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Why cows?
We're so glad you asked! We have an entire page dedicated to answering the question Why Cows?

Does my child need to be a member of the MINI COW TRI CLUB to participate in MINI COW TRI CLUB clinics, camps and events?
You do not need to be a member of the MINI COW TRI CLUB to participate in our clinics, camps and events, however, membership has its MOOwards! MINI COW TRI CLUB clinics, camps and events that are USA Triathlon-sanctioned do require USA Triathlon Youth Membership.

My child is 6 years old. Can they join the club?
The MINI COW TRI CLUB is open to children ages 7 to 15 as of December 31, 2012. If your child turns 7 this year and meets our athletic prerequisites, we'd love to have them join the herd! With one or two exceptions, the races the MINI COW TRI CLUB participates in—including the Nottingham Kids Triathlon—are for children ages 7 to 14. With that in mind, we want to make sure that our triathletes have a positive experience with the club, which includes both training and racing with the team.

My child does not meet all of the athletic prerequisites. Can they join the club?
While previous triathlon experience is not necessary a "Can MOO" attitude is! Children should be able to swim 50 yards, confidently ride a bike without training wheels, and run for 10 minutes continuously. These athletic prerequisites ensure the safety and enjoyment of our triathletes and coaches.

Do I need to purchase the team uniform?
All triathletes are encouraged to wear the team uniform. Our uniforms are custom designed and sized specifically for youth triathletes. The uniform identifies triathletes as members of the MINI COW TRI CLUB on race day and, more importantly, fosters a team environment. See Clubs Bring Team Spirit to Triathlon.

When does the MINI COW TRI CLUB train?
Weekly team training begins in May and continues through October, typically on Sunday evenings lasting from one and a half to two hours. This may vary due to weather, time of year and our race schedule. The focus of the training sessions is on transitions, bike skills and running technique. An additional weekday training session may be added for advanced triathletes as we build up towards key triathlon races during the season.

Where does the MINI COW TRI CLUB train?
The MINI COW TRI CLUB trains in the Mount Airy area. Locations vary depending on the skills being practiced. Primary locations include Watkins Park and Health Unlimited Family Fitness & Aquatics Center. As we prepare for specific races (e.g. USA Triathlon National Youth Championship, USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Youth Regional Championship) additional training locations will include Lake Linganore in New Market and the Nottingham community in Mount Airy.

Does my child need to participate in a separate swim program?
Though not a requirement, we strongly encourage our triathletes to participate in a Summer swim program. We will have two or three pre-season swim practices in April and early May at a local health club, but once Summer swim programs begin in June the focus of our team training will be transitions, bike skills and running technique.

Do we have to commit to all the training sessions and/or races?
Team membership does not require a specific training or racing commitment. Families may choose the training sessions and races that fit their triathlete's interest level and family schedule.

What equipment does my child need?
Triathletes will need the following equipment: goggles, swim cap, practice swim suit, bike, helmet with working chin strap, bike shoes if using clip-in pedals, running shoes with elastic laces, practice bike shorts, practice running shorts, water bottle, race belt, hat and sunblock. A mountain, hybrid or road bike are all acceptable and should be safety checked prior to the season. To have your child's bike safety inspected, please visit our sponsor All American Bicycle Center in Damascus, MD. The MINI COW TRI CLUB also has a bike loaner program (based on availability and subject to a nominal fee).

Are there any other costs?
MINI COW TRI CLUB clinics, camps and events (e.g. Nottingham Kids Triathlon) are an additional fee, however, members enjoy a 10% discount to these club sponsored activities (discounts not retroactive). In addition, all registration fees for local, regional and national races are an additional fee and are paid directly to the race organizer. All travel costs are the respsonsibility of the triathlete's parents.

What is the USA Triathlon Youth National Championship?
We're super excited to see the USA Triathlon Youth National Championship make its way eastward this year to Voice of America Park in West Chester, OH. Though a non-qualifying event, the USA Triathlon Youth National Championship draws the best youth triathletes and clubs from across the country and crowns the top three male and female youth triathletes in six age groups. The MINI COW TRI CLUB will be training and supporting youth triathletes interested in competing at the 2012 USA Triathlon Youth National Championship on August 11 in West Chester, OH.

Have a question not answered above? Visit our contact page and ask away.