USA Triathlon (USAT) is hosting the first-ever #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge presented by Amp Human – ‘a virtual swim, bike and run event offering beginner and veteran triathletes alike the chance to start 2021 on an active and healthy note.’
Registration is open now for the individual cumulative challenge, which runs from Thursday, January 14, through Sunday, February 14.
For USA Triathlon-certified clubs, the event also serves as the 2021 National Club Challenge (NCC) presented by Amp Human, in which triathlon clubs from across the USA go head-to-head to see who can log the most training miles during the competition.
For the first time, students and alumni from all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be able to compete for their school along with other NCAA programs and collegiate clubs.
The #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge is one element of USA Triathlon’s fourth annual #DreamingSeason campaign, which encourages multisport athletes of all experience levels to set their goals for the upcoming triathlon season.
The digital and social media-driven campaign connects the multisport community and provides resources for athletes to safely return to racing and training in 2021.
“Since #DreamingSeason’s inception in 2018, this annual campaign has inspired thousands of athletes to set and commit to their goals for the upcoming year,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO.
“After a challenging 2020, we know the multisport community is eager to return to racing. That’s why we are encouraging athletes to set a plan for the year, with goals such as joining a USA Triathlon club, hiring a certified coach and registering for local sanctioned races.
“The #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge offers the chance to set a personal benchmark for 2021, and to dream big for the rest of the year — in whatever form that may take.”
Naomi Clarkson, Chief Commercial Officer at Amp Human, said “We’re delighted to enter our second year of partnership with USA Triathlon, and what better way to start this new year than by supporting the triathlon community to set new goals, work harder than ever and hopefully, get back to live events as a community later this year.
“We’re excited to help turn their dreams into reality by providing education and inspiration so we can make this a year of forward and upward progress.”
In addition to Amp Human, the virtual challenge is also supported by:
- Toyota, USA Triathlon’s Exclusive Mobility & Automotive Partner;
- CREDO Tri, ‘a mobile app created to help amateur multisport athletes of all levels be the best they can be via exclusive motivational messages and tips from pro triathletes’; and
- Som Sleep, ‘a sleep drink engineered to help you fall asleep faster and sleep better.’
The virtual challenge is free to enter, with a US$50 option that includes a USA Triathlon Annual Membership (new or a 12-month extension to a current membership) along with a finisher’s medal.
USA Triathlon adds that ‘membership dollars are invested back into the multisport community to help athletes of all skill levels develop to their full potential, grow the sport through grassroots efforts, and provide tools and resources for coaches, race directors and clubs.’
Athletes may register prior to the start of the challenge on January 14, or at any point during the four-week period.
The #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge is the first of three events in the USA Triathlon 2021 Virtual Series. During registration, athletes can select the full USA Triathlon 2021 Virtual Series Package, which includes all three series events:
- The #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge;
- Tthe USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run; and
- The Power Within Virtual Tri to Tokyo.
The US$125 series registration fee includes a USA Triathlon annual membership (new or 12-month extension to current membership), finisher’s medals for all three events and a medal display holder. A portion of the registration also supports the USA Triathlon Foundation.
Those who purchase the USA Triathlon 2021 Virtual Series Package before January 21 are eligible to receive a 25% discount on registration for Endurance Exchange, the USA Triathlon-hosted virtual industry conference set for January 21-23.
The #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge has no set distance, as participants are encouraged to set a personal goal for total ground covered. USA Triathlon and FitRankings will send participants notes as they surpass traditional triathlon milestones, such as the total distance for a sprint, Olympic-distance, long course or ultra-distance triathlon.
All mileage is counted toward the total distance, regardless of whether it is completed on the swim, bike or run.
Athletes can upload workouts to the FitRankings platform at any time over the four weeks. Swim, bike and run workouts can be synced to the platform automatically via most GPS-enabled workout devices, smartphone apps and smartwatches, including: Garmin, Apple Watch, FitBit, Misfit, Polar, Suunto, Google Fit, RunKeeper, Apple Health and MapMyFitness. Manual uploads are also permitted.
Workouts may be completed outdoors or indoors while observing social distancing and all applicable government guidelines. Pool swims, spin bikes and stationary bikes, bike trainers and treadmills are all acceptable.
Participants are encouraged to share their multisport goals for the upcoming year on social media throughout the month, using the #DreamingSeason hashtag.
Additionally, from January 25 to February 1, USA Triathlon will be teaming up with its corporate partners to give away prizes each day on its social media channels. Athletes can engage with @usatriathlon’s #DreamingSeason prize giveaway posts on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the chance to win.
www.teamusa.org/usa-triathlon/dreaming-season
www.usatriathlon.org
