Hello Gators, We’re off to a fast start in 2015 with 41 committed to the 2nd Gator Fitness Challenge! It’s never too late to join, so if you have not committed, but would like to do so, sign up either on the summary sheet on the Y pool deck bulletin board or reply back to this e-mail. And just a reminder that you can register as a two person team to get extra entries into our prize drawings for each week successfully completed. So far we only have three teams, which means that 35 are currently without a partner. If you would like to be randomly paired up with another GFC participant, reply back. This week's topics include...Welcome!… Several new members have joined the Gators!Who’s Next?... Gator warning for Phoenixville!Coaches Tip… Check out this new feature!About a Gator... When you think “winter” and “swimming” only one person comes to mind!Recommended Podcasts… Staying fit while getting older and “You are an IRONMAN!” Happy Birthday: Best wishes to the following Gators that are celebrating birthdays this week!Don Schlichtmann (Friday, January 16)Kelly Ferreri (Friday, January 16) Welcome! A warm welcome to the following members that have recently joined the Gators! If you see a new face at an upcoming workout, please be sure to introduce yourself.Steph BieloskiNadine IsabellDave MarineSteph Stranick Also, just a reminder that January is the month to renew your club membership… If you have not already had the chance to sign up, please try to do so before the end of the month as we will be updating our e-mail list, Training Peaks accounts, and our Facebook group. Memberships can be renewed at the Y front desk or by clicking here (once there click “Program Search”, enter “Gators”, and select “Triathlon Training”). Who’s Next? This Sunday, January 18, Chris Reiter will be joining the Gators Masters Swim team at their meet in Phoenixville and will be participating in the 1,500m event. I’m guessing that veteran swimmers and new Gators Steph Bieloski and Dave Marine will be there as well as our coach Maribeth Baker. If you have some time that morning, please stop by the Phoenixville YMCA to cheer on Chris, Steph, Dave, and Maribeth and all of the other Masters Swim Gators! Coaches Tip: This is a new feature that will be included in the newsletter where our coaches share their knowledge with brief tips that will help you to have more success in your training and competing. This week’s first tip comes from our head coach, Danny Friend: Set goals for the season. It gives you something to strive for and gives you motivation. They can be as easy as completing a race or as difficult as trying to qualify for something. However, set goals that are attainable and are yours. About A Gator: There is no place this week’s featured athlete would rather be than in the open water… And the longer the swim, the better. Learn about Nabil Radouane in this edition of “About A Gator”. Recommended Podcasts: Two recommendations this week…Joe Friel on “Fast Over 50”, High Intensity Training, & More by Triathlete Training. Joe Friel, age 71, is an accomplished author of over a dozen books including “The Triathlete’s Training Bible”. He’s also behind some of the heart rate zone setting that we use. This interview is partially promoting Joe’s new book “Fast After 50”, but it is valuable to athletes of all ages as Joe discusses the importance of maintaining muscle mass as we age as well as the importance of sleep and good nutrition. Legends of Triathlon – Mike Reilly from IM Talk’s Legends of Triathlon. To long distance triathletes, the words “You are an Ironman” are as iconic as Michael Buffer’s “Let’s get ready to rumble”. Mike Reilly is the voice of Ironman triathlon and is the speaker of those words at the end of many Ironman events. A bunch of us are hoping to hear him say our names in Lake Placid this July (and maybe Boulder, CO and Cambridge, MD as well). Learn about Mike’s background in this great interview. Mark Your Calendars: Weekly Workouts: Remaining workouts for this week include...Wednesday, 1/14, 10am-11am (Don S) and 8:30pm-9:30pm (Maribeth): Tri Swim ClassThursday, 1/15, 7:45pm-9:15pm: Bike Trainers with Danny. NEW LOCATION!... ROOM 1, off of the Y front lobbySaturday, 1/17, 7:15am-9:45am: Tri Club with Don M7:15am-9:15am: Bike Trainers on the pool deck (athletes training for shorter distance events can cut the time) 9:20am-9:45am (or immediately after the completion of your bike ride): Brick Run (15-20 minutes_ and Stretch (5-10 minutes) Go Gators! Don M