FAQ’S
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (TRI 101)

UPDATED, JUNE 11, 2010: Hi, Coach Tom here. We are going to have one more TRI 101 in 2010.
We will train for the October 17 or October 24 Monster Sprint Triathlon. They are A LOT of FUN! The perfect beginner TRI. So, if you’re thinking of joining in, let’s go! It is going to be a GREAT class!
The information below is for our final TRI 101 class of 2010.
How far is a Sprint Triathlon?
For 2010, this TRI 101 Training focuses on the program remaining for the Monster Sprint Triathlon on either Sunday, October 17 in Denton, TX or Sunday, October 24, 2010 in Keller, TX.
2010 Monster Session: Eight-Weeks of Training Click HERE to register!
Week of August 30, 2010: Training begins!
OK, how much is the program?
Always the money question. OK, big spender… here you go.
TRI 101 is a Nine-Week Session:
$229 Non-DSU members
$199 DSU members
Where can I sign-up?
Right here, future triathlete! Click HERE
If I signed up online do I need to come to a registration/orientation meeting?
And when is the meeting?
If you want to meet with Tom and ask questions, then registration/orientation is GREAT time to have one-on-time. The orientation is HIGHLY recommended. There is a pre-swim at orientation to gauge your swimming ability, or lack of! Ba-da-bing! (FYI, the registration option is only available if the program has availability! Our programs have sold out for the past five years.)
Is TRI 101 really for beginner triathletes?
90% of the entrants into all Dallas Athletes programs are beginner, novice, or intermediate athletes looking for help and instruction to achieve a fitness goal. You will find many TRI 101 athletes running maybe once a week, people who have not swam in 10 years and have not been on a bike in a long time! The single most important piece of information I can give you is… DO NOT OVERTHINK THIS ADVENTURE! Too much thinking often leads to negative thoughts, “I can’t do this” or “Everyone is faster and fitter than me.” PUH-LEASE! Just show up!
Does my TRI 101 entry fee include my entry fee for the race?
Your TRI 101 investment does not include entry fee to the race. Entry fee is the responsibility of the athlete.
I @#$! at swimming! What do I do?
At the first swim session we will gather all the information needed to place you in the right group. You need a swim suit. NO NUDITY in DFW pools! But, you may cuss underwater! Hey, that’s something!
What else do I get besides the training?
The best part of the programs is the Group Training Dynamic.
Nothing beats training with people who have similar goals and attitudes.
We also offer plenty of post-workout Q & A, training tips, and Bike 101.
It’s tough for me to train after work, when are the workouts?
You will find workout options Monday-Sunday. Times vary based on the day of the week, but most days have early (5:30 a.m.) sessions and some evening sessions depending on sunlight.
What if I can’t make all the workouts?
You are not expected to make all of the workouts! Every Friday you will receive an e-mail containing the upcoming week’s workouts. Think of it as a dinner menu. Look at your workouts and compare them to the workout sessions. Then fit the workouts into your schedule. You can do one workout per week with the group or five. It is up to you.
Where do most of the workouts take place?
The majority of the workouts take place in the Coppell, Flower Mound, Grapevine, Lewisville, Valley Ranch, Las Colinas, Carrollton areas and roads near and around DFW airport.
What is the average age of the entrants?
We have folks from 16 to 65-years-old. The average age is 33. With a even percentage of men and women!
Did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie get married?
No
What do I need to get started?
First, register and tell three friends you’re doing a triathlon!
You will also need:
- Running shoes
- Swimsuit
- A bike
- A cycling helmet
- And most important, a CAN DO attitude! Yeah, baby, YEAH!
I have a mountain bike. Do I need a road bike?
This is a the tricky part of TRI 101. I am fine with you having a mountain bike. My concern is you! The reason I discourage mountain bikes is not that I don’t like mountain bikes! Rather, former TRI 101 athletes have told us they felt so left behind when they rode a mountain bike. Why? Road bikes are simply faster than mountain bikes due to weight and tire width. If you need a bike, here are a couple of options for you!
- You can buy a new one.
- Borrow one.
- We can look for a good, used one.
I’m Interested… But I have more questions.
Contact Tom Ryan.
If you would like to be included on our e-mail list, which will give you a “heads-up” on the latest TRI 101 announcements along with plenty of other “sweat oriented” events, simply join our email newsletter by entering your email address in the top, right hand column of this page.








