REC REPORT: Giving the triathlon a try

Grand Forks Recreation wants you to participate in this year's Pharmasave Christina Lake Triathlon.

Let’s just “tri” it. The Pharmasave Christina Lake Triathlon will be here before you know it.

You ask, why would I put myself through that?

Below is an outline of what a triathlon is, what you need to train for an event and a plan to get you started.  Our local event is just for the fun of it.

This is just a personal goal and a good way to commit to your health for 2012.

You and a friend can train together or make it a family affair and partner with your spouse (if you dare).

First, let’s explain what a triathlon is: A triathlon is a sport made up of three stages. It is always in the order of swim, bicycle followed by a run.

The Pharmasave Christina Lake Triathlon is made up of a 750-metre swim in the lake.

The course is set up so you are swimming parallel to the beach, there is no out and back into the deep water.

The bike ride is a 20-km course, which includes four laps of a five-km loop at the south end of Christina Lake.

The run course takes you on a five-km scenic route out West Lake Drive and back to the provincial park parking lot.

The Pharmasave Christina Lake Triathlon is a great first-timer event.

Your training plan will include cross-training, so you should not get bored doing the same workout every day.

The equipment and gear required for this event would be a bathing suit, a good working bike and good running shoes. A wet suit is optional if the weather is cooler.

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You are now set to begin your training. There are many websites where you can research and find a training plan that will work for you.

Stop by the Grand Forks recreation office or aquatic centre and the staff can help you get started.

Swimming can be the drawback for many. We offer triathlon training every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between 6 and 9 a.m.

Evening times are from 5 until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends from 1 to 5 p.m.

The lifeguard on deck can help you with stroke correction and set you up with a training plan specific to your needs.

The early bird deadline for the Pharmasave Christina Lake Triathlon is May 31.

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Would you know what to do if you came upon someone in a water emergency situation? You can learn the proper rescue carries and tows along with how to protect yourself in a rescue situation. Grand Forks Recreation has a spring leadership camp scheduled for two weekends starting Friday, April 20. Students can use these courses towards their school credits. Deadline to register is Friday, April 13.

For information, give us a call at 250-442-2202 or email us at gfplay@rdkb.com. You can also visit our website at www.rdkb.com to view the March flyer.

Grand Forks Gazette