The Martlet

On Sunday, March 8, a dedicated group of individuals were gearing up for their highlight of the year — University of B.C.’s annual triathlon. Despite the possiblity of snow and rain, UVic’s triathlon club was ready to put their training and skills to the ultimate test.

Every week, the UVic triathlon club trains over 50 members in swimming, biking and running. These athletes are serious when it comes to training as they push themselves to the extreme six times a week, with many putting in their own time after practice hours.

Triathlon veteran Bronwyn Churcher says there are a number of reasons club members choose to participate in the grueling workouts.

“They are a great group of people, so it’s not just about going for a bike ride,” Churcher said. “It’s about being with friends, the love of the sport and the fact you can set goals for yourself.”

The club doesn’t just stress the importance of training, but also puts emphasis on creating a fun environment. There are parties, potlucks and bake-sales, which give members a chance to socialize and to enjoy themselves. Experienced athletes often are available and willing to help out new triathletes. Athletes of all skills are welcome with triathlon champions training alongside the rookies.

Despite the dreary weather forecast, Sunday was a great day and the sun was shining constantly. The distance of this race is an 800 metre swim, 20-kilometer bike ride and a five-km run, in that order. This event was hosted at UBC in Vancouver on campus.

After enduring grueling workouts including three one-hour swim sessions a week, going up to between 2.5 and 3.2 kilometers in each sitting. On Mondays, they train for distance. Wednesdays, the focus is on intervals, short threshold and harder sessions. Fridays are dedicated to the technical aspect of training.

On Tuesdays, the sessions include member-led rides, in which participants ride at a casual pace. Despite the rides being “casual,” however, this dedicated group of individuals trains regardless of the conditions — rain or shine (or sometimes snow). Saturday mornings involve bike rides coached by Rick Thiessen, who trains them with repeat runs of the Observatory hill — a route that includes 200 vertical meters in just over two km.

On Thursdays, there is an afternoon run. Their warm-up run is on the chip trail surrounding campus. Afterward, they head to the track for speed sessions or to Mount Tolmie for hill repeats.

The group’s hard work paid off during the triathlon as Mark Schurch, Kylie Acford, Anna Dahonick and Bronwyn Churcher were in the top 25 for the sprint race. Claire Da Niels had a strong performance in the Olympic part of the race. The olympic part, meaning an extended distance to the swimming, biking and running. The distances are 1.5 km for the swim, 40 km for the bike ride and 10 km run.

Club president Anna Dahonick spoke of things people discover about themselves during the process of triathlon training.

“It really helps you figure out what you can and are capable of doing physically and mentally,” Dahonick said. “Especially during harsh weather conditions like the rain.”

This great group of people love the sport and anyone willing to challenge themselves should join this club. These triathletes consider this to be more than just a sport, but a lifestyle.