Apple Triathlon Kelowna

Isabelle: My First Tri

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 03:25:00 +0000

We would love to hear your "My First Tri" experience. Tell your story and we will share it right here. Email Jessica at media@appletriathlon.com

Grizzly bears, elastic shoe laces and being awesome: Tri tips from Isabelle

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m ten years old and go to Ecole Glenmore Elementary. My favourite animal is a dog, I love track and field and synchronized swimming.

How many Triathlons have you participated in? 6

Where / When was your first Triathlon?
My first triathlon was in 2011 in St. Albert. 2014 was my first Apple Triathlon.

What was the biggest thing you learned from that experience?

I don’t remember much from my first triathlon. But for my first Apple Triathlon I learned that it is harder to race in the lake than in a pool!

What lead you to register for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?

I like triathlons, I like that there are three different parts and you get a chance to do them all. I also like that I see some of my friends from St.Albert at the Apple Tri as well.

A triathlon is comprised of three different sports; swimming, biking, and running. Which do you find is your strongest area? The run.

Which are you most nervous about, and how to you plan to overcome it? I’m most nervous about the swim. I plan on practicing in the lake more.

What are some of the steps you’re taking to prepare for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?
I joined running club at school and was part of the relay team at the school to help me get faster. I’m also going to the triathlon camp to work on the swim.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in preparation for the race?
Stay Strong, be awesome and have fun.

Any tips, tricks, or thoughts you’d like to share with first timers?
Swim really fast, recover on the bike ride and then run like a grizzly is chasing you. Also get elastic shoe laces, and a run belt, and make sure you know where your stuff is in the transition zone - remember some landmarks, like trees or signs, so you know where to go in the transition zone. You don’t want to waste time trying to find your bike.

John: My First Tri

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 04:08:00 +0000

We would love to hear your "My First Tri" experience. Tell your story and we will share it right here. Email Jessica at media@appletriathlon.com

PBs, chocolate milk and baby powder: Great words of advice from John.

Tell us a little about yourself

Hello! My name is John and I am a consultant in green hi-tech. I was born in Saskatchewan, but consider myself “from” the North Shore in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, where I have lived for about 45 years. I love the Okanagan and spent some part of every summer there.

How many triathlons have you participated in?

I have done upwards of 40 triathlons, sprints, Olympics, half and full iron distances. My favorites are sprints and halves.

Where/when was your first triathlon?

My first triathlon was 7 years ago on the May long weekend in 2009. I did the North Shore Tri in North Vancouver as a bucket list item. I had always swum some but never competitively. I had not been on a bicycle in 33 years and had never been in a run race or really ever run. So there I was at the race, like standing on the dock staring into the ice cold water wondering if I should dive in. (to be clear, it is a warm pool in the tri, so not an exact match for my analogy)

With no training and no expectations other than finishing, I jumped in. I finished, both vertical and smiling...hooked. I wondered what it would be like if I trained. So, I trained some and did another tri and did better. Hook was now in deep. I needed a goal and is my norm, I looked around for what I perceived to be the most difficult (Penticton Ironman). To note here, I don’t have much in the way of cartilage in my knees and this is related to my no running experience, so I had concerns about being able to finish a Marathon. So, a week before it started, I signed up for the Victoria Marathon to see if I could do the distance. My performance was best described as a “finish” but good enough to get me training for 18 months for IMC in 2011. There were many races before and since and new races I did were based on what I heard about the race.

What was the biggest thing you learned from that experience?

The biggest thing I learned from participating in my first Tri was that your first race is a guaranteed personal best. More so, the worse you are, the easier it is to continue to personal best a race (my secret). There are a large number of people who can beat me and while fewer now than when I started, there are those I will never beat. My concern is beating me, not others and I only have 2 races that I did not PB. I also compare how I do against the average but don’t feel much in the way of podium pressure. Maybe when I am 90 and the only one left standing.

What made you register for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?

I heard about the Kelowna Apple in glowing references, early on, but never managed to be in the area at the right time. Finally, in 2014 I made it to the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon! I can’t believe it took me this long to make the race, but I won’t miss it again. Last year was as close to a perfect race as I have had, due to the incredible organization the long-standing race has. Everything thing was nailed but to highlight, my finish was not only vertical and smiling but I was handed the best hamburger ever, cold chocolate milk and had an excellent massage. It does not get any better than this.

A triathlon is comprised of three different sports: swimming, biking, and running. Which do you find is your strongest sport?

My strongest leg was the swim portion, but the other two are where I have been able to make the most improvement. While I started out as swim, bike, run, with each leg getting relatively worse as the race went on, I am now Bike, Swim, Run in what I am better at. My run still has the most to improve.

Which are you most nervous about, and how to you plan to overcome it?

I'm in this for fun, fitness and meeting a fabulous cohort of great people, all of which are pretty much guaranteed. If I were to worry about anything it would be wiping out on the bike. So far so good, but last year in Kelowna, while my legs were still getting out of bike mode, at the beginning of the run, I did a yard sale in front of the Rotary building. A paving stone that was a couple of mm above the surrounding concrete jumped up and grabbed my foot and sent me headlong into a crash (does that sound better than saying, “I tripped”). I missed head butting the shorts in front of me by about 2mm and while wiping out is not desirable, it highlights one of the great things about the sport. The gal in front, whose rear I just missed with my head, stopped her run and came back to check on me (she heard a crunching noise behind her.) It is this caring and camaraderie that sets this sport apart from some of its more cutthroat individual component sports. I got a bump and broke a few accessories but only lost 25 seconds in the melee. I appreciated very much her stopping to check on me, especially since she probably caused the accident, by me watching her butt instead of where my feet were going.

What are some of the steps you're taking to prepare for the Pusher Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?

The bike course goes uphill soon after getting on the bike, so I am practicing hills, as hills favor lighter riders and being light is not one of my issues. A brick is running right after a bike ride, so I tend to do a 20 minute run right after half of my bike rides. Aside from making the transition easier, it got rid of calf cramping I use to get in the first 300 meters of the run.

What's the best advice you've been given in preparation for the race?

I have learned a tremendous amount from other athletes. The list is endless, but the best comment which applies at least to both the swim and bike, is don’t go out too hard. A lot of people hit the water flat out trying to keep up with the big dogs to go as fast as you can. You end up slowing with an overall longer time or in the worst cases hyperventilate or cramp up. Know your pace and consciously slow yourself down at the beginning of the swim. When you are settled in and cruising at your pace (having ignored what others are doing), look for a slightly faster pair of feet, tuck in behind and hitch a ride. Especially on bike courses that start out flat or down hill, don’t spend all you have before you get to the hills.

Any tips, tricks, or thoughts you'd like to share with first timers?

There are a lot of people who are first timers, there are much much fewer who don’t do their 2nd race. I guess that is why the sport is growing in leaps and bounds. Translation – The odds of you enjoying your experience and doing another race is very high.

Tips:

- Check all your equipment before the race to ensure all is in good order.

- Ride, walk, run, swim or drive the course before the race, so you know what is coming and you know you can do it.

- Body lubrication can be used wherever your wet suit might rub you the wrong way.

- Organize your transition for fast easy access to the minimum of what you need (i.e. fold open socks in each shoe for fast access and slipping on. Put your race number on right away but hat glasses, water bottle can be placed in a pile to be grabbed at once and put on after you are already running.) Note also, presuming you have a race number belt, you can put your race number on under your wet suit, so you don’t have to deal with it later, but practice this first so you don’t rip if off with your wet suit. Practice the transitions as these are the easiest minutes to save. (That said, not to worry too much in the first race about how fast you are, mentally prepare and go over the steps and race in your head, but remember the first tri is a guaranteed PB.

- Baby powder in your bike and running shoes can make them easier to get on and more comfortable for the race.

- Make sure your race number is facing forward on the run so you can find your pictures.

- There are 5 disciplines, not 3. Swim, Bike Run, Mental (headspace/drive) and Nutrition. Nutrition is my weakest and applies to all training and racing, exacerbated by the longer distances. You can mentally prepare and get in the right headspace but likely will need help to get the nutrition figured out.

- A good coach is a huge benefit to increasing your performance. A bad coach is not really a bad coach, but is more likely a good coach for someone else. Find the right fit it you seek this help.

- Thank the volunteers when you see them, on and off course.

- All free advice is to be received gratefully and weighted against your personal knowledge and other advice. Not everything works for everyone and there are exceptions to every rule. I don’t use socks on short course races but many do use socks, your call, but don’t try anything for the first time on race day. Have a plan, practice it and change it, as needed, after the race.

Good Luck, Have Fun and Meet lots of great Folks who love the sport of Triathlon!!

Introducing... My First Tri !

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Sun, 31 May 2015 02:30:00 +0000

Do you remember your first triathlon? Or is the 2015 Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon your first ever? Either way we'd love to hear from you!

Competing in your first triathlon can be a bit daunting. Sharing your stories will help us create a community of support for our first-timers at the Apple Triathlon.

For more information on our "My First Tri" series contact Jessica.

To start things off, our media assistant Laura recalls her first triathlon back in 2014 ...

Tell us a little about yourself!
Hello! My name is Laura and I am the media assistant for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon. I grew up in Oakville, ON, and moved west two years ago. I fell in love with Kelowna and can't picture myself living anywhere else.

How many triathlons have you participated in?
I did a few triathlons in my youth in the Kids of Steel series back in Ontario. My dad was really into triathlons and I wanted to give it a try. My seven-year-old self absolutely hated it, and I perused swimming and left triathlon behind. It wasn't until last year that I decided to give triathlon a try again.

Where/when was your first triathlon?
My first triathlon in adulthood was the 2014 Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon! I may be a tad biased but I think it was the perfect race to reenter into the sport.

What was the biggest thing you learned from that experience?
The biggest thing I learned from participating in the Apple Tri was that triathlon isn't so scary as some might think it is. Walking into the transition area can be quite daunting, with all the fancy bikes. If you take a step back and think that everyone here is there to enjoy and challenge themselves, things don't seem that scary after all.

What made you register for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?
I absolutely loved competing in the Apple Tri last year. Being at the end of the summer, you can train the whole summer in preparation. Another reason was the amazing course the race takes place on. The swim is in Tugboat Bay and the water is flat water because they close it off with log booms, which really makes a difference. The bike is super quick, and the run is on the boardwalk along the water, it's pretty perfect.

A triathlon is comprised of three different sports: swimming, biking, and running. Which do you find is your strongest sport?
My strongest leg is certainly the swim portion, which is usually the exact opposite of most people. Coming from a swimmers background, it really is what comes most natural to me. Although being a lake swim vs a pool swim I do loose some of my edge. I spend most of my summer working on improving my open water swimming.

Which are you most nervous about, and how to you plan to overcome it?
I'm most nervous about the run; being a water baby the on-land sports are not my forte. I plan to run lots this summer, trying to get used to running and building up my fitness for that portion of the race.

What are some of the steps you're taking to prepare for the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon?
The main change I'm making in my training is doing some of the sports back-to-back in my training. I found my legs were in complete shock after the bike going onto the run. This year I hope to change that by doing more bike-run workouts. Hopefully that will take the shock out, and I'll gain more fitness.

What's the best advice you've been given in preparation for the race?
The best advice I've been given is racing your own race. There are tons of people and many waves in the race, so it's hard to compare yourself to anyone. Take it as a personal challenge and achievement. You should be proud of yourself when crossing that finish line.

Any tips, tricks, or thoughts you'd like to share with first timers?
Just go out there and have fun! Enjoy a day racing in paradise!

Pathways Support Paratriathletes Event

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:50:00 +0000

KELOWNA, BC - March 5, 2014 -. As a long-time supporter of paratriathlon in Canada, the 2014 Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon will host the fourth race in the 2014 Can-Am Paratriathlete Race Series during the weekend of August 15-17 in Kelowna. The Can-Am Paratriathlon Race Series is the North American racing circuit for paratriathletes in the United States and Canada. In addition to the Can-Am Kelowna Paratriathlon Sprint, the 'Apple' will also offer other top class triathlon events to satisfy the appetite of all ages, stages and abilities including a Paratriathlete Olympic race.

"Our experienced race director Randy Sparrow continues to optimize the course for paratriathletes and we are looking forward to seeing Canadian and other paratriathletes in action again," said Mike Hassard vice president of the Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society.

Top international and Canadian paratriathlete Pierre Ouellet had the following to say about his participation in the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon. " I twice participated in the Kelowna Apple Triathlon. It is a very well organized race and beautiful site and the people and area are awesome. It is quite an active place and a region that I would like to live in."

Paratriathlon events are for athletes with physical and visual impairments. The sport of paratriathlon will make its debut at the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Paratriathlon is practiced in 37 different countries. Athletes race in three disciplines: 750m of swimming, followed by 20km of cycling and 5km of running. Competition categories are based on specific physical impairments. Athletes may use a hand cycle, tandem bicycle or bicycle in the cycling portion and wheelchairs are permitted on the running portion of the course. Paratriathlon is unique in that it fully integrates athletes with physical and visual impairments alongside their able-bodied counterparts at the same event. The Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon offers separate races.

Kelowna's Pathways Abilities Society will be supporting the Paratriathlete races. "Pathways Abilities Society helps those with developmental disabilities to become included in community through encouragement, education, and employment. Organized sport is a great way to become connected to the community. We look forward to being part of this great event," said Kim Harmison, Employment Developer at Pathways Abilities Society. Pathways will lend support by recruiting volunteers who will assist paratriathletes in transitioning between the swimming and cycling stages of the race.

"We are honoured to be hosting the Paratriathlete Elite Sprint and Olympic race and grateful for the assistance of Kelowna's Pathway Abilities Society," said Hassard.

The Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon will also be a qualifying race for the 2015 ITU Age Group World Championships in Chicago, offering three qualifying Olympic and Sprint distance spots per age group and gender. It will host three Elite races in total (Elite Sprint, Junior Elite Sprint and Elite Paratriathlete Sprint) as well as the BC Provincial Championships for the Junior Elite and Olympic distance Age Group events. It also includes the National U15 and Junior Elite Grand Final.

Register now for the Olympic, Sprint, Aquathon, Fun Run, Open Water Swim, relay and other events atwww.appletriathlon.com. Pathways Abilities Society can be contacted at http://www.pathwayskelowna.ca.

Photo: Pierre Ouellet, top international and Canadian paratriathlete and past participant at the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon is focused on participating in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeanette Hoft, Redthirteen Communications

Media Director: 2014 Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon

E-mail: jeanette@redthirteen.ca

Cell: 250-215-3623

JEANETTE HOFT

Executive Director

Redthirteen

Research, PR and Marketing

5005 Treadgold Court

Kelowna, BC, V1W 5B4

Canada

Office: 778- 477-5511

Mobile: 250-215-3623

Email: jeanette@redthirteen.ca

Website: www.redthirteen.ca

LinkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jeanettehoft/

Reporting from the 2013 Apple Triathlon using #AppleTri

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:14:00 +0000

Last year our reporting on Social Media was seen by over 4 million people world-wide.

(Find more details here)

This year we will concentrate on reporting on Twitter - join us by using #AppleTri

Even if you are not on Twitter you can follow the action right here or on our Facebook Page.

See all the #Kelowna @PushorMitchell @AppleTriathlon action by following #AppleTri Tweet this

Tweets about "#appletri"

Quality Greens Kelowna Apple Triathlon 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 23:22:00 +0000

The Kelowna Apple Triathlon has many things it's athletes come back for each year ... and in the top three is the food.

The amazing spread of hundreds of pounds of banana's, watermelon, iced cold drinks, is supplied by the Okanagan's Quality Greens each year.

What a great way to energize after completing the race!

If you are an athlete at this years event make sure to say thanks to the Chris and Lisa and the team from Quality Greens.

Round Up Some Volunteers!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 21:21:00 +0000

As athletes we know the importance of volunteers. They sort our race packs, man the aid stations, hold us up at the finish line. They deal with our sweaty, smelly, gasping for breath, bodies from the minute we get out of the water (or, heaven forbid, before!) and then they clear up when we've gone.

Volunteers are amazing, and we need more of them.

Aside from the obvious benefits of a great day out, the opportunity to be involved with the triathlon community and the karma of selflessly donating some time to others .... there is also a bunch of great free stuff (listed below)

If you are not racing then gather up some colleagues, friends and family and help support one of Canada's premier endurance events.

If you know of someone that might consider volunteering for the Apple Triathlon then please forward this email, it would be much appreciated.

Why volunteer?

Prize Draw for two, yes two, Air Canada tickets to any Air Canada destination in continental North America. That's a lot of choice. How popular will you be with your chosen travel partner?

Free

Beer for a year draw for Bike Course Marshals. Glug, glug, glug .... ahhhh! How popular will you be with, well, everyone!

Free

Volunteer 'Thank You' reception in the beautiful Laurel Packing House with food courtesy of Boston Pizza, washed down with beer and wine.

Free

Volunteer commemorative polo shirts. This year we have removed the sponsors so it's more stylish and you can wear it year round.

Free

Commemorative 'Apple Triathlon' gym Bag. A perfectly sized kit bag to hold whatever you wish.

Priceless

Joining the Apple Triathlon family in serving up one of Canada's premiere sporting events to the local community.

It's great being an Apple Triathlon volunteer. Sign up today.

Volunteer registration is now open! - CLICK HERE

Joes Becoming Pros Contest Winner #2 - Russ Craig

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Joes Becoming Pros

KAT and Fresh Air Experience Athlete

Feature Contest

Winner #2 : Russ Craig

Russ Craig is our second winner of the KAT athlete feature contest sponsored by Fresh Air Experience. He is now the proud owner of a 25$ Gift Certificate to Fresh Air and a KAT cycling jersey!

Here is our interview with him:

Q. Have you participated in the KAT in the past or will this year be your first time?

A. I’ve done it 5 times, once on a team and the other 4 individual. This year I haven’t decided yet if I’ll do it as a team or as an individual.

Q. Why did you choose to do the KAT in the first place?

A. Mostly because I live here, it’s such an easy race to wake up at 5am and go race!

Q. What is your favorite part about your triathlon experience?

A. Just getting out on the ride and seeing the people out there, all the volunteers. Basically just enjoying the day because I’m not going to win and I know that and I’m okay with that!

Q. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

A. It was probably one of the years, the current in the lake reversed so the swim instead of being a 25minute swim it turned out to be an hour. So I realized I really needed to swim more and the more I swam the easier it all became. It was when the old course was down by city park.

Q. What advice do you have for everyone else training for their KAT race?

A. Learn to swim in the lake, do lake water clinics. Swim in the lake! Do the across the lake swim.

Q. What was the best part about the race?

A. There’s so many memories I’ve got. One year the skies opened up and it poured that morning; I wasn’t in it that year but I had 2 friends that were. It was amazing how well it was handled, it was a complete catastrophe but the organizers put a positive spin on it and everyone had fun and enjoyed it!

Joes Becoming Pros Contest Winner - Dani Sarbit

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:21:00 +0000

Joes Becoming Pros
KAT and Fresh Air Experience Athlete FeatureContest
Winner: Dani Sarbit

Dani Sarbit is our first winner of the KAT athlete feature contest sponsored by Fresh Air Experience. She is now the proud owner of a 25$ Gift Certificate to Fresh Air

and a KAT cycling jersey!
Here is our interview with her:

Q. Have you participated in the KAT in the past or will this year be your first time?

A. I participated last year and did the Olympic distance.

Q. Why did you choose to do the KAT in the first place?

A. I choose it because it’s in my hometown - my kids could come and watch and cheer me on. I also chose it because I needed a goal.

Q. What was your favorite part about your triathlon experience?

A. The training definitely - I trained with a bunch of girls I really enjoyed training with. There was always someone willing to go out. It made it nice because we enjoyed each others company but also I made an effort to go out - they were encouraging and motivating.

Q. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?

A. Fitting training in - finding the time to train in between working, mothering and the day to day stuff that is required of someone to run a household. You just have to make it happen whether its 6 in the morning or 8 at night.

Q. What advice do you have for everyone else training for their KAT race?

A. Set the goal. The first thing is to set a goal then find a group of people you enjoy training with and make it fun. Schedule your training time in that’s probably the biggest advice I can give.

Q. What was the best part about the race?

A. It was getting a big hug from my kids after - they were so proud and I’m being a good role model for them.

Joes Becoming Pros

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:42:00 +0000

Kelowna Apple Triathlon Participant Feature Contest
Sponsored by: Fresh Air Experience

Hello KAT-hletes! We are happy to announce that the Apple Triathlon, along with Fresh Air Experience, is holding a contest for all those who have either already participated in our race or are registered for this year.

Don’t worry: winning this will be much easier than the triathlon! All you have to do is like our post on Facebook or retweet us on Twitter. If you share the post, you gain an extra entry into our draw from which we will choose our winner at random.

The winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Fresh Air Experience, your local one-stop shop for all your triathlon needs, along with some coveted KAT swag. You will also be featured on our blog and Facebook page with a picture and a short interview of your experience with or preparation for the KAT!

FAQ:

What is it? A bi-weekly contest where winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to Fresh Air Experience along with some coveted KAT swag. You will also be featured on our blog and Facebook page with a picture and a short interview of your experience with, or preparation for, the KAT!

What is Fresh Air Experience? Fresh Air Experience is your local one-stop shop for all your ski, bike, board, run and triathlon needs! Located conveniently in Kelowna at 2070 Harvey Ave.

Who can enter? All those who have either already participated in our race or are registered for this year are eligible.

How are winners selected? There will be a post on the Facebook page as well as on Twitter every two weeks and everyone who either “re-tweets” or “likes” the post will gain an entry to be featured. If you share the post, you gain an extra entry into our draw from which we will choose our winner at random. The contest will be up for a week, and the next week the KAT-hlete's feature will go up.

What does the feature entail? A short interview with a couple fun questions and a photo of the winner with their prizes!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AppleTriathlon
Twitter: @appletriathlon

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 05:16:00 +0000

Registration for the 2013 Kelowna Apple Triathlon is now ONLINE!
Please go to this page to sign up for another great race next year ...

Live Reporting from the 30th Kelowna Apple Triathlon Saturday August 18th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:56:00 +0000

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=dc392ebaae" >Kelowna Apple Triathlon</a>

Live Reporting from the 30th Kelowna Apple Triathlon Sunday August 19th 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Apple Triathlon) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:11:00 +0000

Kelowna Apple Triathlon Sunday

Race Route Closures and Detour Maps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:39:00 +0000

Below is a listing of the Road Closures/Detours for the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon. Alternatively, please download the Road Closure list at http://www.appletriathlon.com/2012roadclosures.pdf.

Please check if your travel plans include any of the following streets. If so please plan an alternate route and give yourself some extra travelling time.

Thank you!

Saturday (6:00 am until 12:30 pm)

Download Detour Map http://www.appletriathlon.com/2011saturdaydetourmap.pdf

Road & Boat Launch Closures

- Water St from Clement to Rose’s Boat Launch (west side only)
- Cawston from Water To Ellis (north side only)
- Ellis St from Cawston to Recreation
- Recreation from Ellis to Richter
- Clement from Dolphins Fountain to Gordon – use shoulder as directed by volunteers
- Graham from Clement to Coronation - use shoulder as directed by volunteers
- Coronation from Graham to Gordon - use shoulder as directed by volunteers
- Gordon from Coronation to Clement (west side only)
- Rose’s Boat Launch & Parking Lot

Detours

Sunset, North End and Poplar Point use Bay Ave. - Richter - Weddell - Gordon Drive

Eldorado Boat Launch is open

Sunday (6:00 am until 3:30 pm)

Download Detour Map http://www.appletriathlon.com/2011sundaydetourmap.pdf

Road & Boat Launch Closures

- Water St from Dolphins Fountain to Queensway (west side only)
- Queensway from Water to Bernard (north side only)
- Bernard from Queensway to Abbott (north side only)
- Abbott St from Bernard to Hwy 97 (west side only)
- Clement from Dolphins Fountain to Ellis
- Ellis St from Clement to Knox Mtn
- Royal View from Knox Mtn to Mt Royal (south side only)
- Mt Royal & Mountain (from Royal View to Skyline/Clifton)
- Skyline/Clifton (from Mountain to High)
- High (from Skyline/Clifton to Glenmore)
- Glenmore from Ballou/Kane to Clement (west side only)
- Clement from Spall to Graham (north side only)
- Graham from Clement to Coronation
- Coronation from Graham to St Paul
- St Paul from Coronation to Cawston
- Cawston from St Paul to Water
- Rose’s Boat Launch & Parking Lot
- Queensway Boat Launch
- Ellis St north end boat launch
- Grand Lagoons boat locks

Detours

- Sunset and Manhattan (Map Zone A) – Use Bay Avenue - Richter - Hwy97
- Poplar Point (Map Zone B) – Use Broadway - Richter - Hwy 97
- North End (Map Zone G) - Use Richter or Ethel - Hwy 97
- Cerise Area (Map Zone C) – exit via Clement – Ethel - Hwy 97 return from Gordon – Clement Cerise.
- Old Glenmore (Map Zone D) – exit area using Glenmore - Bernard. Return using Gordon - Clement -Clifton. May also use Dilworth Crescent to enter or exit
- Mt Royal, Mountain & Clifton (Map Zones E & F) - Use Glenmeadows - Yates - Kane to reach Glenmore Road

- Eldorado Boat Launch is open

Inspire & Build Future Olympians

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:40:00 +0000

U16 Race, Kids Camps and Kids Of Steel Race to inspire and build our future Olympians

Kelowna, BC –

While the Kelowna community and the rest of the world gears down from the excitement of the Olympic games, the Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society is working to grow the Olympic spirit in its community.

For the first time, the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon will host a new race specifically geared to assist the development of potential future Olympians. This U16 race will be held Saturday morning.

All athletes can go to the website www.appletriathlon.com for race registration and details. This race (along with the annual youth and teen triathlon camps and Kids of Steel races) is an opportunity for our community to support and guide our future athletes.

Kids and Teens Camps began this past weekend at Strathcona Park behind the hospital. They are offered in an enjoyable, supportive environment that upholds the Tri BC philosophy of co-operation and fun. Instruction is provided by certified coaches covering the basic skills of swimming, biking, running and transition, teaching triathlon rules, and enabling each camper to complete the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon on Saturday following the Camp.

These camps sell out each year so we encourage people to come out and watch the fun and education the young people are enjoying, and then go to the website www.appletriathlon.com as registration begins in October for all those interested in signing up for 2013.

We are still looking for volunteers for all of our events, including the Kids of Steel race. This is a great fun family weekend so come bring your entire family out to enjoy the sunshine and cheer on athletes of all ages. Register yourself, family or team at www.appletriathlon.com/volunteers.

Date: August 13, 2012
Issued by: Deanne Collinson, Media Relations and Communications Director, Kelowna Apple Triathlon Society
deanne@deannecollinson.com
Cell 1-403-613-9624

Follow the Apple Triathlon Live

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Technology meets the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon! Now you can follow the race live on Saturday and Sunday, August 18 and 19.

Kelowna's Tweet4Ok.com Social Media Services will provide a live feed during race weekend. For those that want to follow the event live, here are some instructions from the team at Tweet4Ok Social Media:

Inspired by previous Apple Triathlons, Tweet4Ok has come on board to supplement the excellent event reporting with a comprehensive Digital Media reporting package.

Reporters will be placed at strategic places on the race course. Spectators, athletes and family members are also encouraged to participate by using Twitter and other tools.

Apple Triathlon Twitter

The reporters will use the hashtag “#appletri” on Twitter to make it easy to follow all relevant updates in real time. (What is a hashtag? - http://tweet4ok.com/hashtag/)

Apple Triathlon Blog

All of the tweets, pictures and other updates will also be accessible through a special broadcasting window on the Apple Triathlon Blog: http://appletriathlon.blogspot.ca

Apple Triathlon Facebook Page

The live stream will also be running on the Apple Triathlon Facebook Page. http://facebook.com/AppleTriathlon

Welcome to Kelowna Twitter

If you prefer, you can follow the active feed on a special events page on WelcometoKelowna.com. http://www.welcometokelowna.com/news/apple_triathalon/.

Cover It Live App

You can also follow by iPhone or Android using the Cover It Live app on your phone or tablet. Download the Android app from Google Play or the iPhone app from iTunes and follow the instructions.

Tweet4Ok.com has successfully run similar reporting events for the Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival and is excited to give fans locally and all over the world the opportunity to follow the “Action” before and during the Kelowna Apple Triathlon 2012.

Whether you are at home, at the finish line or on the race course, follow the event as it happens live.

Thank you to the team at Tweet4Ok.com for providing the updates, running the stream, and to Northern Computer for providing the equipment to make live coverage available for the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon.

2012 Events Schedule Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:24:00 +0000

As you are planning your 2012 Apple Triathlon weekend, please check out the events schedule now posted on our website (under “Events” and “Race Information”).

In addition to the weekend races on Saturday and Sunday, there are other things to do during Apple Triathlon Week:

Sunday August 12 - 8:00 am: Start of the Teen Tri Camp
Monday August 13 - 8:00 am: Start of the Youth Tri Camp
Tuesday August 14 - 5:30 pm: Unveiling of the 2012 Apple Triathlon Wine Label
Thursday August 16 - 5:30 pm: Free Bike Ride
Friday August 17 - 5:00 pm: Warm up at the Aquathon or 5k Fun Run
Saturday August 18 - 10:30 am: Join us for a piece of cake from our 30^th Edition Birthday cake
Sunday August 19 - 3:45 pm: Awards Ceremony

Download the event schedule here http://www.appletriathlon.com/2012scheduleofevents.pdf

See you next week!

* NOTE that the above time and locations are subject to change! The schedule of events should be reviewed periodically. Further changes will be discussed at the Pre-Race Meeting so all racers should attend to ensure they have the latest information..

Limited Edition Apple Triathlon Jersey Shorts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:42:00 +0000

Are you looking to add something special to your athletic closet? Something to remember your race or volunteer effort? Then make sure to get a limited edition jersey & short combination from the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon.

2012 is the 30th edition of our race. To commemorate this special event, we will have a limited supply of 100 anniversary cycling jerseys and matching shorts for sale. Assorted sizes are available.

Look for them on sale at race pack pick up on Thursday/Friday/Saturday at the Rotary Centre of the Arts and near the finish line area on Sunday.

The cost is only $95 for the set. Make sure to show up early ... they will go fast!

Volunteer and Win

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Only 11 days are left until the 2012 Kelowna Apple Triathlon, and there are still more than 450 volunteer positions that need to be filled.

If you are in town, please come and join us! You could be the winner of

2 tickets on Air Canada anywhere in Continental North America where Air Canada flies

Gift certificate from Big White Ski Resort, including weekend accommodation, lift passes and rental equipment for 2 people

Covert Farms Wine (19 years an older)

Special draw for “Beer for a Year” from Tree Brewing for all BIKE COURSE volunteers

Lots of assorted prizes from our local sponsors

Register on-line
To register, please go to our on-line volunteer registration website, enter/update your contact information (so that we can send you a confirmation email and enter you for the draw), select the times you are available and select the position that you most prefer.

All positions listed in red are on our priority list to fill. A brief description of each position is provided to make your selection easier.

Volunteers are especially urgently needed on the bike and run courses. These race marshals are vital to monitor car/pedestrian traffic, and provide encouragement to our athletes. 250 positions are needed on the bike course alone.

And don't forget to join us for the Volunteer Appreciation Party, Wednesday, August 22 - Laurel Packinghouse Building (1304 Ellis Street); 5-7pm. Pizza from Boston Pizza and refreshments from Tree Brewing and Covert Farms Family Estate Winery will be served. Draw Prizes will be awarded!

Be part of this community event by giving back to the active lifestyle community of Kelowna.

Kids Camps and Teen Camps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:02:00 +0000

For ages 8 to 11 years, age as of December 31, in the calendar year of the camp

Date: Monday Aug 13 - Friday Aug 17 - 8:00am to noon (5 days)

Place: Strathcona Park

Maximum 30 participants

This camp is offered in an enjoyable, supportive environment that upholds the Tri BC philosophy of co-operation and fun.
Instruction is conducted by certified coaches covering the basic skills of swimming, biking, running and, transition, teaching triathlon rules, and enabling each camper to complete the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon on Saturday, following the Camp.
On Friday morning, a parent volunteer is needed to help with the mini triathlon.

Campers should bring: swimsuit, goggles and, 2 or 3 towels, shorts, shirts - long & short sleeves, runners, extra pair of socks, pants, hat, drinks & a snack. Sunscreen is provided by Everready.

All triathlon equipment is needed every day of the camp!

Camp Includes: Swim cap, free pre-camp bike check (at Fresh Air Experience), complimentary gift(s)

The camp entry does not include registration into the races and therefore camp entrants who want to do the race also must register for both (the camp and the race).

Please note: The pre-camp bike check at Fresh Air is MANDATORY!

Click here to register.

***************************************************

For ages 12 - 15 years as of December 31, in the calendar year of the camp

Date: Sunday Aug 12 - Thursday Aug 16 - 8:00am to noon (5 days)

Place: Strathcona Park

Maximum 15 participants

This camp is offered in an enjoyable, supportive environment that upholds the Tri BC philosophy of co-operation and fun.

Instruction is conducted by certified coaches covering the basic skills of swimming, biking, running and, transition, teaching triathlon rules, and enabling each camper to complete the Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon on Saturday, following the Camp.

On Thursday morning, a parent volunteer is needed to help with the mini triathlon.

Campers should bring: swimsuit, goggles and, 2 or 3 towels, shorts, shirts - long & short sleeves, runners, extra pair of socks, pants, hat, drinks & a snack. Sunscreen is provided by Everready.

All triathlon equipment is needed every day of the camp!

Camp Includes: Swim cap, free pre-camp bike check (at Fresh Air Experience), complimentary gift(s)

The camp entry does not include registration into the races and therefore camp entrants who want to do the race also must register for both (the camp and the race).

Please note: The pre-camp bike check at Fresh Air is MANDATORY!

Click here to register.

Friday Free Events

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:52:00 +0000

Warm up for the weekend and join us for some fun events on Friday August 17.

Events are FREE for all registered participants of the 2012 Sprint or Olympic distance Kelowna Apple Triathlon and their guests.

Please wear your wristband at the free events, otherwise you will be required to sign a waiver.

Gennext Aquathon
The race consists of a 2.5km run through the Sutherland Bay Bird Sanctuary, a 1km swim in Tugboat Bay and another 2.5km run on the same run course, finishing back at Tugboat Beach.

Medals are awarded to the top three male and female finishers.

The 2012 event will be organized by Gennext, a group of young professionals supporting the community in partnership with the United Way.

Participants meet at 5:00 pm to register at Tugboat Beach. The Aquathon starts at 5:30 pm

5km Fun Run
Enjoy a relaxing run along Kelowna's beautiful waterfront as a warm-up for one of the weekend's races!

All Fun Run participants meet at the finish line area at 5pm; the run starts at 5:30pm.

Friday Evening Beer Garden
Once Friday's fun events are over, join us for a cool beverage from Tree Brewing and pizza from Boston Pizza in the beer garden near the finish line (next to the Dolphins).

Doors open at 5:30pm and close at 7pm. The beer garden is open to all participants and their guests. (Adults only please)

Sign up on-line at www.appletriathlon.com.

Bike Course Volunteers - Win!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 04:28:00 +0000

The bike course at the Kelowna Apple Triathlon is both challenging and beautiful. But for such an amazing course, we need almost 250 volunteers who are vital to the success of the Apple Triathlon. If you are planning on volunteering, consider being a bike course marshal.

In addition to all the great prizes awarded at the Volunteer Party, there’s another incentive to volunteer on the bike course: All bike course volunteers (over the age of 19) will be entered into a draw for a prize provided by Tree Brewing: Beer for a Year!

As a volunteer on the bike course, you see first hand the speed the cyclists are going at as well as the cornering. It’s exciting!The course on Saturday is compact but the same for all racers: Kids of Steel, Try-a-Tri athletes and Junior Elites. The only difference is the number of lap each athlete will complete.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday from 6:30 am to about 11:30 am. Check out the
Saturday bike course map:

Kids of Steel / Try a Tri / Junior Elites Bike Course
http://www.appletriathlon.com/2010%20SATURDAY%20BIKE%20-%205K%20ROUTE.pdf

On Sunday, the bike course accommodates more races: age group Sprint and Olympic distance in the morning, and Elites in the afternoon.

Cyclists travel from downtown Kelowna, part way up Knox Mountain, through Glenmore and back to the Dolphins downtown.

Volunteers are needed for shifts between 6:00 am and 3:30 pm. Here is a link to the Sunday bike course maps:

Age Group Sprint and Olympic Bike Course
http://www.appletriathlon.com/2010%20SUNDAY%20BIKE-%20SPRINT%20ROUTE.pdf

Elite Course
http://www.appletriathlon.com/2010%20SUNDAY%20BIKE%20-%20ELITE.pdf

The Apple Triathlon bike course is a closed course (no traffic is allowed) so having a good group of bike course marshals is vital to helping local traffic navigate the traffic pattern though downtown and Glenmore.

If you have a few hours to spare on the weekend of Aug 18-19, please join us as a volunteer at the 2012 Pushor Mitchell Kelowna Apple Triathlon!

Reserve your position(s) today at http://volunteer.appletriathlon.com.

Olympians Love Kelowna Triathlon

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Kelowna has many outstanding sporting events, but few events include participants competing on the Olympic level.

For the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Canada has sent 5 triathletes to compete for medals: Gold and silver medalist Simon Whitfield, as well as team mates Kyle Jones, Brent McMahon, Paula Findlay and Kathy Tremblay. All of these triathletes on the Canadian Olympic team have competed at the Kelowna Apple Triathlon in the last 10 years.

A recent article in the Kelowna Daily Courier by MLA Steve Thompson emphasizes the fact that the Kelowna Apple Triathlon has been a training ground for Olympians. It also encourages the community (athletes, family members, friends, non-athletes etc.) to support this event by volunteering for one of the many shifts we have still available.

Check out the article from MLA Steve Thompson below.

MLA'S Report: Apple Triathlon a training ground for Olympians- By Steve Thomson - Kelowna Capital News -You’ve heard the expression “more than the sum of its parts.” When it comes to the Pushor Mitchell Apple Triathlon, that’s literally true.

Thanks to Steve for the outstanding article.

Olympic Triathlon Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 23:51:00 +0000

It is the time we have all been waiting for: the 2012 Olympics have finally begun!

For triathlon fans, make sure to mark your calendars for August 4 for the women's race, and August 11 for the men's race. Here are the key times as well as links for coverage:

The woman's triathlon final is scheduled for Saturday August 4th at 9am London Time, which is 1 am Pacific Daylight Savings Time. The men's race is scheduled for Tuesday August 7th at 11:30 am London Time, which is 3:30am Pacific Daylight Savings Time.

NBC will be broadcasting live, and for those of us that prefer to sleep in, you can watch the triathlon on either CTV or TSN later on.

Here are a few useful links:

London Olympics Website - http://www.london2012.com/triathlon/

CTV Olympics Website - http://www.ctvolympics.ca/videos/index.html

CTV Viewers Guide (all video coverage) - http://www.ctvolympics.ca/viewers-guide/index.html

National Post TV Schedule - http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/07/26/here-is-the-olympic-tv-schedule/

For those of you that want to relive of Simon Whitfield's exciting end to the 2008 event when he came from behind to win a silver medal, here it is: http://youtu.be/8mpWpaiXWo4.

(Thank you to Simon's Blog for the picture http://simonwhitfield.blogspot.ca)

New Volunteer Party Location for 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:50:00 +0000

We are excited to welcome you to this year's Kelowna Apple Triathlon. Race weekend could not happen without you and many others volunteering their time to make this event a success.

As in past years, we would like to invite you to the Volunteer Appreciation party (Wednesday, August 22). Doors open at 5 pm.

Due to the increased number of volunteers this year, we have moved the party to the Laurel Building in order to accommodate everyone.

Laurel Packing House 1304 Ellis Street

There will still be pizza from Boston Pizza and refreshments from Tree Brewing and Covert Farms Family Estate Winery. Draw Prizes will be awarded, including 2 Air Canada tickets, Tree Brewing Beer for a year, Covert Farms wine and more (TBA).

Make sure to wear your volunteer t-shirt!

Make sure to reserve YOUR volunteer position using our on-line registration system at http://volunteer.appletriathlon.com/

Looking forward to sharing race weekend and the party with you!