So the LBS rant got me thinking about another related issue. I have a local tri-club that I joined last year with the idea that I would attempt to get to some workouts with them and get to know a few local athletes a bit better.
It turned out that their group ride was to meet the LBS guys for their rodie ride, run with the local running shop (mostly people training for one marathon or another) and swim was a masters group that was made up of swimmers and a couple of tri guys (no tri guy lane as I have seen with other masters groups). So basically the group existed to point you to already known groups who were not triathletes.
Basically I have remained solo in my training.
So here is my dilemma. The club had negotiated great discounts at all of the local shops, but given that I have no intention of actually ever training with them should I join anyway ($25) just to get the discounts with LBS and LRunningS?
Part of me says do it as it does support the club with another member they can claim, but honestly I am most interested in the 10-20% discounts
You just described my club. In fact I arrange the sponsorship for it. I am amazed at how many members that pay dues DONT use the sponorship at all. Dont feel bad about joining for that reason, the club is there to support your needs, and your dues will help. And if no training activities are planned, not your fault. Along those same lines, I would tell the people in my club that want “tri” only training…“how about if you arrange it?”
Also, not sure how long you have been training, but the best way to get fast is to bike with roadies, swim w/ swimmers and run with runners. Just a thought.
I moved from NC last summer and still maintain a membership with local triclub for two reasons, a bunch of frineds are still there and they have great sponsorships with places like InsideOut and E-caps. Of the 150-200 people on the rolls only about a 3rd ever showed up to workouts, plenty of guys did just what you’re talking about
Pay the membership. It’s a win-win-win situation; club gets more funds in their treasury, you get some local discounts, and LBS etc get your business.