The next time you find yourself in Orlando, Fl. and need a break from all things Mickey, take the short trip to nearby Clermont and visit the brand spanking new USA Triathlon National Training Center.  The Center, a part of South Lake Hospital, is unique not only in the state of Florida, but also throughout the world.  This state-of-the-art 37,000 square foot facility combines sports, health, education and wellness programs in one convenient location and is designed to meet the needs of all ages and fitness levels, from residents in the local community to national and international athletes.
 
For years, Clermont has served as a popular destination for triathletes. Its central Florida location, beautiful rolling hills, sparkling lakes and world-class events (such as Great Clermont Triathlon, Great Floridian Triathlon, and Central Florida Triathlon Series) make it ideal for both training and racing. 
 
Recently, the USAT National Office moved several of its Colorado Springs-based operations to the Training Center complex.  The 150-acre campus is located adjacent to the new Lake-Sumter Community College Campus and University of Central Florida west campus, offering excellent opportunities for sports and health education partnerships.  New curriculum is being developed for a sports management program, allowing students to practice what they learn in the classroom right next door at the Training Center.
 
Features of the new Training Center include:
 
1/ Aquatics Center - A world-class 70 meter x 25 yard outdoor pool with a movable bulkhead.  The pool can be configured for 50 meter, 25 meter and 25 yard workouts and can accommodate up to twenty-two 25-yard lanes.  A unique feature of the pool is its graded-entry shallow end which allows triathletes to practice running swim starts and finishes.
 
2/ Comprehensive Fitness Center - Offers strength training equipment, cardiovascular equipment, group fitness and cycling programs.
 
3/ Human Performance Laboratory – Offers athletes the full gamut of sport science and medical services.  Tests and analyses conducted in the Lab include:
 
- Graded exercise stress testing
- Maximal oxygen uptake analysis
- Lactate threshold analysis
- Motion analysis
- Swim force stroke analysis
- Blood chemistry tests
- Strength testing
- Body composition analysis
- Flexibility testing
 
4/ Education Center – Multi-purpose meeting rooms fully-equipped with audio/visual capabilities.
 
5/ Gear For Multisport Retail Store – Owned and operated by former Maryland age-group triathlete George Altieri and his wife Bea, this shop offers everything to satisfy your equipment, apparel and nutritional needs.
 
I had the opportunity to visit the Center in February and was not disappointed.  I was immediately impressed by how friendly and knowledgeable the staff is. Bill Kuminka, the Aquatics Director, gave me a tour of the facility and provided and overview of the various programs offered by the Center.  Chuck Wolf, who runs the Human Performance Lab, showed me the brand new testing equipment and described the tests that can be conducted. 
 
I can also honestly say that I have never seen nor swam in a nicer pool.  In my view, it is worth the price of an airplane ticket to Orlando just to swim in the pool!  However, I may be a little biased since I’ve spent the last 5 months swimming indoors in a crowded 25 yard pool at a YMCA!
 
The National Training Center encourages individuals and groups to visit the campus for training and testing.  A one-day pass costs only $10 for USAT members.  Additional fees apply should you want to be tested in the Human Performance Lab.  You can contact the Center at (888) 841-7995 for more information.
 
Bill Hauser is a member of the USAT Mid-Atlantic region Board of Directors and publisher of The Mid-Atlantic Monthly.  He is President of The eMultisport Group, a sports marketing and consulting firm.