1. How do I join the team?

Visit our website at www.uwtriathlon.com.  Click on the link that says "Join Here".  Fill out,  print out, and turn the waiver and the questionnaire forms in to any officer at any meeting or scheduled practice.  Dues are $50 per year.  This money can be given to any officer at any meeting or practice.

2.  Am I qualified to be on the team?

Any UW-Madison student, faculty, or staff member is allowed to be on the team. All fitness levels are welcome.

3.  What if I can't swim?

Go to the swim practices listed on the workout schedule. Ask the workout leader if you can get some advice on your swimming technique. They will love to help you out (that's what they're there for!) Also, we usually have a "beginners swim" on Sundays at the SERF so you can learn beside some teammates. In addition, we occasionally offer "stroke technique" clinics where an educated coach can help you out.

4.  What if I am very experienced?
Any level is welcome to join.  If you have never done a triathlon or don't know how to swim or bike, the team will be able to meet your needs.  If you are an experienced Ironman Finisher, the team also provides training partners and great sponsorships.  All levels are welcome.  Faculty, all students, and all UW staff are encouraged to join.

5. What is a triathlon?
A triathlon is a race in which the following events take place consecutively in this order: swim, bike, run.  The distances of a triathlon vary, from a super-sprint which can be completed in under an hour to Ironman which can take over 12 hours.  Some team members choose to participate in other types of races which are not on our schedule including but not limited to duathlons (bike and run only), running races, and cycling races.

6.  Do I have to compete?
The team has a schedule of races that we compete in together, but you do not have to race.  We highly encourage racing, especially with the team because of the discounted race fees, travel, and board.

7. What if I do not have a bike?
Any bike can be used to train or race in triathlons.  Traditionally beginners use mountain bikes and invest in a road bike or triathlon-specific bike after they are confident in their interest in the sport.  Many opportunities to learn about bikes and purchase them are available through the team.  We have a classifieds page on our message board where you can buy bikes much more safely than ebay.  You can also buy a bike at the January Bike Swap at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison where great bike deals are found.  The team will be selling apparel and used equipment at the swap.  Also, we will be able to give great advice on what to buy while we are there.

8. How does racing work?
If you are interested in racing in a race on the team's schedule, follow these steps.  Register for the race online as an individual.  Inform the team's race coordinator (Andrew Bossler - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )  that you have done so.  The coordinator will find rides and rooms for the racers.  Often the race coordinator will inform the team of a deadline in which to tell him or her of race entries.

9 How does sponsorship work?
Every year the officers put together proposals that are sent to companies in which we are interested to be our sponsors.  If the sponsors accept us, we work out a deal with the representatives.  During the school year, the sponsorship coordinator puts together a schedule of deadlines for the discounted equipment to be ordered by the team.  Unfortunately, delivery of items is usually slow, so plan your purchases far in advance.

10. How do I get a uniform?
At the beginning of the school year, orders for uniforms are taken.  The designs and pieces are decided by the apparel coordinator.  If you think you will want a uniform AT ALL, order in the fall.  Spring orders do not arrive until August, much past the prime time of the racing season. This year, we have plenty of extra uniforms. If you would like to purchase one whether or not you are on the team, email Meredith at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details and pricing.

11.  Do I have to go to practices?

No.  Nor do we encourage you to attend all of them.  That is an easy way to lead to overtraining.  Attend the practices that fit your schedule to join others in working out.

12.  What if none of the practices fit my schedule?

Contact the vice president (Summer Ohlendorf -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) so that you can lead a practice at a time you are available.  He puts together the schedule around the beginning of the semesters.  If you can't make a practice, it is likely that someone else can't either.

13. Do you offer scholarships?

No.  We are only a club sport and do not offer any scholarships.

14.  When are practices?

Practice times and locations are on the link on the home page entitled "Workout Schedule".

15.  What if I need an extra push to join your team?

Try us out! Come to a workout or a social and see what we're all about. Ask an officer about the many great benefits of joining the team.

16.  Can I have apparel sent to me that I ordered?

17. I want to order a uniform or a bike jersey, but I am an alumni or not on the  team.  Can I do this?

Yes, Email Meredith, the apparel coordinator for info and prices.

18. Is there rental equipment available?

Yes, we have wetsuits, bike travel cases, and trainers to rent.

19.  How do I learn more about Triathlons?  Are there training or info sessions?
There are many ways to educate yourself about the Triathlon scene. The team hosts a few T:spots (Triathlon spots) each semester in which triathlon related topics are covered. These can include items such as nutrition, injury prevention, and race day advice. You can also ask the team/leaders any questions you might have. Lastly, use the internet! http://www.usatriathlon.org and http://www.triathlon.org are two triathlon governing body sites that are packed with information.