Hello to Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the frigid winter.

It makes winter base training that much more challenging. As I write this letter, we are in the middle of the Polar Vortex 2014 with wind chill in the -30s. Thank goodness for treadmills and bike trainers. I wanted to say hello to everyone as I have been given the honor to be the next President of the Cleveland Tri Club. I started triathlon in 2002 with a Sprint race with no intentions of ever trying an Ironman. The bug hit, and I have raced at all distances since I started. I have been a member of the Cleveland Tri Club since 2006. I joined the CTC board in 2008-2009 and have held several positions and duties in that time. For the past 3 years, I am the person that has consistently messed up the gear order for someone! CTC has a lot in store for 2014-2015. As many of you have noticed, our website is currently under re-construction. We hope to have the new site up and functional very quickly. The new site will be easier to maintain and keep updated with pertinent information. My goal for the board is to increase member participation with new committees. Many of our new members have asked how to get more involved and this is the perfect way. Keep an eye out for positions as we ask for help on various events and activities! This will help keep the club strong and active with new people lending a hand to CTC. I look forward to serving CTC as President and I hope I can continue to grow the club over the next 2 years. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me at kenb.sgc@gmail.com. Ken Beech

If you would like to send any submissions for the next quarters newsletter, please send the information to clevetriclub@yahoo.com

Meet our 2014 BANNER SPONSORS!

Many thanks to our banner sponsors whose cash contributions to the club significantly help us do more for our members. Please support our sponsors and be sure to thank them!

http*++www.bikeauthority.com+

http*++www.li'uidlifestyles.com+

Bike Authority has been the longest supporter of the Cleveland Triathlon Club. They are located in Broadview eights and offer a great selection of products catered to triathletes! Bike Authority also offers CTC members !" on bikes# $!" accessories with your CTC Card. ,orth Coast -ndurance Coaching is who you need to work with to reach your endurance sports goals. 0e offer personali1ed coaching plans# training plans# skills sessions and more. &et us take you to the ne)t level whether it is in triathlon# cycling# swimming# running# or adventure racing. Check us out at www.,C-coaching.com <ev9 Tri produces races ranging from :lympic to ;ull distance triathlons# at a host of =enues# including Cedar Point locally. <-=9 is known for their family.friendly fare# providing athletes with a great race e)perience and a wide variety of activities for spouses# kids and support crew to have fun. www.rev9tri.com.

Many of CTC%s club members would endorse the coaching staff and &i'uid &ifestyles swim clinics and masters swim practices. &earn energy saving techni'ues that will have you swimming faster# more comfortably and will make swimming the most en(oyable part of your ne)t triathlon! Club members en(oy discounted rates! ;leet ;eet /ports Cleveland is locally owned and operated. ;leet ;eet /ports Cleveland speciali1es gait analysis# professional shoe fittings# apparel# training programs and everything else you need to live an active life.
www.fleetfeetcleveland.com

2reat &akes $33 Mile Triathlon /eries races consist of a $ mi swim# an 45 mi bike course and a $! mi run. 6uathletes complete a $ mi trail run 7vs. the $mi. swim and relays may be formed by 8 or 9 athletes. The 83$5 /eries includes a &ake -rie and a &ake :ntario event. www.$33MileTri.com

Cleveland State University's Campus Recreation Center is a state.of.the.art facility including the Busbey ,atatorium. Cleveland /tate has hosted CTC%%s swim challenge and offers CTC members a discounted rate.
http*++www.csuohio.edu+services+recreationcenter

 MeetCTCMember:KurtMolter Pleasetellusaboutyourlifeoutsideoftriathlon. IamasoftwareengineerandworkforPhilipsMedicalSystems whereIdesignsoftwareforCTscanners.Itsademandingbut wonderfuljobCTscannersaresuchcomplicatedmachinesthat theworknevergetsroutineandseeingtheresultingimagesand clinicalapplicationsreallymakesyoufeelgoodaboutthework. IhavebeenatPhilipsfor19years. Howhaveyoukeptyourselfmotivated? ThatsahardquestionbecauseIveneverfoundithardtobe motivatedtoswim,bikeorrunasIloveallthreesports.Ima fanofeachandlovetoparticipateinthem,whichIthinkreally helps.Forme,ithasalwaysbeeneasytoworkout,perhaps becauseIsitalldayatacomputersowhenImnotworkingI lovetobemoving.Ofcourse,thecamaraderieofpeopleinthe CTChelps.IalwaysfeellikeNortheastOhioisahotbedfor runningandcycling,andIneverhavetroublefindinggreat peopletotrainwith. Whataresomeofthebiggestchangesyouhaveseenin multisportoveryourtimeinthesport? Obviously,biketechnologyhascomealongway.WhenIbought myfirstperformancebike,steelwasthestandardframe material,andLookwasintroducingthefirstclipinpedal.I wouldsay,though,thatoneofthebiggestchangesisthevolume ofdatathattheaveragetriathletecancollectwithGPSdevices now.Backintheday,distanceswereapproximate,especially theswim,andyouwaitedseveralweekstogetyourofficialtime andresultsinthemail.Today,youhavedistance,splits,power output,heartrate,andcaloriesburnedatyourfingertips.Its goodtohaveallthatscienceandinformation,butmaybeits takenalittleofthesimplicityoutofthesport. Whatwasyourfirstrace? WhenIwasasophomoreinHighSchool,IsawaflyerfortheCantonBudlightTriathlon.Iwasrunninghighschool trackandcrosscountryandhadneverheardoftriathlon.Thiswas1982,andtriathlonwasjustgettingestablished,and theCantonBudlightracewasaprettybigone.Soherewasthisracewithmythreefavoritethings:Ilovedhighschool track,roadmybikeeverywhereanadditiontosplashingaroundinthelocallakesIhadswuminwhileinBoyScouts. Scouts.Itjustlookedlikesuchacoolevent,andIwasabletotalkmyparentsintodrivingmetoCantonfortherace.I madeitthroughtheswimokayandonthebikeIwasyelledatbytheofficialsfornotridingwithahelmet(what16 yearoldkidhadabikehelmetin1982!).Irememberthe10KrunwasmuchtougherthanIanticipated,andIwalkeda lot.ButIfinishedandwashooked!

 Twoyearslater,thefledglingsportoftriathlonwastakingholdandClevelandhostedtheEmeraldHealthHalf Ironman,oneoftheearlyHalfIronmansinthecountry.AfteraswimatEdgewater,thebikecoursetookyoutothe MetroparksinRockyRiverandthenallthewayouttoBrecksvilleandbacktoRockyRiverfortherun.Thatracewas myfirstlongdistancetriathlonattheyoungageof18. Whatisyourfavoritedistance? TheintrigueoftheoftheIronmanluredmetofinish9ofthem,butforsure,IprefertheOlympicDistance.Itsa distancethatrequiresdedicatedtrainingandplanningbutisnotconsumingliketheIronmanandcanberacedmultiple timesinaseason.WhereastheIronmanrunhasalwaysbeensurvivalforme,whenIfinallyputonmyrunningshoesin theOlympicdistanceIfeellikeIamstillracing. Whataresomeofthebiggestmistakesyouseepeoplemakingintermsoftraining?Racing? Fortunately,thesporthasgrownsuchthatthereissomuchgoodinformationandcoachingavailablethatmostpeopleI seetakeontrainingandracinginacorrectandeducatedmanner.Withthatsaidhowever,manypeopleover emphasizetheneedforfancylightweightequipment,gadgetsandcomplicatedtrainingprograms.Formosttriathletes thegainsfromexpensiveequipmentareverysmallcomparedtothegainspossiblefromsimplyincreasingbasemileage. Formostpeopleitisaprettysimpleformula:swim,bikeandrunmoreandyoullbeabettertriathlete. Whataresomeofyourfavoriteeventsthatyouhavedonethatwerenotraces? IalwaysenjoytheCTCswimchallengeand,thelastseveralyears,Ivebeenattendingaweeklongtriathlontraining campinHelenGeorgiaattheendofMarchputonbyHFPRacing.Thatsanincredibleweekfocusedonridingthe beautifulmountainroadswithagreatbunchofpeople. IhavefondmemoriesofsomechallengingtrainingeventsIorganizedovertheyears.OnewaswhatIcalledthe DoubleCwhichentailedaSaturdayridefromClevelandtoColumbuswithanovernightstayColumbusandareturn rideonSunday.Itseemsalittleextremebutwithsomegoodbasefitness,mentaltenacityandoneortwogoodriding buddies,itsoneheckofaweekend. Whatisyourfavoritemultisportmemory? Backinthe90swhatisnowcalledtheClevelandTriathlonwasknownastheNationalCityTriathlon.Itwasoneofthe biggestandmostcompetitiveracesinthecountry,evenhostedtheagegroupnationalchampionships.Duringthose years,theracewasoneverybodysAlist,soeachAugustthatweekendwasthetriathlonpartyoftheyear.Thebike coursewasanoutandbackfromClevelandsinnerharborouttoUniversityCircleandthenupandaroundtheShaker Lakes.ItwasoneofthemostexcitingridesyoucoulddoinCleveland.Aftertheamateurrace,therewasusuallya criteriumstyleprofessionalrace,whichwasprettyexcitingtowatch.Thoseweregreattimes. Doyouhaveafavoriterace?Favoriteracemoment? AfavoritehastobetheWildflowerTriathlon.WildflowerisoftencalledTheWoodstockofTriathlonsandhasbeen aroundsincetriathlonsinception.Ithasretaineditsgrassroots,treehuggerhippyCaliforniastyle.Picturetriathletes, friends,andfamilythatnumbercloseto10,000campedoutintheremotegoldenhillssomewherebetweenSan FranciscoandLosAngeles.TherearemultipleweekendracesthatincludeanOlympicandasuperhillytoughHalf Ironman.Thisisdefiantlyaracethateveryoneshouldexperienceatsomepoint.Forafavoriteracemoment,Iwas fortunatetobeabletoraceIronmanKonaandrunningdownAliiDrivetopsthelist. Whatkindofathletewereyouwhenyoufirststarted?Bestadviceyouhaveeverreceived?

 Istartedrunningcrosscountryandtrackin8thgrade.Iwasntastandoutrunner,butIlovedthesportandknewit wassomethingIwantedtoperusecompetitivelyforyearstocome.Inhighschool,IoftenranwiththeSoutheast RunningClub. Atthattime,oneoftheolder,experiencedmarathonrunnersintheclubsawmypassionforrunningandtoldmethat, whilethereweremanyyoungstandoutscholasticrunners,Ishouldbepatient.HesaidIwouldntreachmypotential untilyearsdowntheroadandthatIwouldlikelyrunmybestaftercollege.HewasrightandthatwasthebestadviceI everreceived. Anyfunnyand/orembarrassingracestories? IracedIronmanUKandthelogisticsforthatrequiredaweekofcampingintheremotefarmlandofEngland.Itwas alsothefirstIronmanIdidonatriathlonbike.Evidently,thecombinationofsleepingonthegroundforaweekandthe newnessofthebentovertriathlonridingpositioncausedmylowerbacktotightenupseverelyduringthemarathon.In thelast10KIwasstoppingfrequentlytostretchmyback,onceortwiceevenlyingonthegroundfaceuptostretch moreeffectively.ItwasgettingworseeachmileandsoeverymileIwasrunningmoreandmorebentover.WhenI finallymadeittothelast100meters,Imusthavebeenreallybentoverandlookedreallybadbecauseeveryonewas cheeringcomeon,keepgoing,you candoit.JustbeforethefinishmybackwashurtingsobadIhadtostopandstretchonemoretime.WhenIstopped, thewholecheeringcrowedwentdeadsilent,perhapsthinkingIwasfallingoverorpassingout.OnceIstoodbackup therewasabigsighfromeveryoneandonceagaincheeringasIcrossedheline.Itwasuglyandembarrassingbut sometimesthatshowitgoes. Favoritediscipline? RunningisdearesttomebuthonestlyIloveallthreesports.AsIsaidIjustlovetoworkout.Throwacouplegood friendsintotheworkoutandtheresnotmanythingsinlifemoreenjoyable.

North Coast Multisports will once again be hosting a USAT Rules Clinic on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health, located at 5555 Transportation Drive, Garfield Heights, Ohio, 44125. The clinic will be open to the first 40 people who register on line at www.imathlete.com/events/USATRulesClinic. This is a comprehensive review of the rules that have been established by USA Triathlon. If you have any specific questions to be addressed at the clinic you can email them to us. This free clinic is suitable for both experienced and new multisport athletes. The doors will open at 2:00 pm and the clinic will start at 2:30. We should be done at approx 4:30 pm. If you have any questions please contact us at 330-686-0993 or by email at NCMultisports@aol.com

TRIATHLON TRAINING CAMP IN FLORIDA!

A great getaway to the National Training Center in Florida

March 20th 23rd, 2014

DETAILS:
Coaching by USAT Certified Coaches 50m Swimming Pool Sessions Running Track Workouts Bike Rides on lightly travelled roads Held at the excellent National Training Center (Certified by USAT) Does not include airfare or room & board $450 per person (5 person minimum)
MORE INFORMATION?
www.NCEcoaching.com info@ncecoaching.com North Coast Endurance Coaching

2014 Supporters of Cleveland Triathlon Club ---------------------------------ALL 2014 PAID MEMBERS HAVE ACCESS TO LOGIN TO CTC WEBSITE TO VIEW DISCOUNT CODES. IF YOU DONT HAVE THE LOGIN, EMAIL CLEVETRICLUB@YAHOO.COM.
*REMINDER, DO NOT CHANGE THE PASSWORD OR NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO LOGIN UNTIL IT IS FIXED! THANKS!!

Banner Sponsors!

Bike Authority: www.BikeAuthority.com - Discount: 5% on bikes, 15% accessories with CTC Card
Liquid Lifestyles: www.LiquidLifestyles.com - Special promotional pricing for CTC members! Fleet Feet Cleveland: www.fleetfeetnorthfield.com Northfield & Pepper Pike, OH- 15% discount on all merchandise North Coast Endurance Coaching: http://www.ncecoaching.com/ - Special promotional pricing for CTC members! REVOLUTION 3 TRIATHLON: http://rev3tri.com/- Discounted race entry fees with discount codes CSU Rec Center: http://www.csuohio.edu/services/recreationcenter/ Discounted facility membership Great Lakes Racing: http://www.100miletriathlon.com/- $50 discount off races Discount Sponsors! Rudy Project: www.e-rudy.com, Substantial discounts with code! Xterra Wetsuits: Discounts on all merchandise 10-50%, URL: www.xterrawetsuits.com/special Karbon Speed: www.karbonspeed.com, 10% discount with the code HFP Racing: 15% off HFP events at www.hfpracing.com with discount code Vertical Runner: www.vertical runner.com, 15% discount off shoes, apparel, nutrition, hydration Great Race Nutrition: www.greatracenutrition.com, 15% off online with Coupon Code Portage Cyclery: http://www.portagecyclery.com/ 15% off in-store merchandise Eddys Bike Shop: www.eddys.com, 10% off all in-store accessories (not including sale items) The Bicycle Hub: http://www.thebicyclehubonline.com/, 10% discount on all parts and accessories, 5% discount on bikes FIT CLEVELAND: http://www.fitcleveland.com/ , 15% off discount, Ohio City North Coast Multisports, Inc: www.NCMultisports.com: http://greaterclevelandtriathlon.com/ Discounted entry to GCT and Twinsburg Du Synergy Sports Massage: www.synergysportsmassage.net: 10% off all massage therapy, ART, yoga, and cryotherapy services and products. Coca Crossfit: http://cocacrossfit.com, North Ridgeville, OH, 10% Discount TWINSBURG FITNESS CENTER: Provides space and discounted entry to CTC Members for Indoor Cycling. Dr. Tim Keyes, D.C. & ART Specialist: Solon Spine and Wellness Center, 15% Discounted Rates

IF ANYONE WISHES TO BE A 2014 Sponsor, please contact clevetriclub@yahoo.com

Lets Talk Dirty

By Marsita MacDonald

2013 was my fourth year doing triathlons with each year since my first year becoming increasing more obsessive with the sport. During this time, several of my other interests have fallen to the wayside to make time for all that swimming, biking and running. Last year, I decided to split my season into two in order to accommodate an A triathlon race (MusselMan in midJuly) and an A mountain bike race (IceMan in November) and restore my triathlon-dominate life to some semblance of multisport balance. The plan was to spend the first half of the year ramping up for MusselMan, enjoy a few weeks of rest and relaxation, and then switch gears to mountain biking. The downside to this approach is that my tri racing season seemed to be over before it started. The upside was a great season on the trails in Northeast and Central Ohio. If youre looking to change up your training or racing season, I encourage you to give mountain biking a try. Heres why: Mountain bike trails are constantly changing due to Mother Nature and use. Eventually, no matter how much I love road cycling, I get to a point in the season where I am not interested in another four or five hour bike ride on the road. But mountain biking is a new adventure each time out. Mountain biking only requires working on one sportmountain biking. Even with one swim, one run and some conditioning each week to maintain multisport fitness, I still generally only have one workout each day, which is really, really nice after multiple seasons of two-a-days. There can be lots of mini goals to inspire you along the way. Maybe its a steep, rooty climb that you have to hike-a-bike the first few times, but eventually climb in the saddle. Or maybe its a log obstacle or wobbly bridge that you walk but eventually can roll over. There is a sense of satisfaction and achievement in specific skill progression that I think is harder to identify in swimming, biking and running. Since the trail is always changing, time and distance arent the only factors in identifying improvement. The races start atget this10:00 in the morning, or crazy talk, even noon! No more waking up at 4:00 a.m. to get the primo spot in transition. I can roll out of bed, eat a

leisurely breakfast, pack up my gear and travel an hour or two to still be there shortly after registration starts. Beer. Yes, beer at the finish. Great Lakes sponsors the OMBC XC Mountain Bike Series. And without getting into a huge long list of races and their sponsors, suffice to say, many, many of the series have beer sponsors. Sweet prizes! Many mountain bike races have cash payouts for all divisions, novice to expert. The payouts are often determined by the number of registrants. So if you can manage a podium finish, you may be able to get your entrance fee covered. And if the race isnt offering cash, my experience thus far in two different series has been a prize table of gear (ranging from socks and a lifetime supply of Clif Shot Blocks to $700 gift certificates for wheel sets) from which the podium finishers get to choose their very own special prize. Improved bike handling skills. If riding over rocks, roots and ruts at high speeds or up or down steep hills does not improve your handling skills, Im not sure what will. Lack of angry driver s on the trails. Retreat to the woods. Breathe. Enjoy the smell of the pine forest. Geek out on your heart rate, power, distance, speed, nutrition in peace. Focus on rolling over logs, not being rolled over by distracted motorists. Racing is not as scary as you may think. Although I have been mountain biking here and there for a few years, I was terrified of racing. My biggest fear was simply navigating singletrack with other riders of unknown origin in front of and behind me. But it turns out, the racing seems to work itself out, at least in the novice division. Race directors start age groups and divisions generally two minutes apart. Within a few minutes of the start, racers in each of the novice divisions naturally spread out. All of those fears of passing, crashing, passing someone who is crashing become a non-issue because its just you and the course. And when you come up to that guy (generally the novice women start last) that started in the age group one or two ahead of you, passing become all the more sweet. There are novice divisions! In most cases you are riding around people with similar abilities. These categories are generally smaller than the sport or expert categories but still competitive and eligible for schwag from the afore-mentioned prize table. You are more likely to hear what IPA everyone was drinking the night before than how many hours theyve been training. Or why they didnt podium at their last race. Or why theyre injured (again). Or what their A, B, C, D, E races are for the season. I love, love,

love triathlon and triathletes. But yeah, maybe we should branch out occasionally to some new non-triathlon talk at races. Mountain biking is fun! Recapture the joy of riding that you felt as a kid. You get dirty. You fall in the mud. Yes, there are bumps and bruises. But there are also downhills. There are long, flowing sections of trail complete with banked turns that bring a smile to your face. And there are allyoops, which are so much fun you cant help but let out a squeal of joy as you go over them.
And after all, isnt that what this is all about? For 99% of us, triathlon is a hobby, a challenge, something to do for fun. Lets make sure we keep it that way. If youre feeling a little burned out, perhaps mountain biking might just be the ticket to triathlon renewal and rejuvenation.

Great Lakes 100 Mile Triathlon Series

The Great Lakes 100 Mile Triathlon Series will establish its Lake Erie race as an early season tradition in 2014. The 100 Mile Triathlon & Duathlon event will take place on June 7th at Geneva State Park and consist of a 1 mile swim in Lake Erie, an 84 mile bike course and a 15 mile run through Geneva-on-the-Lake, for a total of 100 miles. Duathletes will complete a 1 mile trail run in lieu of the 1 mile swim and relays may be formed by any combination of 2 or 3 athletes. 2014 will bring some improvements to the race including ice at every run course aid station and a finish line picnic meal in the park. Perhaps best of all, Great Lakes Brewing will provide beer for the after party, once again hosted by Firehouse Winery along the run course in the village of Geneva-on-the-Lake. As a sponsor of the Cleveland Triathlon Club, the Great Lakes Triathlon Series is offering a substantial discount to every club member. The following code will earn you an automatic $50 discount at registration for each series race: Code: 100MileTriCTC2014 will provide a $50 discount to each race: Lake Erie race on June 7, 2014 at Geneva State Park, Ohio Lake Ontario race on October 4, 2013 at Camp Kenan in Western New York State The 100 Mile Tri Series boasts the best swag in the sport and has received national attention in Triathlete Magazine for its custom cycling jersey gifts. For 2014, every 100 Mile Tri or Du finisher (including each relay member) will receive a Champion Systems "Victor" jersey. Champion Systems gear is world class, worn by Tour de France cyclists and pro triathletes around the globe. These gifts will proudly state your personal 100 Mile Victory every time you wear them. Participants of the 2nd annual Lake Erie race in June will receive a short sleeve jersey. Participants of the 3rd annual Lake Ontario race in October will receive a long sleeve jersey. All finishers will receive a custom finisher's medal. To top it off, every athlete who completes both 100 mile events in 2014 (triathlon or duathlon) will receive a special, commemorative 200 mile series belt buckle. Registration is limited and open now at www.100MileTri.com

5th Annual CTC Triathlon Camp May 2nd-4th, 2014

Can you believe its been 5 years since our first camp? The first year was a memorable one and was highlighted by one word: Camaraderie. That year, the weather was sketchy. The Chuck-wagon cabin was cozy (well rather tight). Although the learning and training were good, what stuck out was how the weekends budding triathletes came together and enjoyed being in a total tri-geek atmosphere. No one complained about the cold, wet weather but all were very complimentary of quality time spent at Mohican State Park. That year, we did the camp in April. Weve learned a lot since then. Over the first four years, the camp has improved every year and we have some tweeks positive changes in store for the 2014 edition. The big changes over the years included: Moving the camp to early May, catering the Saturday night dinner, offering a veterans track, adding learning clinics, adding and optional Epic Friday ride, and providing a hot breakfast each day. The biggest change was renting out premium cabins from Mohican Adventures having the ability to spread out a bit with all of our tri gear was a huge bonus for all attending. Again, this year well offer: New bike/run courses to give athletes the opportunity to preview HFPs new race weekend (Mohican Endurance Festival June, 2014). An option to share a queen size bed with someone or pay a bit more for a single bed. Have house/room assignments arranged in advance instead of the free for all that was done in past years. The night run course will be marked with glow-sticks to get everyone through safely. Well all more goodies (and extra rice) with the big-ass burritos for the Saturday lunch.

To register for the 2014 CTC Tri Camp: http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?fEID=19400

Join fleet feet sports every 3rd Wednesday of every month at Market Garden Brewery. They take off about 6:30 for a 3.5 mile loop including both the Lorain Carnegie Bridge and the Detroit Superior Bridge. For more info, go to: http://www.fleetfeetcleveland.com/run-with-us/monthly-pub-runs

Join the North Coast Endurance Coaching

Youth and Junior Triathlon Team

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED. AGES 8-18

LEARN THE SPORT WITH CERTIFIED COACHES!

DETAILS:
Two group practices per month offseason. Three group practices per week in season. All practices with certified USAT Coaches. Many races in which to compete, including the 2014 National Championships in Ohio!

MORE INFORMATION?
www.NCEcoaching.com

info@ncecoaching.com North Coast Endurance Coaching

Mideast Region Club Race Series, You Interested?

The Cleveland Tri Club is by far the best resource for all things multi-sport in Northeast Ohio. While the club supports its members, the club is also supported by the national governing body of multisport. USA Triathlon is the national organization that Fuels the Multisport Lifestyle by providing resources that benefit us all. USAT provides direction and structure for races, coaching, elite athletes and international competition. But did you know that USAT is broken down into ten distinct regions across the country? CTC is part of the Mideast Region consisting of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. The mission of the Mideast Regional Council is to Encourage the multisport lifestyle and grow our sport by promoting Club participation and Regional Events. Each year, the Council implements programs and initiatives such as Regional Championships, Youth multisport programs, Club Racing series, Race Director Symposium, and Membership Retention. We execute special interest initiatives as well, such as Women in Multisport, Paratriathlon, Duathlons, and Race Directors. Over the past several years the Mideast Council has encouraged club participation in regional events through the Mideast Region Club Racing Series (MERCRS). MERCRS is organized and sponsored to encourage racing and friendly competition among USA Triathlon registered clubs within the Mideast Region. At stake is nothing less than regional bragging rights and cash prizes are awarded to the teams that accumulate the most team points over the annual series. MERCRS is divided into three Divisions based upon the number of people participating for the club. As people compete at USAT sanctioned races, a club scorekeeper will update a scoring template and submit the race event to the Mideast Region Council.

Member MERCRS Roster DIVISION Division I >= 89 Division I Division II 88Both USAT members and Day Pass Holders are eligible to score 30 Division II points for their team. However, if a racing club member has a Division III <= USAT membership the points are worth more than without 29 Division III membership. Yes, membership does have its privileges.

So this regional competition is open to all CTC members, regardless if you have USAT membership or not. And everyone scores points for CTC regardless of how well they do. Participation points are an important part of the scoring process.

Before the CTC Board commits resources to MERCRS we need to know who would be interested in participating in the scoring process. All that is needed from participants is submission of race results when there is a solid presence at an event. In most cases between 2 6 people would need to be at the same race to score an event. If you want to help put the Cleveland Tri Club at the top of the list for 2014 please let us know. Send an e-mail to clevetriclub@yahoo.com

News from our Sponsors!

Since Karbon Speed began selling its aerodynamic carbon wheels, the brand has gained a reputation among triathletes and competitive cyclists as the source for highquality, yet affordable, aero carbon wheels and gear.

http://karbonspeed.com/

Karbon Speed bypasses middleman channels and create the shortest path from our shop to your hands. This means that you can ride fast on top-quality wheels, but save money at the same time. Karbon Speed, now under new ownership, is again partnering with CTC to offer a 1 ! discount to club members for " 1#. $ut even better, during the month of %arch, CTC members can en&oy a " ! off discount with our discount code, 'TC2014' so mar( your calendar for the savings)
"We sell our wheels for less, we don't make them for less"

The $icycle -ub Trainer ,ides There are still two more :,44 trainer rides on ;ednesday, :eb. < = 19. ,ides start promptly at >./ The Cleveland p.m. +ll you need is your bi(e, Clinic in con&unction trainer, towel3mat for under your with the Cleveland Triathlon club will be hosting a *S+T ,ules Clinic bi(e, and hydration fluid of your choice. free of charge to all levels of athletes. This will be a comprehensive review of the rules as they apply to any *S+ Triathlon sanctioned event.
USAT Rules Cl n c 2/22/2014 The Cleveland Clinic Sports -ealth building will be open starting at ". pm for a tour. The clinic will start promptly at "./ and will ta(e appro0 " hours. $rought to you by 1orth Coast %ultisports, 2nc.
http.33www.imathlete.com3events34vent5 etails.asp06f4257189/"

Check out e!RU"# $or substant al d scounts % th the club&s d scount code'

CTC Members enjoy substantial wetsuit discounts at-