Gear Swap

Start cleaning out your closets now!  The 2nd annual gear swap will be here before you know it.  April 2, 2012 at the Mandell JCC.  More details below.

Got workout gear you don’t wear, care for or want anymore.  Then join us at our 2nd annual gear swap!  You can turn those running tights that don’t fit into an almost-new pair of running sunglasses, a bike pump or a yoga mat. This event can help turn your spring cleaning into spring training!

Monday, April 2, 2012      6:00-7:00 Drop Off Items        7:00pm Swap Begins     Mandell Jewish Community Center
335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford

Here is how the swap will work:

We will be accepting gear from 6-7 p.m.  Gently used and laundered adult workout clothes (no kids clothes please), bike pumps, watches, tennis raquets, swim fins, yoga mats are just a few of the items you can bring to this green-minded event.  For each piece of gear you donate, you will get a ticket – up to a maximum of 5 tickets (you can bring more than 5 items – but will only get 5 tickets).

You are also welcome to bring bikes (kids and adult), golf clubs, skis and other high-end items to sell during the Swap.   A small percentage of this sale will be given to the Mandell JCC Scholarship Fund.

From 7-9 p.m., we will call out ticket numbers in random order.  When your number is called, you can pick out the item you want.

Whatever is left over at the end of the night will be donated to IRIS, Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services and Hartford’s Capitol Prep High School’s Track Team.

Registration:
Stay tuned for registration link and information.
Donation of $5, payable at the door, with advanced online registration.
No advanced registration, $10 donation, payable at the door.

All proceeds will go to the Mandell JCC Scholarship Fund which provides support for childcare and pre-school education programs, senior adult groups and individuals with special needs.

All items should be in good condition and laundered (if appropriate).
Bring any instruction manuals or useful documentation.

Event Organizers:

FAQs:
What if I don’t have anything swap?
That’s okay.  This is the perfect place to find a great deal.  If you don’t have anything to swap you  can purchase extra tickets at the event for $2.00.  This is in addition to your entry registration.  Remember, it’s all going to a good cause.

What if you have a higher end item you are not sure you want to swap like a road bike, golf clubs or new pair of skis?
There will be an area where registrants can display their items and hopefully find an interested buyer (these sales are between the two parties and do not involve the swap organizers). A small percentage of this sale will go to the Mandell JCC Scholarship Fund.

Why is there a limit of 5 items to swap?
Due to the time limit and projected number of attendees, 5 items is the limit.  You may bring up to 10 items in order add to the variety of items available.

What will happen to any items that are not selected?
Any items that do not find a home at the end of the evening will be donated to local charities.
IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Service) and Hartford’s Capitol Prep High School Track Team.

Do you have more questions?  Please post them here or email us and we’ll respond to you directly and post it here for others to see.

Minimalist Guide to Tri Gear

The Minimalist Guide to your first sprint triathlon

Congratulations!  You have decided to join the exciting world of triathlons and triathlon training.  This sport is both exciting and scary.  In addition to feeling overwhelmed, you might even be thinking if you can afford all of the tri gear that goes along with this crazy sport.  I’m here to tell you that in your first sprint triathlon you don’t need to break the bank.  Just remember, less is more!

Here is a basic list of you will need to get you through your first triathlon season. The hope is that you’ll discover how much you love this sport and lifestyle.  Only then should you slowly start to increase your gear purchases.

But for now, let’s get you through your inaugural tri season while leaving enough money to pay your mortgage or fill your car with gas.

A bag.
This can be a fancy triathlon bag is designed to carry every item in a specific pocket or pouch.  Or it can be a back pack that you find at Marshalls or Target.  But, I would highly recommend that you use a backpack.  It’s possible that you will need to ride your bike from your parking area to the transition area.  Carrying an L.L. Bean bag weighted with gear, water and food will most definitely insure you fall off of your bike before the event even begins.
Swim:
All you really need is a basic swim cap, regular racing swimsuit and goggles.

Bike:
You must have a helmet.  You should own bike gloves for when you’re doing your training rides.  However, you don’t need to take the time to put on your gloves for a 10-12 mile ride.  You can do the bike leg in running shorts and a t-shirt.  As far as the bike is concerned, you do not need a fancy road bike for your first sprint triathlon. You will work a bit harder on a hybrid or mountain bike.  But until you decide if this “triathlon thing” is for you, you should definitely wait before spending the money on a brand new road bike.  If did you buy a bike in your first season it probably won’t be the bike you would eventually want.  So…just wait.

Run:
All you really need is a good pair of running shoes for this one.  It’s always good to wear a cap and sunglasses to protect against heat and damaging sun rays.

Other:
You should have a water bottle or two on your bike.  This is where you’ll take in most of your fluids during the race.  If you get nervous taking a drink during the ride, don’t sacrifice the important hydration.  You can purchase or borrow a hydration system that you wear on your back.