<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\nMother-daughter duo, Joanne McLeod and Sierra Johnson, appreciated the support. \u201cEven though my daughter and I didn’t compete in the same event, the way the course is laid out, we were able to give each other words of encourage on the bike route and high-fives on the running course. Lots of happy faces on the racers, spectators and volunteers from start to finish,\u201d said McLeod.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pre, during and post-race atmosphere was so very family friendly and the race had people of ages and fitness levels,\u201d added Johnson.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a great event for newbies, like Martina Kruger, who signed up thanks to a bet with organizer Rich Trenholm. \u201cHe would come to yoga if I signed up for the TriMuskokan, but I also wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. That I could have a goal in mind and train hard for it. And I did!\u201d said Kruger. \u201cIt was exciting, exhilarating, nerve-wracking and a whole lot of fun. So amazing to be doing it, and to be a part of a community that supports another\u2019s goals!\u201d<\/p>\n
Kate Pellerin was another first-timer and said it was an incredible experience. \u201cExceptionally well organized, most notable was the enthusiasm from the organizers. The energy was motivating. Everyone, regardless of ability or experience was treated like champions. This event brought the community together, motivated people to train and then pushed many well beyond their comfort zones. Proud to say this is a Muskoka event!\u201d she said. \u201cYou can always do more than you think you can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pellerin is a local teacher and in September her students challenged her to learn something new. She chose swimming and, with the help of coach Jane Wolfe, quickly fell in love with the sport. \u201cSurrounded by triathletes in swim class made me begin to consider trying a triathlon. If I was going to do a triathlon though, I needed to embark on yet another new adventure, riding a road bike. In June that became my new mission. Here we are, ten months after the challenge from my students, and I’ve learned to swim, bike, and finished my first triathlon. A lot can happen when you put your mind to something. It’s not just students, but adults, too, that need to keep learning and pushing themselves!\u201d<\/p>\n
Heather Mason was back for the second time and enjoyed it just as much. \u201cI was talked into doing it last year and quickly realized how FUN it is!!! Now I am hooked and have a goal of completing the short course next year 2019,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The best thing about this race, organization, and club is that they welcome, encourage, and celebrate everyone regardless of age, athletic ability, or experience level. It\u2019s really all about getting outside and doing a fun sport.
\nSecond time participant Heather Mason<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\nPeter Yungblut and Gregory Pitts were there for the third time around, competing in the try-a-tri and the short course respectively.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe event is always well run with great atmosphere and yummy food,\u201d said Yungblut. \u201cRich Trenholm was at the finish line giving everyone high fives and making you feel awesome!\u201d<\/p>\n
Pitts likes the community spirit of the event, too. \u201cThere was a lot of talking between competitors as well as a lot of good will being passed on throughout the race by the racers themselves,\u201d he said, adding that he participated because \u201cI love the race venue \u2013 it\u2019s right at home and an amazing course, but also because many of my friends were also doing it, some for the first time and that spurred me on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leigh Fettes, a first-time TriMuskokan who competed in triathlons many years ago, said she apprectiated the emphasis on fun, and not on competition beyond personal goals. She participated to have \u201ca purpose\/commitment for fitness. Otherwise, it might be a bit easier to not. This incredible event is right in our backyard. It’s so nice to see and hear people that you know cheering for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The SportLab were both sponsors and participants in the event, entering a team in the corporate challenge. \u201cThe SportLab was excited to be sponsors and participants in this community event that supports healthy living. Being athletes ourselves, the TriMuskokan Corporate Challenge was a perfect opportunity for our clinicians to participate. The greatest reward was to share in the experiences had by over 100 athletes who were new to the sport of triathlon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check out photos from the event below!<\/p>\n
Swim<\/h4>\n\n\t\t