Swim Questions
Where do we swim?
Swim sessions will be held at YMCA Winnipeg West (3550 Portage Ave). Towards the end of the program, we will have open water swims at Birds Hill.
Do I have to wear a swim cap and goggles?
Absolutely! Have you ever had to clean a pool filter or even a bathroom drain of gobs of hair? It’s gross. Wearing a cap is good pool etiquette – the pool operators will love you for it and your fellow swimmers will appreciate not sucking in a hair when coming up for air during the swim. Swim caps are also mandatory in most triathlons.
Swim caps will be in your swag bag provided at the JTI kickoff, but you are responsible for your own goggles / nose plugs / ear plugs. Please come prepared.
As far as the goggles go, you need to have clear vision when lane swimming and, unless you are willing to risk the wrath of your fellow swimmers, you need to open your eyes above and below the water. Swimming Matters (1389 Grant Ave) is offering a 20% discount to our participants on any regular priced items in store or online (online code is Team20). They are very knowledgeable and can help you choose the best pair for you (goggles are not “one size fits all”).
Can we use the lockers at the YMCA during the swim?
Yes. They require a YMCA card to lock. If you are not a member of the YMCA, you can get a temporary card at the front desk. Do not forget to return it at the end of each session.
I can’t swim 300m. What will I do if I still can’t by the time the race occurs?
No worries. We have submitted the request to race officials to allow our participants to use a swim belt or life jacket if needed. If this is not approved, we will figure something else out. We will get you through your first race safely.
Where do you change your clothes after you swim in a triathlon and before you get on the bike?
WHOA!!! You’re worried about the day of the triathlon?!! Let’s get you swimming, riding, and running, first. Don’t worry - we will make sure you are fully prepared for your first triathlon. However, it does not happen overnight, and our method is to ‘baby step’ everyone towards that goal. So, please be patient. There is much to learn, and we will get you there one step at a time.
Bike Questions
Do I have to wear a helmet? It really messes up my hair and I look goofy.
Yes, you must wear a helmet on our rides – the rule is “no helmet, no ride”. This is for your own safety. You’ll look goofier with a big hole in your head!
My bike is really, really old. I only have a mountain or hybrid bike. Is that OK?
Any bike will do. All we ask is that your bike is in good working order with gears and brakes that work and tires that are properly inflated. Bikes and Beyond (227 Henderson Hwy) will come out and check out everyone’s bikes on April 11th, but they will not be equipped to perform any sort of bike repair that day. They are also offering our participants priority service at their shop, to get you on the road quickly. This is a great offer as the bike shops are often very busy in the spring, often with long waits for appointments. If you are concerned or suspecting that your bike requires work, please contact them ASAP.
I refuse to wear those Spandex bike shorts. I swear you must have a supermodel body to look good in them!
There are no clothing requirements for the biking portion, except for the helmet. So, you can wear whatever you are comfortable in. However, please do not laugh and point at those of us whose bodies are far from ‘supermodel perfect’ yet choose to wear cycling shorts. We choose comfort over looking good – sit in the saddle of a bike for long enough and you’ll appreciate the benefits of padded cycling shorts!
What do I do if the group ride is too slow for me?
What you DO NOT do is complain about the slow speed – all that will serve to do is make many people uncomfortable. The group pace is set and will not be altered to accommodate one or two riders. So, be encouraging to those who need it and complete the ride. Speak with the coach quietly, about your concern at the end of the ride. Participants are encouraged to do additional workouts on their own (or with a small group from the program), and you can choose to do one of these a bike rides at whatever speed suits you.
What do I do if the group ride is too fast for me?
Dig deep, real deep. Speak with the coach at the end with your concern. Our coaches are great and will likely notice anyone struggling and adjust to meet the group’s needs.
Walk and Run Questions
I am unable to run – can I still participate in a triathlon?
Absolutely! All you must do is complete the distance, so you can do this by walking, a walk/run combination, running, skipping, shuffling – the possibilities are endless. This program is designed to take you from walking 30 minutes to running 3km, and we encourage you to really give it a shot. If you absolutely cannot run, we have a walking group to increase your speed and endurance so you can finish race day strong.
I do not run but would eventually like to get there. Can you help me?
That’s what we’re here for.
I can already comfortably run 30 minutes / 3km. Will I be bored?
We will have a faster group for those already comfortable with this time/distance. That group will work on increasing their speed.
Do I need to buy new, expensive running shoes?
We suggest that to ward off potential injury and aches and pains that your shoes be fairly new and provide plenty of support. Those old Nikes that you’ve had for 4 years and love to kick around in may be ‘oh, so comfortable’ but, we can almost guarantee that they will not provide enough support on longer, quicker walks and runs. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not you need to update your running shoes. Big Sky Run Co (194 Tache Ave) will be happy to help you find your perfect fit.
How will I stay hydrated if I’m sweating and it’s warm outside?
Good question! Hydration is very important to ensure your body performs well and that you feel good. Hydration starts before you ever get out to exercise, so try to drink enough water throughout the day. When you are walking or bike riding, bring along a bottle of water to sip (not gulp).
Should I be drinking a sports drink, like Gatorade?
They can really taste good but, unless you are engaging in non-stop vigorous exercise sessions of more than an hour, water is your best choice. If you choose a sports drink, it’s certainly not going to harm you, but you will be consuming extra sugars and calories that your body may not need.