Training

First, check out the Triathlon Training Center here in West Burlington!

Swiming
Many BEAST's swim at various times at the YMCA. Early morning is popular. Clinics are in the Winter on Wednesday evenings. BEAST coaches, some with collegiate-level swimming backgrounds, will teach you to swim even if you cannot now do a single lap.

Spinning
Some BEAST members hold spinning classes at the YMCA, and these are highly popular. They meet at various times from 5:30 AM and in the evening. Members of BEASTS get discounts. Inquire at the Burlington Community YMCA/YWCA. (If you don't know, spinning is cycling on a stationary bike under the encouragement of a leader who teaches proper cycling techniques and pushes you to improve. It's a great workout.)

Cycling
In the summer, many meet at Bickel's Bikes at 5:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for bike outings. Wednesday nights are the Dinner Rides. See Bike Burlington. We have a lot of good bikers in the club. People are out biking all the time. There's even a New Year's Day ride! Also many members do RAGBRAI and other multiday and racing events.

Running 
There is no set time when we all run together, but there tends to be a group that leaves from the YMCA in the mornings, usually three days per week. If you're in the area and want to run with us, contact Lori. The distance we run vary from 3 miles up to 20+, but we average 4-6 miles. We also do track work some days.

Triathlon Training
BEAST coaches will take you through the steps to your first triathlon, as well as help you improve your triathlon performance.

Our USAT certified coaches are

  • Angela Kome, USAT Level I
  • George Van Hagen, USAT Level II
  • John Hunsaker, USAT Level II
  • Kandy Dameron, USAT Level I (Youth Program)
  • Michael Hunter, USAT Level I
  • Tom Rudy, USAT Level I
  • Tony Noll, USAT Level I (Youth Program)
  • Cosmo Leone
  • Dawn Pulford

Many consider the triathlon training to be the best benefit of joining Team BEAST. Our coaches provide high-level training free for BEAST members.

Clinics
BEAST coaches hold various clinics throughout the year on various aspects of triathlon training. Clinics include (but are not limited to)

  • Triathlon preparation, triathlon transitions and triathlons for kids
  • Running form, shoe selection, and other aspects of running. For example, running in cold weather
  • Cycling basics, bike handling skills, bike maintenance and preparing for RAGBRAI
  • Swimming mechanics and open water swim
  • Sports psychology
  • Nutrition