longer and brighter evenings. As the buzz and excitement of the upcoming Triathlon season builds, our training sessions adapt to the improving conditions. Below is an update of what you can expect for the summer months ahead.
Pool Swimming
We will continue to offer pool swimming for most of the summer months although there will be a break for a weeks. Once the current block finishes at the end of May, we will open another block for the summer. At the moment we are planning just one pool session per week in Bishopstown, however if there is sufficient demand and depending on coach and pool availability we will see if we can add a second.
Open Water Swimming
As the water begins to warm up, we will start a series of Introduction to Open water swimming sessions on Thursday evenings at Dock Beach Kinsale. These sessions will alternate each Thursday between the club Aquathon. We aim to start these at the end of May and kayak support will be provided.
Club Aquathons
As mentioned above, the club Aquathon series will alternate on Thursday evenings at the Dock Beach Kinsale. They involve a swim (approx 700 meters) followed a 3.5km run. Kayak support and timing will be provided. We will need members to timekeep over the summer and would expect members who attend to volunteer at least once.
Unofficial Open Water Swims
There is an unofficial open water swim WhatApp group where club members regularly arrange to meet for open water swims. While we encourage members to never swim alone, CTC takes no responsibility for these swims and there will be no club support provided. We have some excellent advice on our website regarding open water swimming and local areas to swim at. You can find it here. We do ask members to be respectful and considerate of the local communities. Please keep noise to an absolute minimum when swimming early in the morning and do not park anywhere that could obstruct emergency services.
Running
Monday evening run sessions have started at Tramore Valley Park 7pm meeting at the drawbridge. They include hill sessions and are coached by Trevor Mahoney. Track sessions continue at the Mardyke running track, Wednesday evenings 7pm and are coached by Brendan o’Neill. At the same time we have a new to track program aimed at those who have not run on a track before and is coached by Noel o’Regan. Please continue to register on Eventbrite in advance of attending.
Time Trials
We plan to return to the old Time Trial course at Cobh Cross starting from Tuesday 3rd May at 7pm. The meeting point is a Cobh Cross and the course is a flat cycle to the roundabout beside the Gaelscoil at Dunkettle and back(just under 14km ). As always we will need timekeepers to volunteer each week. Further details will be published in the coming weeks.
Club Sunday Spins
Sunday cycles will continue every Sunday morning over the summer at 9am leaving from Lapps Quay. Please contact Bryce prior to attending if you have not cycled in a group before. We will arrange another Intro to group cycle session when there is demand. Do continue to registration prior to attending. You can register up until 8am Sunday morning via Eventbrite. It is essential we have up to date emergency contact details for everyone attending. Spins can be cancelled at late notice due to weather warnings so keep an eye on the Broadcast group.
Yoga/Strength & Conditioning
The current block of Yoga has come to an end while Strength and Conditions classes will finish up on Monday 2nd May. Depending on demand, we will look to restart them again in the Autumn.
Club Gear
There has been a huge demand for Club gear and the club has invested heavily by subsidizing over €3000 towards this. You should expect delivery some time mid May. Inevitably there will be issues with sizing. The club does not hold any inventory of gear ordered from Verge so its best to use the club WhatsApp group to see if its possible to exchange items with other members. If there are quality issues, please contact John from Verge directly.
National Series Bursary
CTC has published details of our National Series Bursary, the aim of which is to encourage as many club members to participate in the National Series this year. We hope members will consider this when signing up for races this summer. Further details of the bursary can be found here.
Club Races and Marshallers
Registration is still open for King of the Hill 2022 via Triathlon Ireland but unsurprisingly Lost Sheep has sold out! Our race committees are in full swing planning for these races. Please keep in mind the club policy of racing one and marshalling another club race. Registration for marshallers will open in the weeks leading up to the club races and as always we need club members to volunteer. It is no exaggeration to say that these races cannot go ahead without the help of club members.
Our Races are always looking for sponsorship. If any of our members know of sponsorship opportunities or are part of a company or organisation that would be interested in sponsoring swag items please get in touch with our Race Directors Daire Reily (KOTH) or Katie Hickson (Lost Sheep).
Schull Fastnet Triathlon
Schull Fastnet Sprint triathlon is one of the highlights of the triathlon season in Cork. Its usually the race with the largest number of club members taking part each year. It takes place on 11th June this year and there are still both individual and relay entries available. The social committee will be arranging a meal the evening of the race but we will leave it up to members to arrange their own accommodation if they are planning on staying down. Mark it in your calendar! Further details to follow
Social Media and Race Achievements
We want to know how our members are getting on at races and are more than happy to publish pictures and stories on our FB and Instagram pages. Whether its your first triathlon or a podium finish do let us know. Although we keep an eye on local and national results, we have almost 250 members and we can’t keep track of what each member is doing. In particular where members are racing abroad do keep us updated. Either tag the club or send your photos to the Cork Tri Club 2022 members WhatsApp group.
Please use this group and not the old CTC members group. You will find the link to the Cork Tri Club 2022 members group and CTC Broadcast 2022 group in your welcome email.
Best of luck with your training and racing over the coming months.
James Fahey
Chairman
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