Sunday, Aug. 8, was a big day in the Cleveland and Mentor. Two triathlons, two causes, two different approaches.
It’s not secret that I have participated in the Greater Cleveland Triathlon for four years. I have successfully finished the half-ironman distance twice, last year I did a relay and Sunday I participated in the International Duathlon.
We all have a reason we choose a certain event. For me, it was the swim. I am afraid to swim in the water downtown. Not that Headlands is much better, but it is farther from the industry …
No matter what the deciding factors are, one thing stood out very clear this year. Two of the largets triathlons in the area were on the same day. Many athletes asked me why? I heard it at the expo Saturday, and at the race on Sunday.
I decided to reach out and ask a few questions. First I posted questions on Facebook, to local athletes. I wanted to see what info I could find regarding each event and hear more about their feelings on Jack Caress’s comment the Plain Dealer reporter Jodi Valade shared in her article, Scheduling quirk gives Cleveland area double dose of triathlon action. I also turned to both RDs. I wanted to hear, first hand, what their thoughts were. While I wasn’t pleased with Caress’s comment, I figured there must be more to it. After all he’s been running the Cleveland Triathlon for 24 years, and each year has seen an increase in participation, so why the negativity.
That will reamin a mystery, as Mr. Caress was not happy with my prying. He basically asked that I find something more relevant to the community to discuss.
I thought this was important to local athletes, many have expressed an interest in participating in both. Perhaps I am wrong. I wasn’t trying to cause a debate that shed anymore negative light on Caress, that was done very well in Valade’s article.
Mickey Ryzmic, RD for the Greater Cleveland Tri/Du, on the other hand, took a different approach.
He pointed out the planning an event, such as a triathlon takes year-round planning, and how he works with local retail stores to support the triathlon community – Bike Authority, Fleet Feet Sports and Cleveland Clinic Sports Health.
“While many people will look at the Greater Cleveland Tri and Duathlon as a stand alone event, it is really a year around effort to support the multisport athletes and their families.
We start in February with a free USAT Rules Clinic sponsored by the Cleveland Tri Club and Cleveland Clinic Sports Health. This is then follow by three free on course training sessions and clinics in May, June and July. These clinics and training sessions are also hosted by the Cleveland Tri CLub with bike support by Bike Authority and run support by Fleet Feet Sports – Northfield
We attempt to keep the sprint and International bike and run courses marked year around so that people may experience the area become familiar with the courses.”
In the end, Ryzmic’s advice is for the RDs to post their events early and often so athletes can can plan accordingly. If you are interested in participating in the Greater Cleveland Triathlon, the dates are as follows:
For more information about the Greater Cleveland Triathlon
For more information about the 25th annual Cleveland Triathlon
I have always supported Mickey and the GCT. That is not going to change in the future. Mickey knows that his race is relevant….to the local community and the triathlon community.