It’s about that time … time to get serious about starting training for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run triathlon set for Aug. 25, 2019. Yes, this race is 8 months away. There is plenty of time ahead to get ready for this inaugural race. And yet, if you’re like Heather and this distance and event is going to be a first for you, you just might be thinking of getting things rolling in the coming weeks, as winter gets underway. For Heather, the swim portion is definitely a key component of earlier-than-later training. As she shares during this episode, getting into the pool this month, at least a couple of times, is part of the plan.
Heather talks with guests Rebecca and Tony Venticinque, both of whom are accomplished triathletes and seasoned coaches. Heather will be working with Tony and Rebecca, who operate Tri Again Fitness in Traverse City, as she trains for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City. Rebecca also shares her most recent full Ironman experience, a Nov. 4 race that almost didn’t happen in Florida because of Hurricane Michael. It was moved from Panama City Beach to Haines City, Fla. “After the hurricane hit … it was all up in the air even three weeks before the race,” she said. Tony was there as well, this time a volunteer and not competing as he has in two other full Ironman events. Rebecca talks about what it was like to complete this race in pretty warm conditions and, later in the race, a downpour.
Rebecca and Tony provide a preview of what’s to come in Heather’s training throughout winter and spring and during the summer (open water swimming!) as race day gets closer. Tony and Rebecca’s coaching business also includes a team of athletes, many of whom are signed on for Ironman 70.3 Traverse City. They’re also hosting a 70.3 triathlon training camp, May 10-12, 2019, that is open to anyone interested in preparing for the Traverse City event – or other triathlons.
Lodging, meals, group training, and plenty of optional topics will be discussed throughout the weekend. Full course previews of the Traverse City event also will be part of the weekend.
With over 45 years of combined coaching experience, Tri Again Fitness has helped coach individuals to national recognition, club national team wins, multiple World Team qualifications at all triathlon distances, all-American honors, Boston Marathon qualifiers and helped countless athletes achieve personal bests and lifelong milestones.
Tony has been coaching in one respect or another since 1991, and professionally coaching triathlon since 2006. Professional accomplishments at the USAT Club Nationals include winning the Division V in 2009 and securing runner-up at the Division IV in 2010. He’s also coached 21 age group athletes to 33 world team qualifications at the sprint, olympic, 70.3 and 140.6 distances over the past five years. Tony is a USA Triathlon Certified Level 2 Coach and USA Cycling Certified Level 2 coach.
Rebecca is an athlete turned coach. She has coached since 1993 in various sports. She has a Bachelors of Science in Management of Health Services, Group Exercise certification from ASFA Personal Training Certification from ISSA. USAT (Triathlon) certification and USATF (Track and Field) certification.