Erin Haluschak

erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com

A multi-sport competition - swim, bike and run - might seem like a daunting task, but the women behind PACE Multisport hope to make tackling or perfecting a triathlon an achievable goal.

Lynda Magor and Leanne Gray offer individuals the opportunity to join a clinic for those looking to make the jump from a single sport into triathlon, or one-on-one training for those who want to improve on the sport.

They offer clinics in individual sports such as running as well, added Magor.

鈥淐linics are a great way to get an introduction into multi-sports; it鈥檚 the perfect way to jump in,鈥� said Magor.

A former gymnast and international rower, Magor explained a clinic gives people the confidence to try a triathlon - particularly the Shoreline Orthodontics Tri-K Triathlon in May.

鈥淵ou will get the feel of the race and be a lot more confident (with a clinic) then just throwing your hand in.鈥�

In addition to covering the basics of the sport such as workouts and various swimming strokes, Magor said they also cover some of the logistics of the sport, such as tips and tricks for working through the transition areas.

鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how easy (professional athletes) make it look like on TV. There鈥檚 a lot of people that don鈥檛 think about those things until race day. If you鈥檙e swimming horizontally and then you have to stand up, that (creates) a lot of dizziness. You get out of the pool, jog to the transition area, and you鈥檙e already a bit winded.鈥�

Magor said she encourages single-sport athletes to consider swimming and/or biking to help with cross-training, particularly for athletes who have been doing the same sport for years.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a really good idea to (cross-train); it starts to wear on the body if say, you鈥檙e only running. With biking - (and) especially swimming - there鈥檚 less demand on certain parts of your body and you gain upper body strength while keeping your aerobic strength.鈥�

PACE is offering its triathlon clinic beginning April 11 for those interested in entering the Tri-K in May. It also offers a single day kids鈥� clinic and a 10 km run clinic. For more information, visit pacemultisport.com.