Making The Best Of 2020

Yes, it is an absolute bummer that we’ve not been able to race the MultiSport Canada Triathlon Series or the fabulous Barrelman, but there’s nothing we can do about that. However, we will be toeing the start line again one day, so the training must continue, and that part of our lives is not cancelled. But we should look for opportunities mix things up and to connect with others, for the betterment of our mental and physical well being.

The Virtual Race Option

One thing you can do, is to support events providing the virtual race option. Get some friends together (socially distancing of course) and connect for a race together. It’s way better than doing it on your own. We at PR Endurance Training recently hosted a virtual Honda Waterfront Half Marathon, 10km and 5km and we all had a blast and for a few hours, the world felt somewhat normal again. And for those virtual races, offering medals and other swag for a fee, if you can, send a few dollars their way, as it might just make the difference for the return of those events in 2021. If you put on your own event, maybe help out MultiSport Canada and scoop up some podium medals.

Take on a Challenge

MultiSport Canada has issued various Challenges, with the most recent one being the Consistency Challenge, but you can certainly attempt them all again and go for gold in the coming months. Or you can take on some of the epic challenges that currently exist like the Everesting Challenge. MultiSport Canada Ambassador Paolina Allan, conquered the challenge by riding 185km, in 11 hrs 27 minutes, while climbing 8987m with an average gradient of 10.10%.

Take Care Of Your Body

With all the training, virtual racing and challenges, you can’t neglect this part. Whether it be yoga, foam rolling, recovery boots, or other tools, make sure to stay on top of your pre and post workout body maintenance to ensure you stay healthy and as injury free as possible. I will discuss these options in a future article.

Set Your Sights on 2021

Don’t let this pandemic stop you from making improvements, and tackling performance goals. Stay positive and prepare as if races will occur (even though they might not be same as before). You don’t want to look back with regret with what you could have done to be ready. The only drawback to races still being postponed is that you will be in better shape due to your continued training. Even if races don’t take place, there will be options for you to showcase your fitness on your own or with a smaller group. We put on our own triathlon race day in August, and a run in September, and we are fully prepared to do it again if we need to. Others will be doing the same.

We already have athletes contacting us in preparation for 2021. If you don’t know where to start with your training, we invite you to contact us for assistance and to follow us on social media to see what we are up to.

Roger Hospedales

Co-owner/Co-Head Coach at PR Endurance Training