GOLDSTREAM Saving Metchosin
NEWS GAZETTE
NEWS: Home invasions shock West Shore /A2 COMMUNITY: Property assessments released /A4 SPORTS: Bulldog boys get busy on hardwood /A27
Fledgling foundation aims to preserve district’s nature Page A3
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
www.goldstreamgazette.com
New triathlon may fit your New Year’s resolutions There are plenty of opportunities to create a healthier lifestyle Tim Collins Gazette contributor
The shortbread cookies are done and the turkey dinners are a fading, fragrant memory. But the hangover of overindulgence and sedentary holiday habits can last far beyond the holiday season, says Kirk Lewis, co-founder of Westshore Triathlon. “We see a lot of people around this time of year who have resolved to make a change in their lifestyle and get healthier,” he says. “And I like to think that we have a pretty good way for them to do exactly that.” Lewis and “It’s easy to beg company took off going for a run the opportunity or a swim if you’re of the new year to the first trying to do it alone. announce Langford Triathlon It’s a lot harder if will be held July 5. The open water you know that 10 swim happens in other people are Langford Lake, with the cycling portion waiting for you to happening between show up and join Langford and View Royal and the run them.” section on the – Donna Porter paths and roadways around the lake. “The great thing about our group is that there is something for everyone,” says Stephanie Carter, who co-founded Westshore Triathlon in 2011 and for the past three years has helped organize the Westshore Triathlon and Duathlon in April. “We get all kinds of people joining us,” she says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female; it doesn’t matter what your age might be or where your fitness level is now.” Westshore Triathlon Tri Club member Donna Porter says part of what makes
Photo by Tim Collins
Westshore Triathlon co-founders Kirk Lewis and Stephanie Carter, and Tri Club member Donna Porter stand on the shores of Langford Lake, the main site of the first Langford Triathlon this July. deciding to do a triathlon a great New Year’s resolution is that you can start at any level and train with others who are in the same boat. “It’s the motivation that really is the key here,” she says. “It’s easy to beg off going for a run or a swim if you’re trying to do it alone. It’s a lot harder if you know that 10 other people are waiting for you to show up
and join them.” Support from fellow club members also helps keep participants on track, she adds. “You’ll be struggling a little and the others are encouraging you, telling you that you can do it, and suddenly you find that you can.” For readers thinking no path can possibly take you from your present fitness level to doing a triathlon, Carter
More ways to keep you mobile. 30 BC locations including Victoria, Esquimalt, Colwood www.colbertcreative.com
Over 500 replacement cars.
points out that it’s all about managing expectations. “You may not be doing a full event on the first year,” she says. “We have a number of categories that allow for anyone to shoot for a completed event. For example, you could aim for finishing the Super Sprint category.” PlEASE SEE: Group training, Page A6
@craftsmanshops • craftsmancollision.com