Sign up for FREE to enjoy up to 2-months of TriDot Triathlon Training to use the latest AI-powered adaptive training technology to optimize your training!
Want to try TriDot? Sign up for a free trial of TriDot Triathlon Training …now with direct support from Coach Chris & 4 Star Endurance!
Learn more about TriDot by exploring the links, podcasts, and videos below!
Ladies become #Limitless in December!
TriDot is taking a bold step toward bringing more women into triathlon by announcing their new #LimitlessWomen initiative…
WHAT IS LIMITLESS? Registration is open Dec 4th through December 31st for 500 women to receive 12 months of FREE, top-tier coaching and training on the TriDot platform. You’ll get personalized training, mentorship, community, and education designed around women’s real experiences in triathlon.
Train smarter. Find your people. Discover just how far you can go.
Get started with the official training platform of IRONMAN & winner of the 2024 Sports Technology Awards for the “Best technology for Data and Analytics (Sports)”!
Visit Lakeshore Labs – powered by Metabolic Athlete at www.MetabolicAthlete.com to learn more and sign up to get tested!
What is TriDot?
What is TriDot?
TriDot (and now RunDot!) is both a complete training platform and multisport community. Become more familiar with TriDot when you utilize both the platform tools and enjoy the TriDot content, including:
In 2023, a new generation of AI-powered “adaptive” training plan tool for runners was finally launched… let us introduce you to RunDot! Train smarter, reduce injury risk, and see better results in less time, as you train towards your next half maraton, marathon, or ultra!
RunDot athletes improve an average of 3.2x more than non-users and experience performance improvements in 30% less training time.
Runners can enjoy RunDot to receive custom-tailored DATA OPTIMIZED TRAINING (DOT) that takes your 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon training to the next level with a wide variety of features that can automate and adapt based on your overall training stress, environmental conditions (including elevation and heat) and even your own unique genetics so that every single interval or every single workout is optimized to you!
“Meb” Keflezighi is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest runners of our time and is the only man in history to win the New York City Marathon, the Boston Marathon, and an Olympic marathon medal.
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FREE TRIAL
RUNDOT PROJECT and TRIDOT PROJECT (limited time offer!) Apply up for the “RunDot Project” if you are a runner, or the TriDot Project (TDP) if you are a triathlete, for a chance to get selected to enjoy up to 2-months of free optimized training using RunDot, TriDot, and RaceX. This is a limited time “research project” offer available only during a select time of the year… so act fast to apply since applications will fill up!
Use our signup links below for support from 4 STAR ENDURANCE head coach CHRIS NAVIN with your TriDot or RunDot journey and feel welcome to schedule a free 1on1 coach chat for additional guidance on optimizing your training through these great tools!
Triathlete or Cyclist? RunDot is intended for runners who primarily focus on running workouts as their only endurance workout focus (specifically, athletes who may not want to include swimming and cycling in their training). If you’re a multisport athlete or triathlete, join TriDot instead for training plans that include running, cycling, and swimming workouts using this link: https://tinyurl.com/4star-tridot-trial
I AM TRIDOT – CHICAGO! Do you live or train in the Chicago area? Join our new facebook community for both TriDot and RunDot athletes at www.facebook.com/groups/tridotchicago
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FAQ & INTRO VIDEOS
GETTING STARTED & FAQ Once you create a RunDot account (see link above for free trial), check your email to participate in an orientation call – or watch this recorded version and orientation tutorial. Also, don’t miss following the 5 instructional videos here to connect devices, add a race, update threshold, and tweak some settings: https://www.rundot.com/faqs
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QUESTIONS?
QUESTIONS? Visit RunDot.com or TriDot.com for more info, or join our 4 STAR CLUB to become part of our TriDot and RunDot community powered by 4 STAR ENDURANCE coaching support. Join us and take your training to the next level by learning to put data optimized training to practice… with expert guidance!
Get a new MYZONE MAX or MYZONE MZ-SWITCH – a world’s first “multisport” heart rate monitor that can be used as an optical “PPG” armband AND as an “ECG” chest strap, in one device! Get a MYZONE heart rate monitor for FREE when you join our 4 STAR CLUB and schedule your first Metabolic360 test @ www.MetabolicAthlete.com!
MYZONE heart-rate based challenges are great for all ages and ability levels since they are based on your individualized heart-rate zones that are updated and tailored to your own unique metabolic fitness profile – or through our Metabolic Athlete testing services. Whether you’re coming straight off the couch as a beginner starting a new fitness journey, or if you are an experienced endurance athlete – the MyZone’s “MEP” points system allows us to host competitions, challenges, and monthly leaderboards that are effectively normalized for all fitness levels, and based purely on your unique “effort” that you put in!
Additionally, consider joining our Metabolic Athlete4 STAR CLUB, so you can participate in our FREE #MetabolicAthlete #EffortRewarded MYZONE challenges and monthly leaderboards by simply wearing a MyZone heart rate monitor while you train, race, or workout! Challenges include monthly leaderboards, event-specific challenges, and team-based competitions where both individuals and teams will be ranked based on true “effort” via heart-rate based #EffortRewarded scoring!
Upload workouts automatically via the MYZONE phone app!
GET A MYZONE & JOIN THE CLUB!
You don’t need to be a member of any specific club or community to join in our MYZONE challenges!Anyone is welcome to participate… the goal of our MYZONE system is simply to encourage health and fitness motivation for all, regardless of where you train or who you train with!
STEP 1: GET A MYZONE-MAX or MZ-SWITCH ($50 off link)
STEP 2: SETUP MYZONE APP (and link to “4 STAR ENDURANCE” Facility ID: 4SUS001)
STEP 3: That’s it! Start training with your MyZone and upload workouts automatically through the app to see your standings in our 4 Star Endurance MyZone Leaderboard!
To participate, simply grab any MYZONE heart rate monitor and workout! We recommend the MZ-SWITCH if you don’t have one yet since it is one of the most versatile and accurate heart rate monitors on the market.
Even if you already have a wrist-based or chest strap heart rate monitor like a Garmin, Polar, Whoop, or Apple Watch, you can purchase a MYZONE MZ-SWITCH and wear it as an arm-band to participate in our challenges while using your smart watch of device – there is even a MYZONE app you can download onto your Apple Watch or Garmin if you have one of those that connect directly with a MyZone!
MyZone’s new MZ-SWITCH is one of the best all-around “multisport” heart rate monitors… it works via both BLUETOOTH and ANT+ technology as either an ECG chest strap (e.g. while running or cycling) or “switch” it to optical PPG mode and wear it as an arm band (e.g. while swimming)!
STEP 1: Get a MYZONE SWITCH for $50 off here:tinyurl.com/4star-myzone … or join the 4 STAR CLUB to receive a bigger $60 off discount! Club Members: Check your team website and training plans for an even bigger “VIP” discount link!
STEP 2 –REGISTER VIA MYZONE PHONE APP
Simply download the MyZone Phone App. and connect it to your MyZone heart rate monitor! You can join in our monthly leaderboards as a solo individual athlete or stay tuned for our frequent team challenges and join one of our teams or create your own team by inviting a group of your own friends to band together… then have fun and stay motivated with the accountability from all the added camaraderie and competition. Because we all know it’s easier to stay motivated with a little peer pressure!
NOTE: Register your MYZONE to the 4 STAR ENDURANCE Facility ID number “4SUS001” if you are not already affiliated with another club. If you are affiliated with another club, you can simply open up a request to move to our facility using the HELP->SUPPORT menu option in the MYZONE app!
When we host team competitions, you can create a team based on anything – FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS, CHARITABLE CAUSE, RUNNING CLUB, HIGHSCHOOL SQUAD, or any TRIATHLON COMMUNITY!
STEP 3 – SIMPLY WORK OUT!
Simply upload your workouts via the MyZone Phone App after every workout – or at least once every week to sync your data automatically. You may receive a formal “invite” to accept a challenge within the MyZone app, so make sure you are logging in and uploading your workouts. Everything will be tracked and updated automatically – and you’ll see the live leaderboards in the RESULTS section below!
JOIN THE METABOLIC ATHLETE – 4 STAR CLUB CHALLENGES
NEW CHALLENGES – HOSTED BY METABOLIC ATHLETE
We run monthly LEADERBOARDS and several one-off #MetabolicAthlete challenges throughout the year, especially around popular ENDURANCE RACE EVENT WEEKENDS to help you learn to train and race SMARTER, not HARDER!
Simply make sure you are associated to our MyZone Facility ID number for “4 STAR ENDURANCE” (4SUS001) and log into the app to sign up for new challenges whenever we create a new one! We frequently host challenges around big endurance race weekends, and we’re constantly adding new challenges! We even have daily workout classes you can join via the MyZone phone app for additional motivation and camaraderie!
IS THIS REALLY FREE?
Are the monthly challenges free? Yup, you betcha! Anyone who has a MYZONE or wants to get one, can participate! But if you want to make a donation to any of our affiliated charities & partners, please visit our CHARITY PARTNER page to support our initiatives, or enjoy our GEAR discounts when you shop online – as you can support our website through some of our exclusive partner and affiliate discount codes and links too!
If you’d also like to eligible to win our end of your raffle prizes, join the 4 STAR CLUB.
THE MYZONE MZ-SWITCH: “Multisport” PPG+ECG Heart Rate Monitor
WHAT IS A MYZONE SWITCH?
The Myzone Switch is a brand new and unique heart rate monitor that works via Bluetooth and ANT+ wireless technology to connect with virtually any apps or smart watches that you may already have. It is one of the only Heart Rate Monitors (HRM) that can “switch” between being both a “PPG” optical sensor and “ECG” chest strap for greater accuracy, making it one of the most versatile heart rate monitors on the market. This new strap is especially popular with triathletes who want to track heart rate data more accurately while swimming (since you can wear it as an upper-arm band for swimming)!
MyZone’s new MZ-SWITCH is one of the best all-around “multisport” heart rate monitors… it works via both BLUETOOTH and ANT+ technology as either an ECG chest strap (e.g. while running or cycling) or “switch” it to optical PPG mode and wear it as an arm band (e.g. while swimming)!
If you already have a MyZone, fantastic! But if you don’t, you can get one for $50 off using the MyZone link on the GEARsection of our website for $50 off at tinyurl.com/4star-myzone
GET YOUR UNIQUE METABOLIC PROFILE ON YOUR MYZONE
OPTIONAL: REGISTER YOUR BELT! If you are not tied to an existing MyZone facility, use Facility ID 4SUS001 when you register your belt to join our 4 STAR ENDURANCE community of endurance sports athletes!
GET A FREE HEART RATE MONITOR?!
BONUS $100 METABOLIC BUCKS WITH EVERY NEW MYZONE PURCHASE! With any new MyZone MZ-SWITCH that you purchase through our referral link above, you’ll be eligible to receive up to $100 in credit towards metabolic testing including $50 off a VO2 Max Active Metabolic Rate (AMR) test and $50 off a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) test!
Or save up to $140 off a testing bundle when you book a “Metabolic360” bundle at www.MetabolicRunner.com that includes a RMR+VO2 test in one appointment!
Either way, you’re basically getting your money back whenever you purchase a MyZone heart rate monitor through 4 STAR ENDURANCE and METABOLIC ATHLETE. It’s basically like getting a free heart rate monitor!!!
THE “MEPS” POINT SYSTEM
POINTS SYSTEM
POINT SYSTEM You’ll earn heart-rate based “points” based on the MyZone Effort Point System (MEPS) – for every minute spent in a heart rate zone (above ZONE 1), you’ll earn more points. NOTE: While your total monthly “MEPS” might include the points you earn in the “grey” ZONE 1, we do not include those in the totals for challenges (so you can’t earn extra points just wearing your strap all day!) The more points you earn, the more chance you have to earn prizes as part of our annual 4 STAR CLUB challenges too….
4 STAR CLUB MEMBERS = EARN RAFFLE PRIZES!
Join our 4 STAR CLUB to earn prizes every year!
ANNUAL 4 STAR CLUB RAFFLE PRIZES & CHALLENGES
ANNUAL PRIZES – presented by Metabolic Athlete, Tri312, and 4 Star Endurance! Compete solo every month to maintain 1,300 MEPS every month and/or compete in a team or event challenge, and you can enter our annual raffle to earn prizes every year by joining our 4 STAR CLUB community for endurance sports athletes! For every month where you earn at least 1,300 points, and for every team or individual challenge you complete, you’ll receive 1 raffle entry towards prizes that including over $4,444 in annual services and gear from our sponsors!
For every 1 month where you earn 1,300+ MEPS, you earn 1 RAFFLE ENTRY!
For example: if you earn 1,300 points in 3 consecutive months, you’ll earn 3 raffle entries!
NOTE: Prizes will be announced at a year end party in Chicago – so join our 4 STAR CLUB, email list, follow our calendar, and download the TeamReach.com phone app by joining group “4star” to stay in the loop!
Annual prizes may include:
Metabolic360 Bundle of VO2 + RMR testing ($360 value)
4 STAR ENDURANCE 3-month Private Coaching Package (valued at over $1,100)
TEAM CHALLENGE Teams of 4 or more athletes who also join the 4 STAR CLUB (or any of our affiliated partner clubs and communities) and have the highest average “MEPS” will also be eligible to win extra team swag for their whole team! So the more friends you recruit, the more prizes you can win for each person! You can create your own team, or join any of our frequent partner and charity clubs including:
Join our indoor races – or sign up for our triathlon club, training program, and triathlon clinic series for all ages and ability levels!
TRIATHLON TRAINING
Join our triathlon community, triathlon training programs, and triathlon clinics – powered by Lakeshore Landsharks, 4 Star Endurance, Team to End AIDS (T2), and BFF Bikes!
Triathlon is not just a summer sport, compete year round with our indoor triathlon race series – or get involved in becoming a partner club, charity, coach, or sponsor!
Follow us on Youtube @Tri312triathlon for news, events, and everything TRIATHLON in CHICAGO!
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TRI312 is TRIATHLON in CHICAGO! Indoor Triathlons, Clubs, Clinics, and Training
We’re excited to bring several programs, partners and sponsors together to create Chicago’s first ever unified triathlon community of clinics, training programs, content and races built around the Tri312 INDOOR TRIATHLON & DUATHLON SERIES.
ATHLETES – join our training programs or invite your friends and family to race and volunteer in our fun beginner-friendly indoor triathlon series… a great way to test your fitness and get ready for upcoming outdoor triathlon races! Volunteer at www.Tri312.com/volunteer
4 STAR CLUB – join our TRI312 community or 4 STAR CLUB and become a member of our growing triathlon community to enjoy $15 off per race, or save up to an additional $25 for a total of $40 off when you volunteer and race on the same day! Join our club at www.4starendurance.com/club and sign up to Volunteer at www.Tri312.com/volunteer
COACHES – are you a coach? Contact us to get involved in our training programs, clinics, or volunteer and set up discounts for your athletes! Become a series partner for an opportunity for you to showcase your coaching business to a wider audience!
CLUBS & TRAINING CENTERS – are you a health club or facility that wants to bring Tri312 to your club? Contact us and let’s bring Tri312 races or training programs to your location and community!
CHARITIES, PARTNERS & SPONSORS – Contact us to get involved in our indoor triathlon experiences at www.Tri312.com/sponsors
GIVE A GIFT OF FITNESS – A GREAT WAY TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND EDUCATION!
Interested in purchasing a metabolic test as a gift? Give the gift of health & wellness to for a friend, coworker, or family member!
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We now have several gift options available including single tests and bundles that can be redeemed at our testing centers, partner locations, and even scheduled as bespoke “at home” appointments thanks to our new mobile metabolic testing lab – where we can even bring VO2, FatMax, and Lactate Testing to your home or office!
Bring testing to you – mobile testing now available (addition fee applies)!
VO2 Max… the gold standard of metabolic testing!
Get a Gift Certificate and give the gift of fitness this holiday season!
To create a bespoke package, please schedule a consult with us at www.calendly.com/metabolicathlete/consult and we can talk through creating the perfect gift option for your friend, co-worker, or family member!
For a full menu of options, please visit our metabolic testing website for more information:
Want to purchase a test before scheduling, as a gift, or to submit a payment after scheduling? Use the following links below for our most popular testing bundle packages. Note: You don’t need a Paypal account, simply click on the image/button of your credit card type below (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) for a guest checkout option!
Metabolic360 Bundle: RMR+VO2 MAX TEST w/ Consults ($360)
Purchase a METABOLIC 360 BUNDLE of RMR + VO2 MAX test at our best package rate – less than $200 per test for a complete 360-degree view of your ACTIVE and RESTING metabolism!
$360.00
SINGLE TEST ($250)
Purchase a SINGLE test (can be redeemed for either RMR or VO2 MAX test).
$250.00
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“SMART HEART” & “COACHING” BUNDLES
We often recommend bundling a metabolic testing with a heart rate monitor as a “SMART HEART” gift bundle, or our 4 STAR CLUB or “4×4” package as a “COACHING” bundle that includes additional 1-on-1 coaching support!
Bundling a VO2 test with a more accurate Heart Rate Monitor can make a great “bundle” gift! Tthis gives something functional to promote the idea of training smarter with greater precision – as a way to directly leverage your VO2 test results in a practical way that can really help someone find guidance with their fitness journey!
It’s also nice to provide something physical to gift besides just a certificate for a service!
We have an affiliate partnership with Fourth Frontier for a premium heart-health focused gift (usually better for older adults who want live ECG data), and also recommend the MyZone MZ-SWITCH (which works with any bluetooth app or device like Garmin, Apple Watch, etc.) as one of the industry’s most accurate and advanced heart rate monitors since it features both “PPG” optical and “ECG” chest strap technologies in one platform that rewards your “effort” with gamification of fitness goals!
After completing a VO2 test, we can even immediately update your MyZone with heart rate zones customized to your unique metabolic profile and fat metabolism, so you can hit the ground running to train smarter immediately after a testing appointment! Learn more about MYZONE including our discount link to get $50 off @ www.4StarEndurance.com/myzone
We can also provide guidance on how to upgrade heart rate zones with a wide variety of apps and devices including TrainingPeaks, Garmin, Strava, TriDot, RunDot, and more! Visit our “GEAR” page for additional discount links and codes at www.4starendurance.com/gear
MORE INFO & LOCATION INFO
Schedule testing at our LAKESHORE LABS location in downtown Chicago at LAKESHORE SPORT & FITNESS (LSF) – ILLINOIS CENTER by visiting us at www.MetabolicAthlete.com
Looking to master your next marathon? Watch our videos and tips from Head Coach Chris Navin and team from TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) and the our MetabolicAthlete.com4 STAR CLUB to leverage our marathon tips and checklists below to help you MASTER THE MARATHON!
Looking for testing? Check out our VO2max and Blood Lactate metabolic testing services, as well as Runeasi 3D Run Gait Analysis services at MetabolicAthlete.com!
Looking for training? Join our www.T2ea.org training programs for guaranteed race entries into most World Marathon Majors (WMM). Enjoy our training plans and participate in our weekly in-person training workouts in Chicago!
MASTER THE MARATHON: NYC Marathon
MASTER THE MARATHON at the New York City Marathon!
2025 NYC Marathon:
2023 NYC Marathon:
MASTER THE MARATHON: 2025 Chicago Marathon
2025 video for TEAM TO END AIDS (T2EA):
MASTER THE MARATHON: 2024 Chicago Marathon for T2EA!
MASTER THE MARATHON: 2025 Chicago Marathon – First 5k “Recon Run”
MASTER THE MARATHON by learning some tips about the first 5k of the Chicago Marathon with TEAM TO END AIDS (T2)!
RaceX & RunDot: Predict finish time based on weather & course!
Enjoy RaceX to get a FINISH TIME prediction based on weather, fitness, and environmental conditions! Simply enter a baseline 5k or 10k to determine your THRESHOLD PACE (and HR). Then add your GOAL EVENT (e.g. Chicago Marathon) to receive a custom-tailored FINISH TIME and PACING PLAN!
You’ll also get up to 2-months of AI-powered adaptive training to see BETTER RESULTS in less training time, with lower injury risk! A perfect tool to help you get back into a running routine after your big race!
Getting ready for a marathon or endurance race event? What “must have” products and items do you pack for race morning in order to have a perfect race day experience?
If you need some great tips, check out our ULTIMATE MARATHON “RACE DAY” CHECKLIST below! This is complied from the most experienced coaches and athletes from the 4 STAR ATHLETE CLUB and METABOLIC ATHLETE – including individual coaches with over 100+ marathon and 20+ IRONMAN finishes, who have dealt with preparing for just about any race day conditions!
This compilation includes all of the items both our athletes and coaches have personally packed into their RACE DAY gear bags – for pre-race, post-race, and during the race. From breakfast items to recovery tools, you’ll find a little bit of everything here to help you pack and prepare for race day. So if you’re a little Type-A, enjoy big checklists, and want to over-prepare like a pro – then this ULTIMATE RACE DAY CHECKLIST list is for you!
Find something we’re missing? Let us know and we’ll add it to this list!
POST RACE: Dry clothes in Gym Bag / CLEAR Security Bag / wet clothes bag?
Extra socks, Compression & Recovery Gear, Medications, etc.
POST-RACE ITEMS: Snacks (a fun treat?) + Cell Phone charger/battery pack?
RECOVERY TOOLS: Stick, Foam Roller (with vibration!), Recovery Ball, Compression Boots, compression calf sleeves or socks, and massage gun (see our GEAR page).
OTHER: Music Headphones/Phones are ok in most marathons (but not triathlons!), BUT KEEP IN MIND NO SELFIE STICKS OR CAMERAS at most events!
Anything else you can think of? Check our our GEAR page for links to discounts on specific items we recommend and let us know viaYoutube video comment or post below if you think there are any items we should add to our lists!
Join the MetabolicAthlete 4 STAR CLUB for training plans for any event distance, and VIP discounts on gear and Metabolic Testing!
Triathlete? Don’t miss the 4 STAR ATHLETE CLUB Head Coach Chris’ TRIATHLON and IRON DISTANCE triathlon checklists too – including additional gear back packing tip videos for ultra distance racing!
MARATHON CHECKLIST: “Flat Chris” Video
Watch this video for a “flat Chris” video example of gear to prep for your race day!
End check this video for a race morning checklist review:
Metabolic Testing for Marathoners (VO2 Max & more)
VO2 Max… the gold standard of metabolic testing!
Want to learn how to “master the marathon” through metabolic testing? Customize your training zones and learn how to pace and fuel based on your true carb vs. fat metabolism! Learn more and book a test today at www.MetabolicAthlete.com
MetabolicAthlete.com #NegativeSplit Worksheet
Have you completed a www.MetabolicAthlete.com performance test, or dialed in your THRESHOLD PACE and THRESHOLD HEART RATE?
Make a copy of our #NegativeSplit calculator and enter your results to write out your customized PACING and FUELING plan @ https://tinyurl.com/4star-marathon
GOOD LUCK to all our friends, athletes, and alumni racing the Chicago Tri this weekend!
It’s time to START this triathlon PARTY!
WE WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AT THE RACE!!!
For our extended family of athletes, alumni, friends, and family – please feel welcome to hang out at our 4 STAR ENDURANCETEAM TENT at the SWIM START and FINISH LINE FESTIVAL (Columbus Drive) areas! We’ll have additional VIP amenities exclusive to our TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) athletes, including an early morning meetup for those racing early – but we’ll also have a general 4 STAR ENDURANCE team tent area open to our non-charity athletes!
To all our affiliated clubs and charity partners…. GOOD LUCK on race day!!!Celebrate at our team tents at the START… and at the FINISH LINE!
Anyone and everyone is welcome to come by to say hi and hang out – whether you’re an old #TriMonsterForever alumni, raced anindoor triathlon with us 10 years ago, joined us randomly for aLadybug Swim, or if you’re an active member of the 4 Star Athlete Club or one of our affiliated clubs like BFF, CTC, xXx Racing, and Chicago IronMonsters!
So bring your dogs, kids, camping chairs, blankets, coolers, and join us for the biggest multisport party weekend at the world’s largest triathlon – right in downtown Chicago!!!
Help us hand out hi fives to triathletes from various clubs & teams – like the CHICAGO TRI CLUB!
FRIENDS & FAMILY TOO! Athletes friends and family are welcome to join us at our team tents all day – see below for details. to share Our SWIM START / RUN COURSE tent is perfectly positioned to watch the swim start and to hang out all day in the shade while cheering on runners along the 0.75 mile marker. So if you don’t want to run around all day, or if you finish your race early and just want to cheer on others – join us as we hand out hi-fives all day long! Stop by for last minute coaching advice, tips for your spectator crews, or just to hang out with friends before you race!
Volunteers are welcome too – we always can use a few extra hands to cheer and support athletes by gear watching and more – we might even give you some free team swag if you volunteer at our team tent all day!
T2EA.org charity athletes get the VIP treatment… right across from the SWIM START!Get last minute tips from your coaches by hanging out at the start!The early morning meetup is always fun… don’t forget a headlamp because sunrise isn’t until AFTER the race actually starts!!!Join us at our TEAM TENTS on race day and cheer on athletes all day!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EARLY MEETUP SPOT = 3:30-3:45am @ Upper E. Randolph & N. Field Dr. (Cancer Survivor’s Garden) Meet up for last minute bike tech help and race tattoo application before heading into transition when it opens right at 4:00am!
SWIM START / RUN COURSE “TEAM TENTS” = ~5:30-11:00am @ Lake Shore Drive & Balbo (Across from SWIM START in “TRI CLUBS / TEAMS” area) Meet up before your race here with friends & family – and come back after your race to cheer on the final athletes at the 0.75 mile point of the run course!
FINISH FESTIVAL TENT = ~8am-1pm @ Columbus Drive “Finish Festival” area Food, drinks, shade, good times, and a fun time for friends & family too – hang out to cheer on the last finisher!
TEAM PHOTOS Arrive early and stay late for team photos, typically around ~5:30-5:45am at the SWIM START and again around 12noon at the FINISH FESTIVAL team tents!
GOOGLE MAP Use this google maps to see notes & details on where all the important stuff is: tinyurl.com/4star-chicagotri
COACH CHRIS’ ATHLETE TRACKER– Share with your spectators! Add your name here, as well as any info about your projected splits, bib, wave start, and what kit you’re wearing so we can know how to track you and when to expect to see you at various spectating points. This is handy to share with friends, family, and spectating crews too! http://tinyurl.com/4star-chitri
JOIN & SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES! FYI – If you are not an active member of one of our training programs, but want to enjoy some of our “team perks” at our tent, we ask that you simply do any of the following:
Want some hotel recommendations for an upcoming endurance race, event, clinic, or training camp, along with some “insider tips” from our endurance sports coaches?
Do you maybe want to stay at the same hotel as your fellow endurance sports athletes, teammates, and coaches… and possibly get a discounted rate too?
Then SCROLL DOWN BELOW to check out our recommendations below for hotels that our local coaches and athletes frequently plan to stay at, or recommend – both locally in the Chicago area and when travel to cities for other races!
TIP: Book through our Booking.com affiliate links to get the best deals, help support our website, and earn some extra points for future stays!
And don’t miss booking some fun and unique excursions through our affiliate partner Viator.com too!
FTC AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some links may support us through affiliate partnerships. It costs you nothing extra, and typically includes a special discounted rate exclusive to our website supporters and members. Your support helps us continue to keep this website and programs running and growing!
IRON-DISTANCE TRIATHLETE? JOIN OUR “CHICAGO IRONMONSTER” TRI CLUB! Are you a triathlete? Don’t forget to associate with our open and free iron-distance triathlete community as your TRI CLUB AFFILIATION setting when you log in to update the SETTINGS of your IRONMAN.com account – simply select “CHICAGO IRONMONSTERS p/b 4 STAR ENDURANCE” and you’ll receive extra team perks including early access, discounts at IronmanStore.com, and team racking at races! Also, check our TRIDOT for Iron-distance training plans, TriDot Pool Schools for improving your swim, and our new 4 STAR CLUB!
FAIRMONT MILLENIUM PARK – BOOK HERE– this is a great option if you are attending any event in downtown Chicago and want to be close to Grant Park, or attached to our health club partner Lakeshore Sport & Fitness (LSF) – Illinois Center for TriDot Pool Schoolclinics and events! For racing the Chicago Tri, it is also one of the closest hotels to the transition area for before and after the race! You can also get to our “early team meetup” spot in the morning, and ride your bike down through Millennium Park & Maggie Daley Park to get to the start very easily!
RADISSON BLU AQUA – BOOK HERE – this hotel is across the street from the Fairmont, and also connected via underground “Pedway” walkway system to our health club partner! Tip: Check with Coach Chris for a “neighborhood discount” too!
SWISSOTEL – BOOK HERE– this hotel is along the Chicago River and just around the corner from the Fairmont, and also connected via underground “Pedway” walkway system to our health club partner! Tip: Check with Coach Chris for a “neighborhood discount” too!
HYATT REGENCY – BOOK HERE – similar location to the above hotels along the Chicago River, Michigan Ave, and just a couple blocks from Grant Park!
HILTON GARDEN INN – BOOK HERE – not far from all the above hotels and nearby all the attractions, this hotel sometimes has the best value rates for nearby hotels!
CHICAGO MARATHON
CONGRESS PLAZA HOTEL – BOOK HERE– this is a great option if you are racing the Chicago Marathon because it’s the closest hotel to the entrance in the morning, and it’s next door to our usual “Team HQ” at the ROOSEVELT CENTER!
HYATT PLACE – UNIVERSITY PARK – Stay a short drive (or walk?) off campus and enjoy free breakfast and a swimming pool at a discounted rate compared to other hotels nearby!
KAILUA-KONA (IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS)
“King K” Courtyard by Marriot (Host Hotel): Stay right at the race transition area and athlete check in location by staying at the King Kamehameha hotel!
Kailua Bay Resort: Check out this condo “Resort” with occasional VRBO / AIRBNB style condo’s for rent that are along the bike & run course, and just a block or two from transition! Just note that resort + cleaning fees will often add 50%+ to the base price! Examples: Unit 3103 or Unit 5307 or Additional Units
And make sure you book some fun excursions through our Viator affilate link to support our site!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan/Times Square: BOOK HERE– this is a hotel that is close to tourist activities, the Javit Center, Times Square, and the bus shuttles in the morning – and it has FREE BREAKFAST! With so many hotel options in NYC, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so consider booking based on several factors including that could vary from person to person:
Easy access to the expo (Javitz Center),
Easy access to the 5k race the day prior (if you’re doing the “double”)
Easy morning access to the bus/ferry for the race start,
Easy access for after the race (you’ll be walking a lot!), and
What might be ideal for friends/family spectating, or any team meetups!
ROCKFORD IL 70.3
EMBASSY SUITES ROCKFORD RIVERFRONT: BOOK HERE– this is the nicest and most convenient hotel right by the race venue!
FRANKFORT MI 70.3
BAYMONT BY WYNDHAM: BOOK HERE– this is one of the few larger chain hotels that is located closest to Frankfort, MI just outside of town in Beulah.
IM ARIZONA
AC Hotel by Marriott – BOOK HERE– this is a great hotel because it’s on the bike and run course and just 1 block away from the race venue site! Perfect for spectators and quick access before and after the race to stay warm!
IM WISCONSIN
HILTON MADISON MONONA TERRACE – BOOK HERE – You can’t beat staying at the host hotel that is connected by an indoor walkway to the transition area, and right at the finish line! The best option and typically worth the extra cost for the convenience and to minimize walking before and after the race!
BEST WESTERN PREMIERE PARK – BOOK HERE– this is a great hotel close to the race venue, finish line, and run course. Perfect location for spectators running around cheering on athletes along the run course!
BEST WESTERN PLUS InnTowner – BOOK HERE– this is a good hotel that is typically cheaper than the downtown hotels and located out by the far end of the run course… great for spectators who plan to be out on the run course who want free breakfast and a cheaper hotel option than downtown!
IRVING, TEXAS – USAT MULTISPORT NATIONALS:
HOLIDAY INN – LAS COLINAS:BOOK HERE– this is a great option at a great rate that is close to the race venue site, so you can walk or ride to the start each day and avoid parking hassles! There is also a free breakfast every day!!!
Additionally, going to direct HOTEL & AIRLINE BOOKINGS are always some of the best places to find deals, so be sure to visit these links to book direct and support our website and programs:
FTC AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some links may support us through affiliate partnerships. It costs you nothing extra, and typically includes a special discounted rate exclusive to our website supporters and members. Your support helps us continue to keep this website and programs running and growing!
Looking for group rides in Chicago? Checking for USA CYCLING clubs and BIKE SHOPS are a great starting point in any big city. Here are a few well known rides and routes we recommend starting with:
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BFF Bikes Shop – bffbikes.com/events – They typically rotate alternating weekends of “beginner” friendly rides and longer/faster “endurance” rides. Here is their typical “Endurance” Ride Route: tinyurl.com/bffride and you can find other popular routes on their RideWithGPS Ride Collection
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4STAR ENDURANCE Rides, Routes, and Events For additional routes, join and visit our 4 STAR ENDURANCE GARMIN GROUP “courses” tab to find routes like our WOLF LAKEand SKOKIE LAGOON trail routes. You can also find some older maps and century ride events on our old “TriMonster Rides” google doc below (but note that some of the information here might be out dated). Some great “hidden gem” ride routes to “explore” if you’re looking for a first “cycling adventure” to ride heading out of the city, includes the “North Branch Trail“: https://fpdcc.com/places/trails/north-branch-trail-system/
Chicago Virtual Cyclists (CVC) – follow, meet, and connect with other cyclists around Chicago virtually through our open and free “CVC” community! This is a great place to ask for recommendations, and even meet others to ride with outdoors (after surviving the Chicago winters on your trainer!). Learn more and RSVP to rides and events at 4starendurance.com/cvc
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xXx Racing-Athletico Saturday Team Ride info: xxxracing.org/ride xXx-Racing Athletico is nationally recognized as having won USA CYCLING’s “Club of the Year” award multiple times for good reason – while their cycling kits might look fast & intimidating, they are one of Chicago’s largest cycling teams for all ages & ability levels from youth to masters. From social “donut rides” to “practice crits” to teach people about racing, you can find a little bit of everything in their club. Their Saturday “team ride” is open to all as one of Chicago’s largest group rides, and a great place to start to meet and learn about cycling communities in Chicago. Typical Saturday Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/17547819
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The Chainlink – a generally good resource for all things cycling related in chicago. Check their resources page for links to bike shops, routes, etc.: thechainlink.org/page/useful-links
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Lakeshore Landsharks – join our beginner-friendly triathlon community that feature “brick” workouts and “triathlon clinics” on the weekends, typically starting around Foster Ave on the lakefront on Saturday mornings. Learn bike handling skills, transition skills, and even how to fix a flat tire! Learn more and join at 4starendurance.com/landshark
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If you know or would like to share ride and route information here – simply contact us and we’re happy to add more to this page!
FYI: If you’re a triathlete, please be aware that most “group rides” in Chicago imply riding close to other athletes on city streets and bike lanes that require you to react quickly to braking and shifting gears. Most “time trial” or “triathlon” specific bikes are not as safe in group ride settings (or on the lakefront trail) where quick reaction time is important for safety for both yourself and others around you, because these types of bikes typically do not have shifters+brakes “integrated” like road bikes do – they typically have the brakes (on handlebars) and shifters (on aero bar ends) separated, thus preventing you from quickly reacting to both shifting and braking without having to move your hand position. Most group rides will not welcome “TT” bikes like this for these safety reasons, even if you may have electronic shifting and the ability to shift easily from the brake hoods, because “time trial” bikes are not as agile on city streets. Please check with group ride leaders in advance for “time trial” and “triathlete friendly” group rides – as some may ask and require you to ride “at the back” or ride “off the front”.Check for USA Triathlon certified clubs and coaches for recommendations on triathlete-friendly group rides and routes.
