Pre-Pandemic my two older sisters and I decided we would do a family team triathlon. We were going to swim, bike and run in a short triathlon near our parent’s place near Gravenhurst, Ontario. It would be a great way to get in shape and come together as a family for a fun weekend.
Then boom – COVID-19 changed the world and RUINED our family team triathlon plans. Looking back on the whole experience, I think it made it all the better. Fast forward to 2022, and the anticipation built for 2 years at the TriMuskokan in Huntsville, Ontario during the last weekend in June. I don’t think we could have hoped for a better event to make our debut!
Where Did the Name Come From?
During COVID lockdown, like the rest of the world, we didn’t get to see each other much. Honestly, prior to COVID, it seemed like we were never all together in the same place all at once. Like most families -contact was sporadic and distant at times with everyone going about their day-to-day with their own families.
WhatsApp to the rescue. We formed a family text group in 2020 that still exists to this day – and named it MY GENE POOL. Hence a family team triathlon name was formed.
On the platform, we share pictures, thoughts, dinner suggestions and funny memes which are mostly animal-themed. Starting this winter we started sharing some training tips, videos of trial swims and even design ideas for a TEAM JERSEY!
Where Did You Get the Team Jerseys?
Our friends at Cognative MTB did an amazing job with the family team triathlon jerseys. It was their first jersey with recycled silver ion fabric to help all the sweat and tears dissipate during the event so we kept looking great all day.
We made sure to have them early by getting the process going a couple of months before the race. Honestly, they only took 4 weeks from final proof of their amazing design to delivery. Everyone, including our spectators, was super impressed with the design, quality and feel of the jerseys.
We highly recommend getting a jersey instead of just a simple T-shirt. This shirt means so much now that the event is over and we all have a great keepsake to remember the event by. Plus, it’s a great training piece for our next family team adventure! (Stay tuned!)
Here is My Gene Pool Team
Swimmer- Carolyn
Carolyn is my eldest and wisest sister -sorry Kath.
She has never broken a bone and nor competed in any type of athletic endeavour whatsoever. She is a great swimmer and finds it “relaxing and calming!”
She’s the first to admit she is not an athlete, although a fierce competitor and extremely organized. She watched every video and read every pre-race news bulletin, so we would all know where to park, what time to show up and most importantly how to have the BEST TIME!
Carolyn
Cyclist- Kathryn
Kathryn, but we all call her Kath is the middle child! Haha.
Wedged between us she was not just the cyclist for the family team triathlon, but the jam to our bread slices. She held the team together with the longest leg of the day.
Constantly saying “Look at that person going up that hill so fast” at the start of the bike course – she took off outta transition like a rocket and was soon outta sight. She kept saying how she hated the hills but zoomed up them like they weren’t even there.
Kathryn
Runner- Coach Tricia
Well what can I say about myself but I’m the BABY! The youngest child. Attention seeking and benefiting from all of those who came before me.
Literally, my sisters paved the way for me and not just in this race- in life. They both made my parents immune to my shenanigans, allowing me to be and do whatever I wanted. For that, I hope they know I’m grateful.
I am also so proud of the two of them for ALL of the things they have done and excited for what they are still yet to do.
Tricia
Tricia
Race Report:
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here are some of the best from an amazing day!
If everyone could just please hold still for a group shot...
The absolute best part of the family team triathlon weekend was having everyone there. Our parents, spouses, children and even grandchildren were there!
It was a 4 generation event- plus one dog! Yes even BOB was there.
Nothing can describe the feeling of “getting it done” and having your family cheering for you! One of the most memorable moments of the triathlon for me was all the hugs when it was done. I had to wear my sunglasses so they wouldn’t see me tearing up.
Sporting events always make me feel this way, and not just for the fastest or the “winners” but for all who made it a goal and accomplished it. I know it sounds corny, but sports really do bring out the best in people.
How Did We Do?
I mean does it really matter? Yes, of course, it does. The results were quick and detailed just after we got done. Looking them up together on our phones we all shrieked “WE’RE NOT LAST!!!!” It was as if we were all winners! And I guess you could say we were.
Very enjoyable article. Looks like great family fun. I hope it encourages other families to do similar outings.