What is offered in the program? The training program is for individuals who want to challenge themselves to complete their first triathlon, their longest triathlon, or simply want the consistency to train with a team with the support of a coach. We have beginners who are just starting out, those who have been racing triathlons for decades and everyone in between. We train for any distance (Sprint, Olympic, Half or Full Ironman triathlons). We have team members of every pace and ability. Our goal is to support you and help you achieve your goals, whether or not that may include an event.

What do I get with my membership? The tangible things you get are: an invitation to attend group training sessions, coaching support, training-related clinics, in-store discount coupons, a coupon to be used towards team gear at Playmakers and a weekly newsletter. The intangible things you get are hard to measure, but are what is most important about the program --- support, sharing of a common goal, and camaraderie, are just three of the things commonly mentioned as valuable by Team members.

How often does the Team get together to train, and where? Our typical training week is:

• Tuesday is with a bike coach and the location is different from week to week depending on the training objective (hills, speed, etc). All of the weekday training sessions begin between 6 - 6:15 pm. They last approximately 1.5 hours.
• Wednesday we do speed work with a run coach. The location changes throughout the Lansing area.
• Thursday we train in a pool with a swim coach in the spring and in the summer we swim in the open water with a coach and a lifeguard (weather permitting).
• We encourage our team to get in a longer run on Saturday morning with the Team Playmakers group. Several locations and distances are offered. That's a lot of training. Not everybody comes to every training. You do as much as works out for you (and we can help you figure that out).

Will I get help with my running or walking form? Playmakers offers FREE weekly Good Form Running, Good Form Walking, and Good Form Movement classes. You will receive reminders of the availability of these classes in the weekly email, The Saturday Scoop. For dates, times and to register, go to: playmakers.com, click on “Good Form” and choose your option. You will be directed to Playmakers online event calendar.

How is Team information disbursed? The lead coach will send a weekly email that shares a variety of information: weekly training schedule; updates on what’s happening; and calendar of upcoming events. The team also has a very active private Facebook group where reminders and updates are shared.

What if I can’t come to every training session? While we encourage Team members to attend as many training sessions as possible, we realize life happens and sometimes you can’t make it. We have noticed that Team members who get the most out of the Team experience are those who are able to train on a consistent basis. We don’t take attendance and we’ll always be glad to see you, regardless of how often you train with the Team.

What should I do if I get injured? With the first twinges of training-related pain you should visit the Free Playmakers Injury Clinic, held every Wednesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Playmakers. Physical therapists and MSU Sports Medicine professionals are on hand to help you get back on the road to healthy training. The Clinic is free for anyone (you don’t have to belong to Team Playmakers to visit the Injury Clinic.)

Do I get any individual coaching? Coaches are responsive with email and on Facebook. We will get back to you with any question. If you’d like to sit down and talk face to face about your training, you can arrange for a one-on-one with a coach. This is also the perfect time to discuss how to adjust any of the training calendars to fit your goal race.

Who should I contact with questions?  Lead Coach Tina Stewart - tina@playmakersfoundation.org

* Good Form Clinics and Injury Clinics will resume when local and state health guidelines allow.