Menlo Swim and Sport offers two multi-sport experiences for kids between the ages of 7 and 15 through Team Sheeper.
Team Sheeper is excited about offering a third year of tri programs for kids. Our Kids Triathlon Team creates a fun environment in which children and young teens can learn and train. The goal is to provide a solid foundation of skills, strength, and knowledge in swimming, bicycling, and running. We also aim to create a life-long love of these three endurance sports and a passion for activity and exercise that will remain with a child for life.
- Session Details
- Teams
- Where do We Meet
- What Type of Bike is Needed
- What Type of Gear is Needed
- Field Trips
- Coaching Staff
The year is divided into three 12-week sessions.
- Fall 2008 Session : September 15 - December 4 (off for Thanksgiving November 27)
The Team Sheeper Kids Tri Team began in the fall of 2004. Through the evolution of the the team over the years we now offer two team levels serving the distinct needs of our athletes.
Kids Triathlon Team
This team is designed for kids who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in each of the three triathlon disciplines, swimming, bicycling and running. It is from these minimum levels that the individuals will continue to advance their skills and knowledge.
The kids will learn complex skills involved with the three sports, along with improving their strength and endurance which ultimately leads to a comprehensive understanding of each of the sports. This will allow the kids to pursue the sport of triathlon or it will allow an improved confidence level if a decision is made to pursue a single sport in high school or beyond.
The kids of the Triathlon Team will be invited to participate in team designed athletic challenges, local triathlon and running events as well as team off-site field trips in the effort expose the kids to the many and varied opportunities for an endurance athlete.
Jr. Kids Triathlon Team
This team is designed to introduce and engage young and enthusiastic individuals to the three sporting disciplines of triathlon, swimming, bicycling and running. The mission of this group is to bring the kids to a fundamentally sound level that will enable them to advance their involvement and enjoyment in the sport of triathlon.
The kids will learn the basic skills of interfacing with and following directions given by a coach. Interacting and thriving with teammates to achieve daily and team goals is also a primary focus within this group. The individuals in the program will ultimately learn how consistency, effort and enjoyment lead to improved performance and strength.
Upon learning and adopting the skills of the program the individuals will be prepared to enter the more rigorous demands of the Kids Triathlon Team.
| Jr. Kids Triathlon Team | Kids Triathlon Team | |
| Sign up Prerequisites | Ability based, not age based.
** Must be able to swim 25 yards of side-breathing freestyle. |
Must try out or be invited to join by the coaching staff based on previous team performance. Schedule an appointment for Mon through Fri by sending an email to camps@teamsheeper.com
** Must be able to swim 100 yards under 2 min, bike - pass a skills and control test, run - loop around Burgess Park grass under 5 min. |
| Mission |
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| Daily Schedule | Mondays: 3:45 - 5:00 at the Burgess warm pool - 30 mins of running, 45 mins of swimming.
Wednesdays: 3:45 - 5:00 at the Burgess Pool - 45 mins of biking, 30 mins of swimming. |
Tuesdays: 3:45 - 5:00 at the Burgess Pool - 30 mins of running, 45 mins of swimming.
Thursdays: 3:45 - 5:00 at Bayfront Park - Focus on biking, may include running. |
| Coaching | Cindy Welton | Sally Phillips - Thursdays Michele Santilhano - Tuesdays/Thursdays |
| Registration Options |
Each day is 75 minutes
2008 Sessions - $210 for 2 days per week or $120 for 1 day per week
Register Now!
* Second child is discounted 10%, third is 20% off, and fourth is 30% off. Registration Policy: 1. Every triathlete in a session must be registered BEFORE they take part in any coached workout. 2. There is a 2 WEEK TRIAL PERIOD from the date of registration, where fees are 100% refundable. 3. Late entries into any session will have their fees pro-rated to the week they start. There is no pro-ration for kids leaving the session early or taking weeks off during the session. |
Each day is 75 minutes
2008 Sessions - $210 for 2 days per week or $120 for 1 day per week
Register Now!
* Second child is discounted 10%, third is 20% off, and fourth is 30% off. Registration Policy: 1. Every triathlete in a session must be registered BEFORE they take part in any coached workout. 2. There is a 2 WEEK TRIAL PERIOD from the date of registration, where fees are 100% refundable. 3. Late entries into any session will have their fees pro-rated to the week they start. There is no pro-ration for kids leaving the session early or taking weeks off during the session. |
Mondays and Wednesdays Jr. Kids Tri Team and Tuesdays Kids Tri Team- Burgess Pool
All Jr. Kids Tri Team and Kids Tri Team Tuesday training sessions will take place at the Burgess Pool in Menlo Park (501 Laurel Street). The Jr. Kids Tri will do a majority of their swim training in the 85 degree (warm) Instructional pool and the Kids Team will spend their time in the performance pool. Most of the running and strength training will take place in and around Burgess Park. Meet at the entrance to the Burgess Pool at 501 Laurel Street. The park has many grass fields, bike paths, and dirt trails close by.
Thursdays Bike for the Kids Tri Team - Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park located at the east end of Marsh Road in Menlo Park will be the site of a majority of our cycling sessions. Bayfront Park offers flats, hills, pavement, dirt and no cars. This site will allow full cycling development including skills, bio-mechanics, fitting, and conditioning. Other sites will be used on occasion as a complement to the cycling section. A large parking will be used to practice criterium skills. A bike path will also be used to simulate a long touring ride. All these special "field-trips" will be scheduled far in advance.
Kids Tri Team: - The bike segments for the Tri Team are held at Bayfront Park which has a combination of flats and hills.
Jr. Kids Tri Team: - The bike segments for the Jr. Kids Tri Team are held at Burgess Park.
Gears: - To enable the courses to be ridden it is mandatory that the bikes have a minimum of 10 gears. We would prefer the bike to have 24 gears which would include a triple front chain ring. This will allow the kid an opportunity to ride the courses without dismounting. Jr. Tri Team kids will learn proper shifting and gear selection so gears are very useful but not mandatory.
Brakes: - Brakes on all the bikes MUST be in excellent working condition. This includes proper cable tension and fresh brake pads. The downhills can be challenging and safety is dependant upon functional gear.
Tires: - The tires should be fresh with enough tread to grip the earth around turns. The tires should be inflated to the level stated on the side of the tire wall.
Tubes: - An spare tube should be carried on all bikes in a seatbag stored under the seat and behind the seatpost. Flat tires are common and they can easily be dealt with if the proper gear is available.
Pump: - A frame mounted pump should be on every bike to refill tubes with air if they need to be replaced.
Water Bottle and Cage: - Each bike should be equipped with a water bottle that is held in place on the bike by a water bottle cage. The rides can be long and challenging and hot so proper hydration is a necessity.
Helmets: - Helmets must fit snugly and level on the wearers head. It is mandatory that some sort of mechanism is included on the back of the helmet that ensures a snug fit and prevents the helmet from sliding around once in place. Helmets do wear out and a fresh one is suggested every couple of years. Check for any cracks or fissures and replace immediately if discovered. No rider will be allowed to participate without a proper helmet.
Go Ride Bicycles in Redwood City is a kids tri team partner. Go Ride offers 10% off bikes, 15% off gear and 20% off labor. Go talk to Bob the owner and let him know that you are involved with the team to receive your attention and discounts.
Bag: - A bag/backpack that is large enough to fit a helmet, towel and all other necessary team equipment.
Shoes: - Shoes are important tools for the young athlete. Make certain that the shoes are proper fitting and supportive for running, jumping, and lateral movements. No sandals, slippers or clogs.
Swim Suit: - A snug fitting lycra or nylon suit is recommended
Goggles: - Comfortable snug fitting goggles are recommended. Goggles with tinting are preferred since most of the swimming is done in sunlight.
Towel: - This is a must and a welcomed friend after a swim session.
Snack: - A healthy snack worth about 150-300 calories should always be packed into the backpack for when energy stores are in need of replacement before or after workout.
Reusable Water Bottle: - A water bottle with the athletes name written on it is a requirement and the kids will get used to re-hydrating to maintain performance.
Short sleeve shirt: - An athletic type shirt or T-shirt that will allow full range of motion
Cover up layer: -May include top and bottoms for after the session or during cold sessions.
Field trips are an important and favorite part of the team. These trips are pre scheduled sessions at various natural locations within 20 minutes drive of Burgess Pool. These trips are set to inspire improved performance, motivation or basic challenge to the kids. Common field trip sites are:
Huddart Park
Edgewood Park
Sawyer Camp Trail
Bayfront Trail
Tim Sheeper - Head Coach
Sally Phillips - Kids Tri Team
Michele Santilhano - Kids Tri Team
Cindy Welton - Developmental Coach/Jr. Tri Team