|
LVTC Happenings!
A monthly report of events and resources for our passionate, growing local multisport community.
| |
|
Stronger Together: A Year of Connection and Community
Welcome to the first edition of the Las Vegas Triathlon Club newsletter for 2025! This year, our club embraces the theme Stronger Together. This theme reflects the essence of our triathlon community: achieving more through unity, supporting one another, and celebrating the shared journey of multisport life. Whether it’s through camaraderie at races, encouragement during training, or the invaluable support of family and friends, Stronger Together highlights the power of connection in this individual yet collective sport.
This issue is packed with insights, stories, and resources that embody the Stronger Together spirit. From the President's Corner, where Dr. John Mercer reflects on the transition from a “lone wolf” approach to valuing community, to Coach Hilary Mauch’s exploration of how teamwork transforms performance, you’ll find inspiration for embracing the year ahead. For new members, Bob Gamble shares invaluable advice on tapping into the wealth of support our club offers, and a new section of the newsletter highlighting some local expertise: Katsiaryna Afanasyeva provides practical swim tips to boost performance and confidence.
Additionally, we celebrate our club culture through hashtags like #lvtrifamily and #thatsthevegasway, which highlight the support and generosity that define our community. With exciting events planned for 2025, we’re thrilled to continue fostering connections that make us not just stronger athletes but stronger individuals.
Enjoy this issue and prepare for an incredible year of racing, training, and growing—together. After all, triathlon may be an individual sport, but none of us do this alone.
#strongertogether #fearless #lvtrifamily #enjoythejourney #thrive #thatsthevegasway
| |
|
Club Hashtags
Use these hashtags in your social media posts to help share the Las Vegas Triathlon Club themes and highlight our endurance community culture:
#strongertogether – This theme reflects the essence of our triathlon community: achieving more through unity, supporting one another, and celebrating the shared journey of multisport life.
#fearless – This represents the beauty of taking on challenges of multisport and enjoying the rewards!
#thatsthevegasway – We made this theme as a way to point out the things that members do (e.g., loaning bikes, helping others, ...) that promote our club culture.
#enjoythejourney – This theme was selected to emphasize the importance of enjoying training and the overall process of preparing for an event/race.
#lvtrifamily – This theme was to emphasize the importance of our endurance community and to recognize that, even though triathlon is an individual sport, we never do this alone!
#thrive – This was our 2023 theme that was selected to emphasize that triathlon should bring value to all aspects of our lives.
| |
|
Sponsors
The Las Vegas Triathlon Club is a 501c(3) organization that is 100% operated by volunteers. Our annual operating budget is about $10,000-$12,000. Sponsorships are incredibly helpful for us to meet cover our operating costs and keep membership prices reasonable. You can read more about sponsorships HERE:
A huge thank you to each of our 2025 Sprint Level Sponsors!
- CORE Mental Health Services
- Elevate Sports Performance & Healthcare
- Elevation Physical Therapy
- Respect The Distance Coaching
- UNLV Kinesiology & Nutrition Sciences
- UNLV SPEED Lab
| |
|
2025 Membership
Joining the Las Vegas Triathlon Club (LVTC) offers a wealth of benefits designed to enhance your triathlon experience, regardless of your skill level. Our membership options are tailored to meet diverse needs, providing exceptional value through exclusive events, training opportunities, and community engagement.
Membership Benefits:
- Exclusive Club Events: Members enjoy access to four complimentary races at Lake Mead throughout the year, including one Aquabike and three Triathlons. These events foster a supportive environment for both newcomers and seasoned athletes.
Our multi-sports events are typically between 50 and 75 athletes. We are not ‘… just another triathlon.’ Instead, we have a great ‘grassroots’ feel to our events during which members can get to know members.
All levels of athletes are welcome at our events. We have athletes completing their first event and have even had professional triathletes in our events!
- Training and Social Opportunities: Participate in various triathlon programs, skill clinics, and group training sessions. Our summer open water swim workouts at Boulder Beach in Lake Mead are particularly popular, offering both training and socializing opportunities.
- Club Merchandise: Purchase club-branded gear to showcase your LVTC pride during training and events.
Membership Options:
- Single Membership: At $75 per year, this membership includes all the benefits listed above.
- Family Membership: Priced at $95 per year, this option extends all single membership benefits to up to four immediate family members residing in the same household, making it a great value for families.
- Student Membership: Full-time students can join for $40 per year, receiving the same comprehensive benefits as single members at a reduced rate.
Additionally, for those interested in race timing, LVTC offers timing chips for purchase. Once acquired, the chip is yours to keep for all future club races, ensuring accurate race timing and personal record tracking.
By becoming a member of LVTC, you're not just joining a club—you're becoming part of a vibrant community that supports and celebrates each athlete's journey in the sport of triathlon.
| |
|
Las Vegas Triathlon Club Events
Save the dates! The tentative dates for the 2025 season are as follows (membership is required for each event):
| |
| 4/26/25 | Saturday | Sprint Triathlon
Swim 750m; Bike 20km; Run 5km | | 6/15/25 | Sunday | Sprint Triathlon
Swim 750m; Bike 20km; Run 5km | | 7/12/25 | Saturday | Aquabike
Swim 750m; Bike 20km | | 8/10/25 | Sunday | NEW EVENT!
2X Super Sprint Triathlon
Swim 300m, Bike 4km, Run 1.6km, Swim 300m, Bike 4km, Run 1.6km
YES! 2X Super Sprint!! | | |
We also have a variety of events throughout the year! Here are some of the upcoming events this spring: | |
| 3/1/25 | Saturday | Run to the Las Vegas Sign | | 3/8/25 | Saturday | Corn Creek Bike Ride | | 3/29/25 | Saturday | Transition Clinic | | 4/5/25 | Saturday | Intro to Triathlon Clinic | | |
|
We’ll post more information about each of these … and watch for more events!
You can view the calendar of events at this link:
Las Vegas Triathlon Club Calendar
Continue to check our Facebook Group for other happenings in our endurance community.
Here are the results of our 2024 events:
| |
Socials/Training Events/Education
| |
Check out and subscribe to our calendar feature (a continuing work-in-progress):
Las Vegas Triathlon Club Calendar
Here are the tentative dates for our 2025 Club events (we are submitting permit requests for these dates):
- 4/26/25: Saturday - Sprint Triathlon
- Registration opens March 1st
- 6/15/25: Sunday - Sprint Triathlon
- Registration opens May 1st
- 7/12/25: Saturday - Aquabike
- Registration opens June 1st
- 8/10/25: Sunday - 2X Super Sprint Tri
- Registration opens July 1st
Sprint Triathlon: Swim 750m; Bike 20km; Run 5km.
Aquabike: Swim 750m; Bike 20km.
2X Super Sprint Triathlon: Swim 300m, Bike 4km, Run 1.6km, Swim 300m, Bike 4km, Run 1.6km.
Continue to check our Facebook Group for any additional get-togethers that may be happening, and for locals who are training in town or down at Lake Mead. Post your workouts!
Thanks everyone!
| |
The New Triathlete
New Triathlete, Realize What You Have Here
If you are new to triathlon or new to the club: Welcome to the Las Vegas Triathlon Club! You may not have thought about it this way yet, but by joining, you’ve become part of a powerful and dynamic team. Our club is so much more than a group of people who share a passion for triathlon - it’s a supportive community where we work together to help each other grow, learn, and succeed in this amazing sport.
A team is defined as a group of people working together and supporting each other to accomplish a common goal. The goal of our club is to help each other learn and grow and become successful triathletes, however we choose to define that. And most teams, including ours, are made up of a variety of individuals with a variety of skills, talents, knowledge, experience, and even wisdom. Some of our members are expert swimmers and swim coaches. Some excel at cycling. Some are nutrition experts. Some are technological gear-junkies. Many know more about training and exercise physiology than most doctors (heck – some ARE doctors…) and some are great listeners and motivators. While all of our members are different, everyone I’ve met has one thing in common – the desire and willingness to help and support each other to become the best triathletes they can be.
One of the basic tenets of our club is that while Triathlon is an individual sport, we don’t do it alone. Realize the rich resources you have in the Las Vegas Triathlon Club. Reach out to other members. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek out training partners. Want to get videoed swimming or running? Just ask. People want to help.
If you try to learn all there is about Triathlon all by yourself, you’ll only go so far and so fast. Realize what you have here in the club and realize that you are part of a team. So … Welcome to triathlon and welcome to the Las Vegas Triathlon Club - where your triathlon journey is supported, and we are Stronger Together!
~Bob Gamble
| |
LVTC Member Spotlight
We'll have new episodes soon! In the meantime, let's meet the founder of The Cupcake Cartel, the manufacturer of this year's LVTC kit!
| |
The Evidence-Based Triathlete
| |
Where in the World Has Our TRI Club Raced?
Check out the map below to see where our athletes have raced!
| |
|
Prez Corner:
The Lone Wolf
My approach to training and racing has typically followed a ‘lone wolf’ mindset. Most of my training is done solo, and when I was younger, I often went to races alone, sometimes camping along the way. I enjoyed that phase of my racing – and I ended up meeting a number of life-long friends along the way. I still enjoy training solo and even going to races where I don’t know anyone … especially if I’m also camping!
However, my perspective has shifted since becoming involved with the Las Vegas Triathlon Club. I’ve come to see the incredible value of community. Racing alongside friends—whether locally or around the world—has made the experience far more enjoyable. Sharing words of encouragement during the race and celebrating the pre- and post-race moments together has added a new level of meaning to the sport.
Being part of a community is especially important when things aren’t going well. We all face challenges, and staying connected helps us remember that we’re not alone.
It is also important to acknowledge that, while triathlon is an individual sport, none of us truly do it alone. Whether it’s a spouse, significant other, family member, friend, or co-worker, there’s always someone who supports or encourages you along the way. Even with my ‘lone wolf’ mindset, I know I rely on others for both physical and mental support.
This year, our club's theme is Stronger Together. Let’s celebrate the strength we gain from being part of this incredible endurance community and appreciate the people in our lives who help us along the way—because no one reaches the finish line alone.
#strongertogether #thatsthevegasway #fearless #enjoythejourney #lvtrifamily
~John Mercer
| |
Coach's Corner:
Stronger Together: The Power of Community in Triathlon
As we step into 2025, there’s a new theme that resonates deeply with me both as a coach and an athlete: Stronger Together. Triathlon, at its core, may seem like the ultimate solo sport—it's your body, your mind, and your determination carrying you through swim strokes, bike miles, and run steps. But if there’s one lesson I’ve learned over the years, it’s that no one gets to the finish line alone.
In every triathlete’s journey, community plays a pivotal role. It’s the group ride where you finally conquer that intimidating hill because your teammates cheer you on. It’s the training partner who meets you at dawn to hit the track when you'd rather stay in bed. It’s the coach who celebrates your wins, even when they’re small steps forward. And on race day, it’s the volunteers handing you water and the crowd urging you toward the finish chute when your legs start to falter.
From a coach’s perspective, the beauty of triathlon lies in this duality: the independence of pushing yourself to new limits and the interdependence of relying on those around you. My role as a coach is to guide you through the technical, physical, and mental challenges of the sport, but it’s also to remind you that being part of a team or club isn’t just a bonus—it’s a game-changer.
Here’s what I’ve observed:
- Shared Knowledge Leads to Growth
Whether it’s a seasoned athlete sharing tips about race nutrition or a newbie asking the questions we all wish we’d asked earlier, learning happens when we connect. Every athlete brings something unique to the table, and together, we elevate one another.
- Accountability Builds Consistency
The hardest part of training is often just showing up. But when you’re part of a team, there’s always someone waiting for you. This accountability is the secret weapon that keeps us moving forward, even on tough days.
- Celebrating Together Amplifies Joy
Crossing the finish line is special, but hearing your name shouted by a teammate as you do? That’s priceless. Triathlon isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about celebrating them with the people who helped you get there.
As we head into the new year, I encourage you to lean into the theme of Stronger Together. Look for ways to support your fellow athletes, whether that’s offering encouragement during a long run, joining a group swim, or simply sharing your story. In doing so, you’ll discover that the energy you give comes back to you tenfold.
So, as you set your 2025 goals, remember this: Triathlon may challenge you as an individual, but it’s the community around you that makes you unstoppable. Let’s make this year about showing up for each other, celebrating one another, and proving that together, we are truly stronger.
Here’s to a year of growth, grit, and connection. Let’s crush it, team!
~Hilary Mauch
| |
Have you met these Coaches?
Triathlon race season is here. Do you have a coach? Are you looking for one? Well, the Las Vegas Triathlon Club is going to try to help make some connections.
Earlier this year, we sent out a google form to try to capture our local coaching expertise. We had a number of coaches (all are members of Las Vegas Triathlon Club) respond and we have featured them on this webpage:
Las Vegas Triathlon Club Coaches
We are going to continue to highlight coaches on our web page – if you would like to be part of that, please fill out this form.
| |
|
Vegas Experts - Katsiaryna Afanasyeva
The Importance of Stroke Length Monitoring for Swim Performance. Practical Tips to Improve Distance Per Stroke (DPS)
Stroke rate and stroke length are key factors in optimizing swim performance. In 2002, G.P. Miller and colleagues conducted a study comparing 16 elite swimmers and 19 elite triathletes, analyzing their techniques across six swim trials at speeds ranging from easy to maximum effort. Using underwater cameras, the researchers found that triathletes often lost technical efficiency at higher speeds, primarily by shortening their stroke length. Swimmers, on the other hand, generated more power during the final phase of their underwater arm movement, known as the "upsweep."
The authors attribute these differences to varying training focuses, noting that triathletes typically spend less time training in anaerobic swim zones, which may lead to their technique breaking down at higher velocities. However, improving technique efficiency at maximum speed is essential for triathletes, especially during race starts. Whether diving from a pontoon or starting behind a rope, the initial sprint is critical. It helps athletes break away from the group or position themselves to draft behind the leader.
After 17 years as a professional swimmer and working alongside coaches worldwide, I’ve developed effective strategies to improve distance per stroke (DPS), which are now a fundamental part of my coaching for swimmers and triathletes.
1. Record Your Swim
Video analysis is one of the most effective ways to identify and correct inefficiencies. I believe in the mantra, “It’s better to see it once than to hear it 100 times.” Throughout my career, I’ve learned how deceptive our perception in the water can be. Due to my hyper-flexible shoulders, I have a tendency to lift my arms much higher above the water than I realize. My coach pointed this out several times during practice, but in my mind, it always felt like my fingers were skimming the surface. It wasn’t until I saw a video of myself swimming that I realized there was actually a solid 5 inches of space between my hands and the water. My coach incorporated video recording and review into at least one practice each week.
Example Set:
- 8 x 50m (25m pocket scull focusing on finishing the stroke next to the hip + 25m perfect stroke, with the coach recording)
- 6 x 25m perfect stroke, building by 25m (coach recording each attempt)
2. Incorporate Tempo Trainer Sets
Use a Tempo Trainer, a small device that athletes wear under their cap or attach to their goggles. It helps swimmers maintain a consistent stroke tempo by setting a specific pace. The purpose of the set is to challenge swimmers to maintain the same, or nearly the same, number of strokes per lap as the tempo increases.
Example Set:
- 8 x 100m with Tempo Trainer: The goal is to ensure that the difference in stroke count between the first 100 and the last 100 does not exceed 2 strokes per lap.
- 1-2) Tempo: 1.20
- 3-4) Tempo: 1.15
- 5-6) Tempo: 1.10
- 7-8) Tempo: 1.05
- X x 25m on a 45-second interval: Start with a tempo of 1.20 and decrease by 0.05 per 25m until failure. Failure in this set is defined as the stroke count per lap increasing by more than 4 strokes compared to the first 25.
3. Golf
We practiced this drill a couple of times per week to focus on efficiency. At the end of each lap, swimmers summed their time (in seconds) and the number of strokes to calculate their score. For example, if I swam 50 m in 30 seconds using 25 strokes, my score would be 55. The goal is to achieve the lowest score possible by balancing speed and stroke count. If an athlete relies too much on a fast tempo instead of optimizing stroke length, their score will remain high.
Example Set:
- 4 x 50m Golf with 1-minute rest: Aim to lower your score with each lap by reducing stroke count while maintaining speed.
4. Resistance Band Training
Stroke imitation on land using a resistance band can help swimmers develop power and improve the final phase of their stroke. When imitating the stroke with a resistance band, it’s important to note that the resistance isn’t evenly distributed—the greatest resistance occurs at the end of the stroke. Athletes must focus on finishing the stroke properly, with the hand ending close to the hip.
Example Exercise:
- Attach a resistance band to a sturdy object (e.g., a flagpole, diving block, or tree). Perform 4 x 20 strokes as part of your warm-up before practice.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring and refining stroke rate and distance per stroke are crucial for enhancing swim performance and are equally important for both elite swimmers and triathletes. While developing aerobic endurance is the main focus in triathlon, improving stroke quality is just as essential. Dedicating time to refine technique is critical for achieving better results.
References
Millet, G. P., Chollet, D., Chalies, S., & Chatard, J. C. (2002). Coordination in front crawl in elite triathletes and elite swimmers. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 23(02), 99-104.
| |
|
The Las Vegas Triathlon Club Legacy Scholarship
On 12/10/20, five Las Vegas athletes were killed when an impaired driver ran into a group of cyclists. The athletes were Tom Trauger, Erin Ray, Aksoy Ahmet, Michael Murray, and Gerrard Nieva. These five athletes are endearingly referred to as TEAMG (Tom, Erin, Aksoy, Michael, and Gerrard).
Following their deaths, there has been an upswell of community support for the families and survivors directly affected. There has also been a renewed call for action to create a safer environment for our athletes to train here in the Greater Las Vegas Valley.
The purpose of the Las Vegas Triathlon Club Legacy Scholarship is to honor the legacy of TEAMG as well as any local triathletes who have been killed or injured as result of distracted driving. The Legacy Scholarship is designed to encourage involvement in triathlon by new athletes, youth athletes, and/or continuing athletes in special need.
More information about the scholarship can be found at this page.
The list of our Scholarship Awardees can be found at these pages:
2024 Winners
2023 Winners
2022 Winners
This scholarship continues thanks to a generous donation by an anonymous donor.
| | | | |
