Again, a great opportunity for beginner triathletes (or those thinking of trying a triathlon...)

I realize that there's already been a post on RaceRaiders that talks about the New England Multi-Sport Expo, but I found out more information about the clinics they're offering at the Expo and wanted to encourage beginner triathletes (or any triathletes for that matter) to check out the clinics and consider signing up for one. They're offering five clinics with some clinics providing sessions for different levels of ability, all of which cost around $45, which is cheap compared to typical workshops or private lessons. There's a clinic on a running style/form called Chi Running that costs $45 -- a typical Chi Running workshop is usually around $250 to $300. True, the typical workshop is a few more hours long, but I'm assuming the basics and advice you'll get is the same. Chi Running is a method of teaching running form that aims to help runners reduce injury and run for longer distances. I've actually found it very helpful, though some people haven't. I'm planning on putting up a post explaining exactly what it entails in the near future.

There's also a swimming workshop based on the Total Immersion swim technique, which is definitely the popular swim style these days in the triathlon world. Swimming has always been a mystery to me so I'm planning on attending this workshop. They offer two -- one for beginners that teaches the basics and one for more advanced swimming that includes a video analysis of your form. These clinics are between $45 and $55 and are limited in size so that there's one instructor for every 4 swimmers for the session. That's a pretty good teaching ratio for $45. Usually Total Immersion workshops are much longer and more expensive.

They're also offering a clinic solely for beginner triathletes to go over the basics and answer all your questions. I don't know much about the group running the clinic, but I'm sure it would be helpful -- even if just to meet some other people who are gearing up for their first race.
Other clinics include one on strength training for triathletes and a clinic discussing quantitative training and nutrition. They're all being offered during the expo (which is free) over the weekend of March 21 and 22, 2009. Everything takes places at MIT's campus right outside of Boston. Here's the site describing the clinics MultiSport World Expo and you can also sign up for the clinics on active.com. I have no affiliation with either company, but think it's a great event for triathletes so I wanted to encourage anyone to sign up.