Dreaming Season Virtual Challenge FAQs

 

Everything you need to know about joining a club:

Once you register for the challenge, you will have the option to participate as an individual or join a club.


To join a club:

  1. Register for the event.
  2. In the registration flow, search for your club in the final field before you register 


To leave your club:

 

You can't change your club on your own once you register. If you need to do this, please email support@fitrankings.com.


What do I get with the free or paid registration options?

Anybody can register for free at no cost.

Participants who enter the challenge through the $50 option will receive a USA Triathlon annual membership (new 12-month membership or extend your current membership by 12 months) and a finisher’s medal.


What do I get with the 2021 Virtual Series Combo Package?

This is the way to go! For $125, you'll receive the following:

  • Entry to all three USA Triathlon Virtual Events for 2021: The Dreaming Season Virtual Challenge, The USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run, and the Power Within Tri to Tokyo.
  • Finisher medal for each event - these will be sent separately at the end of each challenge.
  • USA Triathlon Annual Membership, new or 12-month renewal from the end of your existing expiration date
  • Medal Display Hanger - pictures coming soon. This unique USA Triathlon-branded hanger can be affixed to a wall to display some of your hard-earned finisher medals!
  • $40 Donation to the USA Triathlon Foundation

I bought the 2021 Virtual Series Combo Package. How do I register for the other events?

To register for the USA Duathlon Virtual Run Bike Run and the Power Within Time to Tri Virtual Challenge, you will simply register for those events with the same email you used to purchase the package. Registration will be live closer to the event. You'll need to register for each, but the Fit Rankings system will recognize you so you don't have to pay again.

 

When will I receive my Finisher Package?

Medals are made domestically by Ashworth Awards and should be ready to ship by mid-February. You'll get an email with a tracking number once we send the medal package. An email with directions will be sent within a couple weeks after you register.

 

If you registered for the Virtual Series Combo Package, your medals for the USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run and the Power Within Tri to Tokyo will be sent at the completion of those events respectively later in the year.


Is this also the National Club Challenge?

YES! This event will also serve as the 2021 National Club Challenge. Click here for more information.

 

Who is this virtual event for?

Anyone who is 13 years of age and older! Whether you’re looking to do your first multisport event or have done hundreds, anyone can participate. 


Where should I participate?

Wherever you can safely participate in the disciplines, maintaining the recommended minimum of at least six feet of social distancing and abiding by all local, state and federal government mandates. Ride on the trainer or outdoors. Run on a treadmill, track or trail. As long as you can measure your time and distance via a smartwatch, GPS-enabled device or phone, you can sync to the platform.


How do I register?

Click here.

 

How far do I have to swim, bike and run?

You can do as much or as little swimming, biking and running as you wish. This is a cumulative challenge and you are encouraged to reach the distance goals you set for yourself. We'll send you notes as you surpass certain milestones, like Olympic-distance or the distance equivalent to a full IRONMAN.

 

Do I have to complete all of the distance in one run or bike ride?

The challenge is cumulative so you can swim, bike and run as much or as little as you want and as often as you want to achieve the distances.


Do I need a USA Triathlon Membership?

No, you do not need to be a USA Triathlon member to register.

 

If you plan on participating in future USA Triathlon sanctioned events we encourage you to register for a membership to avoid race-day registration fees. The USA Triathlon Membership program currently has over 500,000 members who receive benefits such as discounts on products and services, access to a weekly Multisport Zone e-newsletter, USAT Magazine and more! Learn more here


Can non-US Citizens participate?

Yes, the #DreamingSeason Virtual Challenge is open to anybody. However, finisher packages will only be sent to US addresses.


Do I have to have a fitness tracker device (like Apple Watch or FitBit) in order to participate?

No, you do not have to have a tracking device to participate. By logging into your FitRankings Profile, you can manually add in your workouts, mileage, and times. However, using a tracker is highly encouraged as most trackers will automatically upload your workouts.


What if I have technical errors and my device did not record my stats properly?

There is likely a problem with how your device is connected. Please refer to THIS PAGE for more details on how to address this.


What if I did not receive my Finisher's Package or it is damaged?

For any fulfillment issue please reach out to virtualtri@usatriathlon.org with any questions.


What if I registered for the free version, but I now want to purchase a finisher's medal?

Please email membership@usatriathlon.org with the subject line: Dreaming Season Virtual Challenge and our membership team will get you taken care of. 

 

How are my results uploaded?

When using a tracking device, your results are uploaded to FitRankings every-time you sync your device with its respective app. For instance, when you sync your Garmin with the Garmin Connect app, all workouts from your Garmin will be uploaded automatically. Note that you must have previously connected each device you track workouts on to FitRankings for this to occur. 


How much time do I have to complete this virtual event?

The event will take place from January 14 at 12:00 a.m. MT to February 14 at 11:59 p.m. MT. 


How will I know when I complete the virtual challenge?

The final emails you’ll receive from FitRankings will be when you complete a 3.9k swim, 42.2k run and 181k bike. However, since it is a cumulative individual challenge, you are encouraged to tally as miles as you can before the end of the day on February 14. USA Triathlon will send a final email to all participants the week of February 15.


What is Time to Tri?

Time to Tri is an unprecedented initiative within the triathlon industry to grow the sport by proactively recruiting and supporting athletes as they train for and compete in their first race. The initiative, a strategic joint effort between USA Triathlon and IRONMAN, was unveiled in early 2018.


What if I don’t have a swimming pool?

There are various facilities, clubs and communities that offer indoor swimming pools. Check with your local gyms, YMCA's, and community centers. Additionally, you can search online through U.S. Masters Swimming. 

 
For additional questions click here to submit.