Second annual indoor tri provides a mid-winter challenge for newbies and experienced triathletes alike

Athletes came indoors from the freezing rain and February blahs to experience a fun and challenging physical activity at the seco^nd annual TriMuskoka Winter Indoor Triathlon Classic. The event was held at the Canada Summit Centre on Sunday, February 25.

The Indoor Tri is geared toward anyone who wants to “experience what a tri would be like in a very controlled environment,” said organizer Kaitlyn Habermehl. Ninety-eight athletes of all ages from beginners to experienced triathletes participated this year.

The event consisted of three legs each 15 minutes long — a swim in the Centennial Pool, a spin on stationary bikes provided by Motivations Fitness and a run or walk on the track in the Don Lough Arena. The timed event allows athletes to go at their own pace and race against themselves to achieve their personal best or goal.

Participating athletes were Muskoka locals, members of the TriMuskoka triathlon club, and athletes from other triathlon clubs from surrounding areas including the Barrie Bay Dogs and Triathlon Club of Burlington (TCOB). The indoor tri provides a fun mid-winter training goal at a time of year when races in Ontario are scarce.

Experienced athlete Amy Knibb from TCOB was in the first wave of athletes and was very encouraging to those in her group. She felt good about her times and said she “wants other people to love the sport as much as she does.”

Claudia Connor from Oakville attempted her first tri in Muskoka and her focus was on the energy that it takes to complete each leg. “I felt good. I lasted longer than I thought but I do need to work on my swimming,” said Connor.

A local couple, Cathryn and Andrew Dunowski (pictured in the main photo above), was named ‘Team Lovebirds.’ Their spirit and dedication to the sport and each other was evident. Cathryn has been training as a personal goal over the last year. This was her second triathlon but her husband’s first. The pair completed the challenge holding hands with smiles on their faces. “It was a lot tougher than I thought,” said Andrew. When asked how she pushes herself through her training, Cathryn pointed to her husband and said, “he’s my rock!”

There was a father and son team that tackled the course with spirit. Paul and Liam Berry were cheered on by Liam’s siblings during each leg. Liam is in Grade 6 at Irwin Memorial Public School in Dwight and works hard in every physical activity he performs.

This event would not run without the support of the volunteers. TriMuskoka had 33 wonderful volunteers who were described as ‘extremely friendly, encouraging and helpful’ by athletes and ‘not your typical volunteers.’

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, supported the event and the cheerleaders who came to motivate the athletes. “It really helps when the crowd cheers you on,” said an athlete while on the spin bike. Great job to all!

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