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What’s happening this fall!

Check out some featured events below!  For a full calendar of events and more details, click here 

End of Season Party

Join us in celebrating a phenomenal season of training, racing and fun! We are extremely grateful for this wonderful community of athletes, with whom we’ve had the pleasure of sharing so many great memories & experiences.

Hors d’eourves will be served and other food & beverages will be available for purchase. We will be crowning our 2022 Superlative Winners and raffling off great prizes including race entries!

Prohibition (UWS) 503 Columbus Ave New York, NY 10024Friday, November 18, 20227-10 PM

All are welcome!  Whether you’re a longtime club member, past program participant, or are just looking to meet the team, we invite you to swing by for a drink!

RSVP

 

Join Empire Tri Club for the

13th Annual Giro di Santa

When: Sunday, December 4, 2022

Time: 9:30 am

Location: Meet in Central Park at 7th Ave & Central Park South

Tis’ the season!!  Combine the holidays with biking, cookies, hot cocoa and friends and what do you get? The most festive ride of the year!  Dust off your bike, pump up your tires, and decorate it with tinsil, lights and bows. The Giro di Santa is slated to take place on Sunday, December 4th, 2022!

Please join us as we ride through the streets of New York, spreading holiday cheer, all while supporting the Challenged Athletes Foundation. (Don’t forget to order your Santa Suit!)

JOIN THE RIDE!

 

Holiday Glow Stick / Ugly Sweater Run

Join us as we spread holiday cheer on our last run of the year!  Dress up in your favorite holiday sweater – we’ll provide the glow sticks!

When: Thursday, December 15, 2022
Time:  6:30pm
Where: Meet at Fleet Feet inside the Deutsche Bank Center at Columbus Circle
What:  3-4 mile “chat pace” group run.  Bag drop available. Pace groups are formed. All abilities are welcome.

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What Every Triathlete Should Be Doing In November

What every triathlete should be doing in November

The days are getting shorter. The weather is getting colder.  For many triathletes, race season is over and we find ourselves struggling to find motivation and purpose for our workouts.  As a triathlete and coach for over 20 years, I’ve found that its crucial to have a 4-8 week window each year where workouts are purely fun, less structured and social.  This is our “reset button”, allowing us to start a new season fresh, motivated and excited once again.  Neglecting to prioritize this short period of downtime can lead to burnout and injury.  A few things you can do to keep a healthy mind and body during this phase of training include:

  • Mix it Up – Try taking a dance class, boxing lesson or rock climbing!  You’ll not only break a sweat, but engage other muscle groups that you don’t normally train during your in-season swim, bike, run training.
  • Make Time for Friends & Family – Triathlon Training takes up a lot of time and energy.  During tri season you may find yourself absorbed in your fitness routine and spending less time with F&F that aren’t into the same things.  Now is a perfect time to connect with friends & family since you have a less intense training regimen.  
  • Plan for Next SeasonRaces typically open for registration during the winter months.  Figure out what races you’re going to do next year and take advantage of early bird pricing and holiday specials (plus take care of the logistics like hotels or AIRBNBs while lots of options are still available!)  
  • Indulge (Within Reason)!  It’s great to indulge!  But try and avoid holiday weight gain by trying out healthy new recipes and dialing back your caloric intake slightly (especially if your training load has decreased!) Consider working with a nutritionist like Lauren Antonucci who can help fine tune your nutrition plan as it changes throughout the seasons.

Whether you have a clear vision or don’t know where to begin, contact us for a free consultation and we’ll connect you with an expert coach. 

Click here for the full newsletter 

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Best Deals of the Season on Membership & Coaching

Coaching & Club Membership

Our best deals of the season when you sign up by December 1st!  

$50 OFF the following programs with Coupon Code BlackTriday 

ANNUAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP  (12-months, start anytime)BEST VALUE!!

     All the perks of the Seasonal Membership plus:

  • 1-on-1 season planning / goal setting consultation with a coach
  • 1/2 marathon winter training plan
  • 12-week indoor cycling & strength training program
  • Pre-registration and discounts on winter swim programs

JOIN NOW
SEASONAL CLUB MEMBERSHIP: (April – October)
Short Term Commitment

  • Group workouts 3-4x a week
  • Training plan to follow
  • Access to exclusive team communication app
  • Discounts, socials, club perks and 30+ clinics

JOIN NOW 

BEGINNER TRI PROGRAM: (April – July) 
12-Weeks comprehensive program for newbies

SIGN UP 

1-ON-1 COACHING (3 month min, start anytime)

Custom Training Plan and Coach Support

  • Sign up for ANY coaching package before Dec 1 and receive a FREE Empire Tri Club Membership for the duration of your coaching package!

SIGN UP

Not sure where to begin? Text or Email us at info@empiretriclub.com / 201-218-3805.  We are happy to talk tri!

Click here for the full newsletter 

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NYC Runs Go Nuts for Donuts 5k + Outdoor Team Brunch

We at Empire Tri Club are committed to creating fun, innovative team challenges to keep you connected, motivated all-year long.  Here are a few of the team challenges going on this fall: 

NYC Runs Go Nuts for Donut 5k + outdoor team brunch

About:  New Yorkers love to multitask, and this race hits the jackpot. Get your runner’s high and your sugar high simultaneously! Run your heart out, then re-fuel with your fill of puffy round goodies (in single serving bags for 2020). Randall’s Island is the venue for this Homer-Simpson-approved race.

Start Time:  50 person waves starting at 8am (Empire members are encouraged to sign up for the 9am time slot)
Where: Randall’s Island, NY

Sign Up / Details:  https://nycruns.com/race/nycruns-go-nuts-for-donuts-5k

Brunch: Following the race we have reserved tables for an outdoor team brunch at The Bonnie (29-12 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105).

RSVP: Club members can RSVP on GroupSpot to ensure you’re included on the reservation.

Social Media:  #GoNutsforDonuts #EmpireTri
More challenges are being created and will be announced soon!  Have an idea? Email info@empiretriclub.com
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Central Park Loop Cup

We at Empire Tri Club are committed to creating fun, innovative team challenges to keep you connected, motivated all-year long.  Here are a few of the team challenges going on this fall: 

Central Park Loop Cup

What: Empire Tri Club has entered a team to compete in the inaugural Central Park Loop Cup
When: The race will be held between 5am on October 26th and 5pm on November 8th.
Details:  What’s your Central Park Loop PR? Don’t know? Don’t have one? Well, now is your chance to grab your Central Park Loop PR.  What team will take home the coveted Central Park Loop Cup and some local bragging rights? Only one way to find out…Let’s Race! 

Rules & Scoring: Old School Cross Country (XC) Scoring – Top 5 runners per team score. Your 6th and 7th runners do count as they can displace other team’s top 5 runners. Roster size is unlimited. Runners can only score for 1 team. Please don’t try and run for multiple teams. Runners need a strava account (free or premium) to get their race recorded. Runners can use a gps watch / device and sync with Strava or use the Strava app directly

Course: 1 Full Loop of Central Park which is a 6.0 mile loop.  Start and Finish is the same location which is the south crosswalk of Engineer’s Gate (90th and 5th Ave entrance).  Race will be run counterclockwise. Please stay between the curb and the bike lane for the entire loop.

Awards:  Top 3 Teams and overall individual winners will get prizes / swag from our friends at: 

Top Female / Male Open Runners – $100
Top Female / Male Masters Runners – $100
Top 3 Teams – Women / Male – Free Pair of Brooks Running Shoes (7 per team)
Winning Team – Women / Men – 1 Case of Other Half Brewery Beer (Value $150)
And more prizes to be added
Cost: FREE
 
Team Codes:  
  • Male: Code: jnFHp419
  • Female: Code: r6o28N5d
Social Media:  #CPLoopCup #EmpireTri
More challenges are being created and will be announced soon!  Have an idea? Email info@empiretriclub.com
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Virtual Tri Across America

We at Empire Tri Club are committed to creating fun, innovative team challenges to keep you connected, motivated all-year long.  Here are a few of the team challenges going on this fall: 

Empire Tri Club has entered a team in the Power Within Virtual Tri Across America!  

What:  A team-based event that challenges athletes to undertake a triathlon across the country – 7 miles of swimming, 2,400 miles of biking and 905 miles of running

When: October 15-November 29.

Details: “Embark on a shared adventure with family, teammates, friends or strangers who will become friend as you virtually cross the United States. From Oct. 15 through Nov. 29, team up to tackle more than 3,300 miles by swimming, biking and running in the Power Within Virtual Tri Across America Presented by Toyota. Each team can create their own strategy for conquering the miles during this six-week endurance test. Let’s enjoy and celebrate the well-worn trails, favorite views and beauty all around us.”
Sign Up:  Join Empire Tri Club’s official team by clicking here to sign up!  https://www.fitrankings.com/r/E682A01F.

More info: https://www.teamusa.org/usa-triathlon/power-within-virtual-tri-across-america

Use GroupSpot to coordinate, motivate one another, and stay on course as we swim bike and run across America!
#TriAcrossAmerica
More challenges are being created and will be announced soon!  Have an idea? Email info@empiretriclub.com
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Empire Tri Club Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon & Fun Run + Team Cheer / Aid Station 

We at Empire Tri Club are committed to creating fun, innovative team challenges to keep you connected, motivated all-year long.  Here are a few of the team challenges going on this fall: 

Empire Tri Club Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon & Fun Run + Team Cheer / Aid Station 

About: To coincide with the Virtual NYC Marathon, Empire Tri Club is hosting a virtual race on November 1st.  Runners are encouraged to complete a marathon, half marathon or fun run (any distance of your choice).

Start Time:  Empire’s Founder Alison Kreideweis will be kicking off her run at 9am from our Aid Station in Central Park (see below for location).  Join her to kick off your run or run your race virtually and start from your own location at any time you wish!
Route: Since athletes will be running all paces and distances, we will not be publishing any specific route.  However, for camaraderie and support, we recommend choosing a route that will pass by our aid station in Central Park several times for cheers and nutrition!

Aid / Cheer Station: To support our athletes, we’ll be setting up an aid station in Central Park (West Park Drive between 72nd St & the Delacorte Theater) from 9am-1pm on November 1st, to provide cheers and nutrition from UCAN, Gatorade and Clif Bar.

RSVP: Club members can RSVP on GroupSpot if you’re running or cheering so we know to look out for you!

Social Media:  #EmpireTri #EmpireTriVirtualRace #TCSNYCMarathon 
More challenges are being created and will be announced soon!  Have an idea? Email info@empiretriclub.com
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November Schedule of Events

Empire Tri Club has adapted our program throughout COVID19, to offer both virtual events as well as in-person events with safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of our athletes.  Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening this month:

NOVEMBER 2020

KEY: 
VIRTUAL EVENTS
IN-PERSON WORKOUTS
Sunday, Nov 1, 9AM — Empire Tri Club Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Fun Run.  Empire Tri Club will have an aid / cheer station on the West Park Drive between the Delacourte Theater and 72nd Street Transverse with drinks & food provided by UCAN, Clif Bar and Gatorade.  Swing by for free fuel and an energy boost!  If you’re not running (or when you finish running), join us at the table to cheer, hang out and encourage runners! It’s Halloween weekend – costumes encouraged! 
Monday, Nov 2, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Tuesday, Nov 3, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park @ Delacourte Theater with Coach Alison 
Thursday, Nov 5, 6:30PM – Coached Group Run in Central Park @ Columbus Circle
Sun, Nov 8, 9AM — Group Ride NYC to WCL including outdoor coffee + brunch at Coach Ali & Sascha’s House
Mon, Nov 9, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Tuesday, Nov 10, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park @ Delacourte Theater with Coach Alison
Thurs, Nov 12, 6:30PM — Clutch PT Strength Session in Central Park
Sat, Nov 14, 9AMNYC RUNS, Go Nuts for Donuts 5k Team Fun Run + Brunch afterwards, Randall’s Island (Empire teammates are encouraged to sign up for the 9am wave).
Mon, Nov 16, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Tuesday, Nov 17, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park @ Delacourte Theater with Coach Alison
Thursday, Nov 19, 6:30PM – Coached Group Run in Central Park @ Columbus Circle
Mon, Nov 23, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Tuesday, Nov 24, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park @ Delacourte Theater with Coach Alison
Thurs, Nov 26 — Virtual Turkey Trot. Complete a 5k, 10k or any distance run of your choice (better yet, if there is an in-person, turkey Trop that you can participate in, sign up!). Looking to run for a greater cause? Sign up for the Women’s Health and Men’s Health Virtual Turkey Trot to benefit Feeding America.
Mon, Nov 30, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Workout Details are posted for club members Training Peaks and an interactive real-time calendar where you can RSVP is accessible to club members in the GroupSpot app.  Not a member? Sign up for a FREE 2-week trial!
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Fall is Here! October schedule of events

Empire Tri Club has adapted our program throughout COVID19, to offer both virtual events as well as in-person events with safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of our athletes.  Here’s a snapshot of what’s happening this month:

OCTOBER 2020

KEY: 
VIRTUAL EVENTS
IN-PERSON WORKOUTS
Thurs, Oct 1, 6:30PM — Group Run in Central Park with Coach Ryan
Mon, Oct 5, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Mon, Oct 5, 6:30PM —  Coaches Corners to discuss marathon & half marathon prep on Zoom
Tuesday, Oct 6, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park with Coach Alison
Wed, Oct 7, 6:30PM — Zoom Book Club Meet Up — “The Athlete Inside” By Sue Reynolds 
Thurs, Oct 8, 6:15PM — Clutch PT Strength Session in Central Park
Mon, Oct 12, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Mon, Oct 12, 6:30PM —  Coaches Corners to discuss marathon & half marathon prep on Zoom
Tuesday, Oct 13, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park with Coach Alison
Wed, Oct 14, 6:00PM — Zoom Yoga with Hess
Thurs, Oct 15, 6:30PM — Group Run with Coach Ryan in Central Park + HAPPY HOUR
Saturday, Oct 17, 8AM — Group Ride NYC to WCL including outdoor coffee + brunch at Coach Ali & Sascha’s House
Mon, Oct 19, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Mon, Oct 19, 6:30PM —  Coaches Corners to discuss marathon & half marathon prep on Zoom
Tuesday, Oct 20, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park with Coach Alison
Wed, Oct 21, 6:30PM — Zoom with Coach Joe Friel, founder and creator of Training Peaks, coach of many world champions and author of 17 books. 
Thurs, Oct 22, 6:30PM — Group Run in Central Park with Coach Sam Ellis
Mon, Oct 26, 5:15PM — Coached Group Bike ​Ride on Zwift
Mon, Oct 26, 6:30PM —  Coaches Corners to discuss marathon & half marathon prep on Zoom
Tuesday, Oct 27, 6:30PM — Group Strength Training in Central Park with Coach Alison
Thurs, Oct 29, 6:30PM — Group Run in Central Park with Coach Sam Ellis
Details are posted for club members in the GroupSpot app.  Not a member? Sign up for a FREE 2-week trial!
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Athlete Spotlight: Wissam Nasr

Meet Wissam Nasr! 

Wissam is one of the Empire Tri Club’s most recent additions to the Spring Beginner Program. He was born in Cairo, Egypt and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, the most diverse zip code in the world. Roughly a square mile with 113,000 residents who speak 167 languages. Growing up in Jackson Heights attracted him to a career in human rights and civil rights later in life.

Tell us a little about your family. 

My mother and father operated a local veterinary clinic for 20 years in Queens. The clinic was located next door to Corona’s Parkside Restaurant, a famous Genovese mafia hangout.  Local mobsters would bring in their baby alligators for checkups.  They would play with the cats. Most of you have never seen a hitman cuddle with a kitten, but I have. As late as 2015, a checkup for your dog was $25. My parents were often were never paid fully for surgeries they performed. They never sent a collection notice in their lives. I’m proud of that.

My father, whom resembled a mad professor when wearing a lab coat, died from smoking related causes in 2016 after 10 months on various machines. Then my favorite Uncle died the next year. And right after his death, my mother became completely blind and lost her memory. Facing such daunting issues, my fiancee decided to leave for better weather in California. I had no choice but to go it alone, so I quit my job and took care of my mom for a couple of years. 55 million Americans are taking care of an elderly loved one with a disability, and I was one of them. On May 13th, 2020 my mom passed away.  My only surviving family member is a sister that lives in France. 

Why did you choose Empire?

I joined because I understood the importance of surrounding yourself with a good peer group, especially a group of people I would consider to be role models in their own right. I find Empire to be motivational, educational, and helpful to be a part of as I train for a formal event for the first time. I can ask specific or general questions, and I think the collective experiences of my many coaches and teammates are the greatest benefit for a beginner like me. 

What is your fitness background? 

I’ve never been involved in organized fitness, unless eating ice cream finally becomes the Olympic event that we all feel it should be. As a matter of fact, I spent most of my life 20 to 50 pounds overweight. Things changed about a year ago. I wasn’t proud of my health. I began to integrate exercise into my daily routines, like commuting to work by bicycle. I have always felt most comfortable on a bike; but I am now enjoying running a lot more than I thought. I can’t swim all that well yet, but I have a Pinky and the Brain level plan to solve that problem, so let’s see. 

What is a personal goal of yours?

I recently turned 42, and I have the opportunity to retire early, the result of years of good personal finance and eating cold noodles for dinner. I like the idea of traveling the world, training in Mallorca, and competing in events. Or I might rent an apartment in South Africa and play soccer with children across the street every single day. I don’t know. I can’t play soccer but maybe they’ll need a goalie. Americans are good goalies. I’m ok with either plan. I do know that training for events will be a central part of my life. I have already been to 60 some countries and 200 cities. In fact, I taught tourism and hospitality at a public high school for a year so I can probably help my teammates with travel advice.  

At the aspirational level in the triathlon world, I saw Doc Golden’s speech on YouTube with a buddy of mine, and her vivid description of competing in a triathlon, has made the Ironman an official daydream of mine now. And look, it’s good to daydream. There’s not much else to do for me to do when I’m running up a hill on mile 6. So I’ll run my first tri and see where it takes me. 

One Crazy swim/bike/run adventure?

I was a United Nations civil affairs officer stationed in Kosovo in 2008 just prior to their declaration of independence. I was posted in a rural setting where there had been religious violence. I took a new route from my evening walk one day and ended up being chased by a massive bull. Or it could have been a really masculine looking cow, I don’t know. I could have sworn I saw horns. But it was fast! I didn’t want beef with the cow, so I ran as fast as I could. Apparently cows are able to smell blood despite being vegetarians. And I can confirm that running from something as bizarre as a cow happens only in slow-motion. Luckily, some of the local Roma kids saw me, and since 10-year-olds are always much braver than adults, they distracted the cow while I got to safety. The next day I went up the hill to thank the kids who helped me and they asked me if I was going to run again. I agreed and they ran with me every few days after that. I t was nice. Running with 10-year-olds in a recovering warzone after work was how I started, I guess. 

Fun fact about you?

I’ve been known to have a lot of pretty cool jobs over the last 25 years. Right now, I currently teach child actors on movie sets and Broadway shows, so I often get to hang out in famous actors’ dressing rooms, like Joaquin Phoenix in the Joker or Forrest Whitaker in Godfather of Harlem. You’d be surprised to hear what Donnie Wahlberg has to say about curling.