The season is in full swing, with Wellfleet and Hyannis 1 already in the books and Falmouth a little more than a week away. We’ve had some great weather and more is in the long-range forecast, so get out there and ramp up your training!

—–  JULY’S TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES  —–

Swim Training
Sheep’s Pond seems to have become the go-to spot for many mid- and lower-Cape swimmers, where at any time of day in the summer you’re likely to come across at least one other triathlete — and no sharks. “The Mermaids” dominate the beach on Monday evenings (see last month’s newsletter) and on summer Wednesdays many members of the Cape Cod Tri Team enter the water at two times, 4 and 5:15pm, for open-water swim workouts. Sometimes a coach like our own Pam Rogers will join in to toss out tips to those who request. No lifeguards. It’s all at Fisherman’s Landing (off Route 124) but sometimes parking at the nearby Route 124 rail trail parking lot is necessary — Sheep’s has a very small lot. Visit the CCAC website to join the tri team.

Bike Training
Last month we reported on a crazy hammerfest group bike ride every Sunday morning. What could be nuttier? How about “Rock Star Hill” repeats? The motto here is “Climb, Puke, Repeat.” Present yourself and your bike any Wednesday morning at 5:45am SHARP at Compass Athletics on Jan Sebastian Road in Sandwich. Off onto Route 130 the group goes in search of the nastiest of hills. Afterwards, provided your stomach has settled down, follow the group to Mary Lou’s for coffee and chat.

Run Training
Want to really make improvements in your run? Find the track behind Barnstable High School on any Wednesday evening at 6pm and ask Coach Paul Fendler if you can join his workout. Paul is an extremely knowledgeable coach — he’s trained some of the fastest local runners — and after a two-mile warm-up he splits his group into different speeds and paces for a demanding track workout. There is a nominal fee.  Website   Facebook Page Page

—–  CLUB NEWS  —–

From the Cape Cod Triathlon Team:

Next Long Pond Practice Triathlon will be held this Sunday, July 8. Distances will mimic the following Sunday’s Falmouth Triathlon (swim 1/3 mile, bike 9, run 3.1). Arrive early enough before 7:30 to register and get your gear together.

What is the LPT? This is an informal workout which takes on some of the trappings of a race. Mostly, it’s a chance to train together and to realize we’re not alone with our odd hobby.

Required: All racers need to be members of the club for insurance reasons. Not a member, or forgot to renew for 2018? Membership forms will be available beforehand and the annual fee is only $20 (slightly more for families). Additionally, small donations are suggested for the lifeguard expense fund.

Directions: Long Pond Beach is located on Crowell’s Bog Rd. in Brewster, near the Harwich line. Take Exit 10 off the Mid-Cape and head north a couple of miles…Crowell’s Bog is on the right. Beach is a quarter-mile in, again on the right.

Remember! This is an informal training race. There are no road closures and (small) signs will be at all corners but you must assume some responsibility to be alert for traffic and for turns. While there will be some nutrition and water at the race, bring your own fuel!

Check out the course map in advance..

—–  RACE NEWS  —–

Falmouth Triathlon Status
It will be a very full field but as of this week July 15th’s Falmouth Triathlon still has open slots. Registration closes at 5pm on Wednesday, July 11, and on-site registration is expected to continue on Saturday evening and Sunday morning — both at Surf Drive Beach. Things are a little different this year with a new bike course designed by the Falmouth Police Chief (an avid cyclist who shares our concern with maximizing athlete safety). “First look” briefing will be held at the beach this Sunday at 4:15pm and a “get to know the swim course” clinic the evening before the race. For more info, read your Athlete’s Guide when it comes out in a few days. Visit the registration page.

A Weekend Off-Cape
The entire New England Endurance Events team will be heading over the canal in a few weeks to stage the iconic Sea to Summit Triathlon in Maine and New Hampshire. Competitors swim 1.5 miles in a tidal river by the coast, cycle nearly 100 miles to the foot of Mount Washington, then run/climb up the tallest mountain in the Northeast. Also present from Cape Cod will be Scott Brown and Jason Lilly (athletes) and Tom Burt and Jen McIlvin (porters). We’re looking forward to an exciting day!  Learn more at s2stri.com.

—–  ODDS & ENDS  —–

“We Are Triathletes.”
New England Endurance Events is pleased to be the Southeastern Massachusetts presenter of the feature documentary, “We are Triathletes,” at the Regal Cape Cod Mall Stadium 12 cinema on August 8.

This film follows six triathletes from four countries as they train and prepare for the world’s largest long distance triathlon race: “Challenge Roth”. The history of the early days of Ironman triathlon is also told by several Ironman legends. Among those featured is three-time Ironman World Champion Mirinda Carfrae, a friend of NEEE who joined our booth at last March’s Racemania Expo.

Show time is 6:30pm. There is no guarantee there will still be tickets available at the theater that day, and the filmmakers need an early sign of support to finalize our showing. Please reserve your tickets in advance

See you in August!

Training on Cape Cod Monthly Newsletter