Arvada Triathlon Company: Your Journey from the Couch to the Finish Line Starts Here
I still remember the crushing noise of the crowd, the blur of sleek, expensive bikes, and the overwhelming feeling that I was in the wrong place. It was the morning of my first triathlon, and I was standing near the lake, shivering in a wetsuit I’d rented online. Everyone around me looked like a professional athlete. They had all the right gear, their bodies were chiseled, and they spoke a language I didn’t understand—words like “aero” and “T1” and “brick workout.” I felt like an imposter. My goal wasn’t to win; it was simply not to drown, not to crash my bike, and not to be the very last person to cross the finish line. That day was one of the hardest and most exhilarating of my life, but the one thing I missed was a guide. I missed a friendly face. I missed a community.
That feeling of being alone in a crowd is why the Arvada Triathlon Company exists. We are not just another fitness company. We are a home for people who have a little voice in their head saying, “I wonder if I could do a triathlon?” We are here to shout back, “Yes, you absolutely can, and we will show you how.” This is not about creating elite, podium-topping robots. It is about helping teachers, nurses, engineers, and parents discover a version of themselves they did not know was possible. It is about the shared struggle, the high fives, and the incredible joy of achieving something you once thought was impossible. and after a decade of coaching, I started this company to make sure no one ever has to feel as alone as I did at that first starting line.
More Than a Shop, We’re Your Triathlon Family
When you walk into our space in Olde Town Arvada, the first thing you will notice is not a wall of shiny, intimidating equipment. The first thing you will notice is the sound of laughter. You will see a group of people drinking coffee after a morning run, comparing notes on their kids’ soccer games. You will see a coach patiently helping someone adjust their bike helmet. We built this place from the ground up with one core principle: community first.
Our Story: Born from a Passion for People and Performance
My journey into triathlon was accidental. I was a runner who got a knee injury, so I started cycling to stay fit. Then I realized I needed to cross-train, so I begrudgingly started swimming. Before I knew it, I was piecing together the three sports. Through years of racing and becoming a certified coach, I noticed a pattern. The athletes who stuck with the sport, who improved, and who genuinely enjoyed themselves were the ones who were part of a team or a club. The ones who trained alone often burned out or never got past their initial fears, especially the swim.
I started the Arvada Triathlon Company in my garage with two bikes and a whiteboard. It was just me and three brave first-timers. We grew not through fancy marketing, but through word of mouth. When one of our athletes had a breakthrough, they would bring their friend. When someone felt supported, they told their coworker. We grew organically into the community we are today because we focus on the person, not just the performance. We care about your story, your busy schedule, your fears, and your goals. Your goal might be to complete a sprint triathlon without walking, and to us, that is just as important as another athlete’s goal to qualify for the national championships.
The Arvada Triathlon Company Difference: Community First
So, what does “community first” actually mean for you? It means when you sign up for a program with us, you are not just getting a training plan. You are getting a built-in support system.
It means that on a cold, dark morning when your alarm goes off for a group run, you will get out of bed because you know that Sarah and Tom are waiting for you at the meeting point, and you do not want to let them down. It means that after a tough swim session, you will stand in the pool parking lot for twenty minutes with your new friends, debriefing the workout and making plans for the weekend. It means that when you have a question about nutrition or a nagging pain, you have not just a coach to ask, but a dozen fellow athletes who have likely experienced the same thing and can offer advice and reassurance.
We actively foster this environment. We host monthly potlucks, we have group cheers for everyone at races, and we celebrate every single finish line crossing as a victory for our entire tribe. This is the difference between simply exercising and being part of something bigger than yourself.
Our Services: Designed for Every Athlete, from Curious to Competitive
We understand that everyone starts from a different place. Maybe you are a former college runner looking for a new challenge. Maybe you have not worked out consistently since high school. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.
Personal Triathlon Coaching: Your Custom Roadmap to Success
This is our most comprehensive offering, and it is for the athlete who wants a plan built entirely for their life, their goals, and their body. A one-size-fits-all training plan downloaded from the internet cannot account for your work travel, your child’s ballet recitals, or your personal strengths and weaknesses.
When you sign up for personal coaching, you get a dedicated coach who becomes your partner. Together, you will define your goals, whether it is finishing your first race or setting a new personal best. Your coach will then build a detailed, periodized training plan for you, which you can access through our training app. This is not a static document. Your coach will adjust it weekly based on your feedback, your fatigue levels, and your progress. You will have daily contact with your coach, who will review your completed workouts, provide feedback on your technique, and offer constant motivation and accountability.
Think of your coach as your personal guide. They have walked the path you are on, and they know all the pitfalls and shortcuts. They will help you with everything from race strategy to mental preparation. This is the ultimate way to ensure you are training smart, staying healthy, and arriving at your race confident and prepared.
Dynamic Group Training: Find Your Pace and Your People
For many people, the camaraderie of group training is the main attraction. We offer a full schedule of coached group workouts throughout the week that are included in most of our membership packages.
Our group workouts are structured but scalable. We always have multiple pace groups and ability levels so that no one is ever left behind and no one is ever held back. Our Tuesday morning track workout, for instance, will have specific intervals for runners aiming for a 6-minute mile and a different set of intervals for those targeting a 10-minute mile. The workout is the same in spirit, but the execution is tailored. This creates an incredibly powerful and inclusive environment.
We have weekly group bike rides that focus on safety, drafting technique, and building endurance. Most importantly, we have our famous open water swim clinics at Standley Lake throughout the summer. For so many triathletes, the swim is the biggest source of anxiety. In our clinics, we start in waist-deep water, practicing breathing and sighting in a small, supportive group. We gradually build confidence until you are comfortably swimming the full distance. The relief and triumph on an athlete’s face when they conquer their swim fear is why we do this job.
Beginner Sprint Program: “Couch to Sprint” Made Simple
This is our most popular program and the heart of our company. It is a 12-week guided journey that takes you from little or no fitness to crossing the finish line of your first sprint triathlon with a group of your new best friends.
The program is designed for absolute beginners. We assume you do not know anything about triathlon. We cover everything in detail. What kind of bike do you need? You do not need a $5,000 tri bike; a simple road bike or even a mountain bike will work just fine. How does transition work? We set up a mock transition area and practice over and over so it becomes second nature. What do you wear? What do you eat for breakfast on race day?
The program includes a full training schedule, all of our group workouts, and dedicated beginner-specific sessions. You will be with the same cohort of people for the entire 12 weeks, which creates an incredible bond. You will struggle together, learn together, and ultimately, triumph together. By the time race day arrives, you will not be lining up alone. You will be lining up with your team, your coaches, and your friends, feeling prepared and excited. We have seen hundreds of people complete this program, and it never, ever gets old to see the look of pure joy on their faces at the finish line.
Technique Clinics: Master Swim, Bike, and Run Efficiency
Triathlon is not just about working hard; it is about working smart. Improving your technique is the fastest way to get faster and more efficient without having to train harder. We offer standalone clinics focused on the nuances of each sport.
Our swim technique clinics break down the freestyle stroke into its component parts: body position, kick, pull, and breath. We use underwater video analysis to show you exactly what you are doing and how to make immediate improvements. A small technique adjustment can make you feel like you are gliding through the water instead of fighting it.
Our bike handling skills clinics teach you how to corner confidently, ride safely in a group, and navigate obstacles. Being a confident bike handler does not just make you faster; it makes you safer. Our run form clinics focus on cadence, posture, and foot strike to help you run more efficiently and reduce your risk of injury. These clinics are open to everyone and are a fantastic way to break through a plateau.
Why Your Local Triathlon Community Matters
You can certainly train for a triathlon on your own. You can find plans online, you can train in solitude, and you can show up on race day. But that path is much harder, much lonelier, and far less fun. The value of a local community like the Arvada Triathlon Company is immense and tangible.
The Power of Accountability and Shared Suffering
Let us be honest. There will be days when you do not want to train. It is raining, you are tired, and the couch is calling your name. When you are on your own, it is easy to hit the snooze button. When you know that a group of people is expecting you at the pool at 6 AM, you are far more likely to get up and go. This accountability is a superpower. It gets you out the door on the days you need it most.
There is also a unique bond that forms when you share a difficult challenge with others. The shared suffering of a hard bike ride up a steep hill or a tough track workout creates a connection that is hard to find elsewhere. These people understand the effort you are putting in because they are putting in the same effort right beside you. This shared experience builds deep, lasting friendships.
Learning from Others’ Experiences (And Mistakes!)
The collective knowledge in our community is a priceless resource. Whatever problem you are facing—a sore knee, a nutrition issue, trouble with your bike—chances are someone in the group has faced it before and found a solution. You can learn from their mistakes and avoid making the same ones yourself. This practical, real-world advice is often more valuable than anything you can read in a book.
Celebrating Every Victory, Big and Small
In our community, a victory is not just winning a race. A victory is someone swimming a full lap without stopping for the first time. It is someone completing their longest bike ride ever. It is someone finally mastering the art of changing a flat tire. We celebrate all of it. This positive reinforcement builds confidence and makes the entire journey more enjoyable. You are not just working towards a single race day; you are celebrating a series of small wins every single week that build momentum and belief.
Your First Step: How to Get Started with Us Today
I know that reaching out can feel like a big step. It takes courage. But I promise you, it is the easiest part of this entire journey. We have made it incredibly simple and completely pressure-free to take that first step and see if our community is the right fit for you.
Book a Free No-Sweat Consultation
The best way to start is with a free, 30-minute conversation. This is not a sales pitch. It is a chance for you to sit down with one of our coaches, either in person or over video call, and talk about your goals. We will listen to your story, answer all of your questions, and honestly assess whether we are the right people to help you. We will talk about your current fitness, your past experiences, and what you are hoping to achieve. If we do not think we can help you, we will tell you that upfront and might even point you to another local resource. Our integrity is everything to us.
Come to a Welcome Workout and Feel the Vibe
The best way to understand our community is to experience it. We invite you to come to one of our group workouts as our guest. You do not need to be in peak shape. You just need to show up. Come to a group run or a swim technique session. Meet the people. Feel the energy. See for yourself how supportive and non-intimidating the environment is. This firsthand experience will tell you everything you need to know.
Your triathlon journey does not have to be a lonely one. You can have coaches who guide you, friends who push you, and a community that cheers for you every step of the way. That voice wondering if you can do it? Let us help you answer it with a resounding “yes.”
Conclusion
The world of triathlon can seem intimidating from the outside, filled with jargon and high-performance gear. But at its core, it is a simple and beautiful challenge: can you swim, bike, and run a certain distance? The answer, for nearly everyone, is yes. The real question is not if you can do it, but how you will do it. You can choose the hard, lonely path of figuring it all out by yourself, or you can choose the supported, fun, and empowering path with a community that has your back.
The Arvada Triathlon Company was built to be that community. We are your neighbors, your friends, and your biggest fans. We believe that the finish line is just the destination; the real magic happens in the journey there—in the early mornings, the shared struggles, and the collective laughter. Your first triathlon is not just a race. It is a transformation. And we would be honored to be a part of it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: I’m not a fast swimmer or runner. Will I be left behind in group workouts?
A: Absolutely not. This is our most common concern, and we are designed to prevent it. All our group workouts have multiple pace groups and are based on effort, not speed. Our coaches ensure everyone has a group to train with, and no one is ever left behind. The goal is personal progress, not competition within the group.
Q2: What kind of bike do I need to get started?
A: You do not need a fancy, expensive bike. For your first season, a road bike or even a well-functioning hybrid or mountain bike is perfectly fine. The most important thing is that it fits you reasonably well and is in good mechanical condition. We can help advise you on bike options and even where to get a good, affordable tune-up.
Q3: I have a really busy schedule. Can I still train for a triathlon?
A: Yes. This is a reality for most of our athletes, who are busy professionals and parents. Our training plans, especially the personal coaching options, are built around your schedule. We focus on the quality and consistency of workouts, not just the quantity. We will help you find efficient ways to train that fit into your life.
Q4: How much does it cost to join a program?
A: We have a range of options to fit different budgets, from our all-inclusive Beginner Sprint Program and Personal Coaching to more flexible membership packages for group training. The best way to get specific pricing is to book a free consultation, and we can go over the options that align with your goals and budget.
Q5: I’m really nervous about the open water swim. Do you specifically address this?
A: Yes, this is one of our specialties. Our summer open water swim clinics at Standley Lake are specifically designed to gradually introduce you to open water in a safe, controlled, and supportive environment. We practice in shallow water, work on managing anxiety, and teach essential skills like sighting and drafting. Conquering the swim fear is one of the most rewarding parts of our program.
