Our Philosophy

We train with a focus on having fun, building a sense of community, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. That’s not  to say that we don’t take our training  seriously.   Instead we believe it’s important to work hard to achieve our goals AND have fun spending time with our teammates along the way.

We have proven time and time again that you CAN be a successful and serious athlete and enjoy yourself at the same time. Triathlon can be fun no matter who you are!

What is Team Z Style Group Training All About?

Despite once being an elite swimmer and front of the pack triathlete himself, Coach Ed  founded Team Z with the premise that no athlete is too good for the group. Team Z’s athletes may be on different training plans doing different workouts, but they are all “driving” the same direction with a common race calendar and shared workout locations. Kona qualifiers run on the same track as beginners and every level in between.   Everyone has the same opportunity to develop relationships and have equal access to quality coaching.

We offer over 60 opportunities each week to meet for group workouts throughout the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC areas. For more specific details and locations, check out our Locations.

Training for “A” Races

An A race is” A race selection provides something for everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level. From world championship qualifier to fresh  off the couch, Team Z members train and race side by side for a common race calendar.

While these “A” race peaks typically happen 2-3 times per year, Team Z will participate in as many as 30 events year round ranging from organized rides to swim meets to hash runs to, of course, triathlons. We’ve even started our own open water swim series, predicted time running races, and Team Z style cycling time trials! Everything is optional, people can participate in as many activities as they choose, but team races are filled with energy and can be addicting!

Check out this season’s race calendar.

try Team z

Get started

See the calendar & start today

Come to an information session and see what it's all about!

Calendar
cropped-mark1-120x120

Growing up, I was never even remotely athletic, a distinct liability in a sports-mad country. Moreover, I grew to associate the idea of people being “sporty” with people who were generally obnoxious, who loved to lord their athletic prowess over others.

Triathlon, therefore, was a revelation for me: very ordinary people who were able to achieve extraordinary things. Team Z is the essence of triathlon in that regard, an amazing mix of experienced athletes (who turned out to be quite nice people) and absolute beginners, all sharing their different journeys. The team is full of people who push me when I need to be pushed and who push me when I don’t think I want to be pushed. Because the team pushes me, I’ve become something I never would have believed I could become: an athlete.

Mark Mullen

Kathy-Hsu-680x1024

Never say never on Team Z! I never thought I would do a triathlon let alone a half Ironman. I told anyone who would listen that the only way I would ever run another marathon was if it was in an Ironman and since I was never going to do an Ironman I had nothing to worry about. Well, so much for my “never” list. With the support of Team Z, I have raced numerous short distance triathlons, several half Ironmans, raced my best injury free marathon (I beat Oprah’s time), and signed up for an Ironman.
Regardless of your experience, speed, motivation, and goals there is a place for you on Team Z. When I joined the Team in December 2011, I did not know what to expect. My old game plan was to go as fast and as hard as possible regardless of the consequences. I do not recommend this strategy. I somehow always fell to side with an injury and burned out long before I reached the start line. This all changed when I joined Team Z. With the help of the coaches and my teammates, I am learning everyday how to find balance physically, set reachable goals, listen to my body, and enjoy the experience. I have a good friend on the Team that says that all the training and hard work is the journey. Race day is the victory lap. Gotta Love Team Z!

Kathy Hsu

Scott-Leary-768x770

In 2009 I ran the Disney Marathon with my mom, accompanying her on her first 26.2 mile adventure. I remember standing at the start next to her and saying, “just think, those Ironman people have to do this after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112”¦..freaking lunatics!.” Two years later with a couple of sprint and Olympic triathlons under my belt, and after a couple of glasses of wine, I started to wonder, “Maybe I can do an Ironman too?” So I pulled the trigger, dropped the cash, and signed up for Ironman Cozumel. This followed by immediate panic. “Oh dear God, what have I done? I haven’t the slightest clue how to train for an Ironman.” A couple months later, by chance, I ran into a Z’er outside of my work and as we started talking Triathlon, she told me about Team Z. “Why not? It can’t hurt” I thought to myself. So I joined. It didn’t take me long to realize that this team had everything I wanted: knowledgeable and supportive coaches, structured training plans for all levels and abilities, fantastic teammates, and most importantly cold beers ready for you after every race!

Scott Leary