Craven Energy, a British Triathlon Affiliated Club, hosted a novice open day on 7 April to bring together a group of first timers who would be taking on the Skipton Triathlon a week later.
Led by coaches and community activators, GO TRI Novice Training Days aim to introduce beginners to triathlon ahead of their first event. GO TRI Skipton Novice Training Day, brought people together with one thing in common - being in need of some triathlon training before race day; and by the end of the programme, through the support of the coaches and each other, were ready to take on the challenge head on.
An action packed day of tailored swim, bike, run and transition sessions, was hosted by coaches from the club who were on hand to provide support, encouragement and offer handy insight to guide the beginners at the start of their triathlon journey. It attracted 33 attendees, with 60% being female, all of whom were from the local area and entered into the Skipton Triathlon or AJ Bell World Series Leeds.
Here are a few quotes that capture the success of the day, and the value of coaches to novice participants:
“My favourite session was the run. The coaches were approachable and knowledgeable, and it was good to not be made to feel slow and run with other people.”
“I really loved all the sessions and think I learned something new on during each session! Really friendly helpful staff too”
“I can honestly say I was so nervous in the morning but after the day had finished I was so excited; the team were great and the people in my group were all so lovely”
Craven Energy are a British Triathlon Affiliated Club, who offer coaching and competitive opportunities to anyone over the age of eight. The club offer coached sessions and training advice and support at group sessions and events. All sessions are designed to be accessible for a range of abilities to encourage new members, and anyone new to the sport, to take part; they also run beginner friendly GO TRI Events and the Skipton Novice Training Day. The club have a busy social calendar with larger events through the year, as well as more regular small events to help build a real community within the club that is open to everyone.
The Skipton Triathlon is a British Triathlon Permitted Event run by Craven District Council, which aims to bring the community together for the event whether taking part or volunteering. The majority of entrants and volunteers are local and there is a high level of local interest and support for the event which was brought back to being run by the council in 2017 after a number of years of being privately run. The council took the decision to bring the event back ‘in-house’ to be organised by the Sports Development Officer, after seeing participation reduce and prices increase at the event.
To find a local club to get involved with, check out our British Triathlon Affiliated Club Search.
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