We're excited to share that it's (FINALLY) time to order race apparel for the 2016 season!

Important details first:
Orders are due Sunday, May 29.
Order your apparel online.
The password is YMCA3.

This year, we've chosen to go with a new vendor, Pactimo. Pactimo offers a convenient online store for purchasing and individual shipping. You'll enter your order and the apparel will come straight to your door. No chasing around trying to pick it up at a certain time, from a certain place.

While we'd love to see everyone sporting the new look, you are not required to purchase a kit.

Join Ytri and Coach Sam this Saturday, May 21st at 9:00 AM for our transition workshop and challenge clinic! This is a hands-on experience where you will set up a transition station with your own gear and get a chance to rehearse what you will do during a race. Bring all the gear you would use for an actual race...including wetsuits! It is a great opportunity to get expert pointers to reduce your time spent in T1 and T2. There will be a short bike and run course that you can do multiple times to hone your transition skills.

Date: Saturday, May 21st
Time: 9:00 AM
Where: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve
(Enter off Dundee Road, West of Hicks Road)

Our weekly group swimming workouts will be ending soon but there are plenty of opportunities for swimming throughout the summer.

-The last day of our workouts will be Friday, June 10th. There will be no workout on Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day.

-Coach Sam's Open Water Swim Clinic and weekly OWS practice
Open Water Swim Clinic:
Date: Saturday, June 11th
Time: 8:00 AM
​Location: Jones Island Beach
159 N Alleghany Rd
Grayslake, IL 60030

Weekly Open Water Swim Practice:
When: Friday mornings
Time: 5:00/5:30 AM
Location: Jones Island Beach
159 N Alleghany Rd
Grayslake, IL 60030
How: Register at Coach Sam's website
(Please register through Sam's site if you plan to attend!)

-YMCA Masters swim at Birchwood pool in Palatine
When: June 14th through July 21st, Tuesday and Thursday nights
Time: 8:15-9:30 PM
Where: Birchwood Pool (50 meter outdoor pool)
435 W. Illinois Avenue, Palatine, IL

Register at the YMCA front desk or online through the YMCA program registration.
See this pdf link for program codes and pricing!

Now is the time to try on race apparel before ordering! Fittings will be available in the lobby of the YMCA the following days and times:

• Friday, May 6 from 6:45 - 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 7 from 9 - 10 a.m.
• Monday, May 9 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 10 from 6 - 7:30 p.m.

We have a new vendor this year, so we recommend anyone who is thinking about ordering apparel attend one of the fitting times to ensure accurate sizing.

Design:
We've had the same kit design since 2009 and many of you have been asking for a refresh. The design team is currently hard at work updating our look. We will announce the new design prior to when you need to order.

It it not required to purchase new apparel, but of course it's encouraged.

Ordering:
Our new vendor, Pactimo, offers an online shop for placing orders. You'll be able to order your desired pieces and have them shipped directly to your home. No more making a special trip to the Y to pick up your order! The shop should open soon and will likely be open for seven to 10 days Stay tuned to your email and Facebook for updates.