Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure if team membership is for you? Maybe this will help….a list of our most frequently asked questions….
- Do I have to wear a uniform?
- What are the benefits of a Team Membership?
- Do I have to pay a membership fee every year?
- What does my membership fee go towards?
- What is the difference between a Team Workout and Coached Workout?
- Who do I contact for more information?
- How do I get a uniform?
- I am brand new at Triathlons and do not know where to start.
- Do I have to have experience to join the team?
- Do I have to be a runner?
- Do I have to be a swimmer?
- Will I fit in??
- I normally do pretty well at races. Will I fit in too??
- Do I have to be a Team Member to participate in Raise the Bar classes or workouts?
- I don’t live in the South End. Is there still value to joining?
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. The first reason behind having members wear a uniform is to advertise for our sponsors. Multisport is expensive, and our sponsors help us keep the cost down and in trade for that, we get their name/logo out at training and races. The other great reason to wear a uniform is that it connects you with other team members and family members on race day. At every race in the pacific Northwest you’ll have friends to connect and share stories with – and people to cheer for on the course. They’ll cheer for you too.
What are the benefits of a Team Membership?
The benefits include sponsor discounts, race discounts, team workouts, reduced training costs, free educational meetings, Team Meetings, newsletters, and a community of folks with the same goals to connect with.
Do I have to pay a membership fee every year?
Only if you want to stay on the team! Memberships are 12-months long from the date you sign up. You’ll get a full 12 months of multisport benefits with your membership each year.
What does my membership fee go towards?
There are a couple of folks whose only job is to run RTB. (shocking, we know) They gather sponsorships, rent facilities, hire coaches, plan socials, make brownies, etc. All that takes a lot of time, and they need to be compensated. There’s a website to maintain, bookkeeping to keep track of, food to buy for meetings…. It all adds up. The folks at RTB who keep track of the budget are keenly aware of the value of YOUR dollar, and we work hard to make it go as far as possible and see to it that you get a tremendous value for your membership.
What is the difference between a Team Workout and Coached Workout?
A Team workout is a group of RTB members coming together for some good old-fashioned training. Typically there’s a workout leader that kicks things off. A Coached Workout has a coach on board that leads the workout. There is almost always a fee for Coached workouts since we believe in paying our coaches(!) and because facility rental fees are often involved.
Who do I contact for more information?
Kathy Morrisson at kathy@weraisethebar.com does most of our scheduling, registration, and team management tasks. Contact her if you have questions up that alley. Patty Swedberg (patty@weraisethebar.com) can answer questions about sponsorships, coaching, or other questions you might have about RTB in general.
How do I get a uniform?
Contact Kathy at kathy@weraisethebar.com for the latest uniform information. She will know when/if there will another order and what extras we have to buy.
I am brand new at Triathlons and don’t know where to start.
Raise the Bar offers lots of programs that can help you get started. We have a Technique class for those that are beginner swimmers. There is a Bike Handling Class that is offered for biking and our Wednesday’s with Mary are perfect for any level of runner. Our Summer Programs in June-August will give you the skills you need for transitioning, open water swimming, running and biking in a group. Watch for our Beginning Triathlon Classes for some great tips and hints.
Do I have to have experience to join the team?
Heck no. Our team has quite a few members that haven’t done a single triathlon yet! But by joining the team, you’ve put yourself in a community of folks that are excited to participate at whatever level they can, and many of the folks on the team have a good deal of experience and knowledge that they’re happy to pass along.
Do I have to be a runner?
Nope. The last leg of a triathlon is called the “run”, but many many folks that come to the sport have left their running years behind them and choose to ‘walk’ the run. There are also quite a few of our members that are working their way toward becoming runners after years of walking.
Do I have to be a swimmer?
Nope again. Duathlon is a growing facet of multisport that requires athletes to bike and run only. If you have no interest in swimming, Duathlon is for you! And we’ll support you all the way.
Will I fit in??
Yes. The one thing our team members have in common is their desire to do something fun and challenging. Multisport seems to draw those types of people and you’re probably one of them.
I normally do pretty well at races. Will I fit in too??
We have a group of athletes on the team that manage to snatch some local overall race wins and age group placings. If you’re one of those types, we’d love to have you too. So would our sponsors when they see pictures of you in an RTB uniform zooming across the finish line or standing on a podium with an award in your hand.
Do I have to be a Team Member to participate in Raise the Bar classes or workouts?
No. Of course we would like you to be but you are more then welcome. Your class fees will be higher and if you plan on taking many classes or making a major triathlon purchase (wetsuit, bike or running gear), you will find it’s cheaper to join Raise the Bar and take advantage of the available discounts.
I don’t live in the South End. Is there still value to joining?
Yes, and we think the value is growing. We’re working hard at encouraging athletes who live north or south of us to join the team and to lead some team workouts in locations that are more convenient for you. We will be offering incentives this spring to RTB members who can get a group of folks to train together outside of South King County.
