SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Even the heavy downpour couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 225 adult athletes pushing themselves to their physical limits in the fifth annual Tri-Lobster triathlon in Summerside on Sunday morning.
Dave Bryan, from Calgary, said the cold breeze along the waterfront motivated him to run faster and the dive into Summerside’s choppy harbour was a welcomed relief.
“I hate the cold, but this was the one race where I was very happy to jump into the water. Usually, I am very nervous because ocean water can be ice-cold, but (Sunday) was the opposite. The water was nice and warm, so I felt good about the swim,” said Bryan, who placed first in his age category (40-45 years).
By finishing first in his respective age group for the aquathlon (swim and sprint), Bryan qualified to compete in the 2020 worlds in Almere, Netherlands.
He will be accompanied by Merina Farrell, who travelled from Quispamsis, N.B.
“We just met on the start line,” motioned Farrell, aged 57, who finished first in her age group (50-59).
“I really wanted to get the world qualifier for this race, both of us wanted to qualify for the 2020 worlds in the Netherlands. To win our age categories and to get a spot there is just the icing on the cake,” she said.
“But this is such a beautiful location and I really had no idea what to expect from the water. While it was really choppy, it was a blast. I felt like a dolphin swimming over the waves,” continued Farrell while acknowledging she has run and trained for similar events for more than 30 years.
“I run to keep in shape, but it’s also really empowering to know that you can compete. Often people have self-doubt, especially kids and teens that suffer from low self-esteem but participating in the triathlon really builds a can-do attitude,” she said.
“You realize you can accomplish far more than what anyone may have thought possible – as long as you don’t give up.”
Marion Grant, president of Triathlon P.E.I., said it was a rainy but good day.
“Tough swim, a lot of wind, but everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and doing well,” said Grant.
“We had 225 adults participate in the morning event, and then we will have the Kids of Steel at 2 p.m.”
Kids of Steel is a fun opportunity for youth aged five to 13 to learn about triathlon and develop new skills in running, biking, and swimming.
“For those that find reasons not to go to the gym or stay healthy, sign yourself up for the triathlon and then you will certainly get into shape and gain a positive can-do attitude because you will want to cross that finish line,” concluded Bryan.
For more information on the event and to see the results visit, www.tripei.com/trilobster.
