Words Stephanie Staples
I said I would never do one, and now here I am writing about my fifth triathlon.
Before you go and get too impressed – did you know that triathlons come in many different distances? I thought it was all or nothing, but I discovered a “Try-a-Tri”’ and a whole new world opened up.
Sporting events such as marathons and triathlons have long served more elite athletes, but I am thrilled to report that the “everyday athlete” is now being accommodated in these events. The well-organized Victoria Half has what I’m sure is one of the most beautiful courses in Canada, and has an event for almost everyone.
With a modicum of fitness under your belt, which is relatively easy and common to possess living here, you can partake in these exciting, challenging and fun community (and character) building events. While the fact that they call them “races” is a bit of a misnomer for my non-competitive nature (I refer to them as “adventures” or “challenges”) there are so many benefits to participating including:
Deciding to sign up, maybe talking a training buddy into signing up with you. A positive shift occurs immediately. “I am doing a triathlon!” Wow!
Committing to training. I may miss a visit to the gym but if I’m training for an event, I rarely miss a session. If you are doing it with a friend, it’s social, inspiring and fun. If you are doing it solo, you have grit, dedication and perseverance.
Day of the “race” – prepare to be wowed by the shapes and sizes, the speed, the endurance, and the will of the athletes, of which you are now one.
Take in the cheering of the fans, and appreciate the dedication of the countless volunteers. Enjoy the pizza, treats and a complimentary massage when you cross the finish line.
Bragging rights. You did it! It may be a one-and-done or maybe you’ve caught the tri-bug and you’ll be back next year! Either way, it’s a fabulous experience to have under your belt.
To address some potential concerns … .
“I can’t swim.” Yeah, me neither, but they have lessons for any age and they work! I’m still not great but I’m better than I was.
“I can’t ride a bike.” Go in the relay. Hand pick a swimmer and a runner and make a team. I haven’t done the relay yet, but it seems like a whole new level of fun*.
“I can’t run.” Walk! Once you get through the swim and bike, walk it on home to the finish line; who cares! Just ask Michael, who’s had a triple bypass and is going strong – he swam, biked and walked – it’s still a triathlon! Or … enter the duathlon in the AquaBike event!
As for my latest event, I enter at the Sprint level, which is a 750-metre swim (about 700 metres too long for me!), a 20 km bike ride (a little hilly for these prairie legs) and a five-kilometre run (when did they stop using the word jog?).
To give you an idea of my level of athleticism … I finished with zero minutes to spare in the swim, I saw barely a soul on the bike route and I was running out when everyone else was running back on the course. That’s how slow I am.
I finished last in my age category and guess what else?
I finished! Period. And do you know what they call a person who finishes last in a triathlon? A triathlete. Ta-da!
I thought it would be a wonderful health goal to be able to do a Sprint every year. I’m no sports therapist but it seems to me training for three sports would be better for your body than the repetitiveness of training for one. But, now I’m thinking it may be cool to have the experience of being a volunteer, as my son and daughter-in-law did for my event – they had fun**.
You can register for the 2025 event at www.thevictoriahalf.com, hope to see you there – even if it’s as a cheerleader!
*In my opinion, triathlons are a “Type 2” sort of fun, meaning it’s not fun when you are doing it, but when you are done and reflect back – it was fun!
**Volunteering is “Type 1” sort of fun – it’s fun at the time!
