General Questions
Some of the sessions conflict with my schedule - can you change the day or time of the workouts?
A lot of planning and coordination goes into setting up the schedule. We juggle the availability of facilities, coaches, volunteers, and duathlon & triathlon event schedules. We think we came up with a pretty good plan. Don’t let 3 days a week of exercise frighten you – you can work as hard or as easy as you want in the swim, bike or walk/run. Attend as much as you can. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated on the website, via WhatsApp and by email.
The locations and sponsors’ storefronts are all over the city - can you change the location of the workouts or can I go somewhere else for my gear?
See above to get an idea of the complexity in planning the program. Additionally, Bikes & Beyond, and Big Sky Run Co, are the most knowledgeable in the city when it comes to biking, and running, respectively. When choosing which sponsors to approach for support, we spoke with triathletes as well as athletes in the individual sports, and these were the businesses recommended again and again.
What do we do if it rains?
Unless it is really coming down, we will still walk/run and bike in the rain. Working out in light rain acclimatizes you to possible racing weather – plus it provides great material for “triathlon training adventure stories”.
I don’t want to compete in any of the events, but still want to train with the group. Is that okay?
It sure is! This program is intended to help women get out and “tri” something new to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, we’ve heard this question before from women who ended up competing in ALL events – beware, triathlon is addictive!
What is the kick-off and what if I can’t attend?
A couple things happen at the kick-off. You get your cool swag bag. You meet me (Jenn), some of your coaches and the other participants. If you can’t make it, don’t fret. We will set aside your swag kit, all talks are recorded and posted to the website, and you will meet us all soon enough.
Are registration fees refundable?
CCN, the registration site, offers cancellation protection that ensures you can be refunded – please consider this if you think you may need to pull out.
My friend is interested. Can she still register for Just Tri-It?
We limit the number of spots available to ensure everyone gets adequate attention from our wonderful coaches (and so our swim lanes aren't too congested). Encourage her to register ASAP. If the program is full, we keep a wait list but cannot guarantee a spot will open. Our intention is to run the program annually. If she misses out this year, we hope to meet her next spring.
Can I bring my children / husband along to the workouts?
Sorry, we do not have insurance for those who are not in the program and have not signed our waiver of liability.
Is your program open to all women?
Our program is open to all women over the age of 18, regardless of gender assigned at birth.
How did you come up with this program, and how can I know if it will work?
The Just Tri It program was introduced in Saskatoon over 20 years ago. Since introduction, it has grown to 120 participants a year, having an enormous impact on the health and wellbeing of women in their community. It is so popular it continues to fill up quickly with new and even returning participants who want to work out in a fun and friendly atmosphere. They have been very supportive of us bringing the program here, providing lots of information to help get us off the ground for our introductory year in 2024. In the past two years, our participants have crossed the finish line at St Malo with huge smiles. Approaching each workout with an I’ll Tri It attitude, and the support of our wonderful coaches will get you there in the end.
How do I contact the program coordinator?
We do all our communication through the website, email (jtiwinnipeg@gmail.com) and Facebook (make sure to follow our Facebook group). Please understand that our Coordinator, Jenn, is a busy mom of 4, who works full-time … and keep this in mind when wondering why she may not reply instantly. She will reply as soon as she can. Approximately a week before the program starts, a WhatsApp group will be created for the program, allowing for easier communication for everyone.
Swim Questions
Why are there two choices for the swim place and day?
In the past, all participants swam at the same time. They were split into lanes based on skill and speed, but we were limited in how much we could tailor the training. This year we are dividing the group into the YMCA group and the Pan Am group for the first 8 weeks in the hopes of best serving everyone.
Who should register for the YMCA group?
First of all, those who are available to swim Sundays from 2-3pm. This group is best for beginner/novice and intermediate swimmers. Our program is not a learn to swim program, and everyone coming in should be able to pass a “deep end of the pool” test. We will have 3 coaches on deck each week and will spend more time discussing technique and doing drills. You will log fewer meters than the other group, but don’t worry, you will still be well prepared to complete your first race by June.
Who should register for the Pan Am group, and how does it work?
Our Pan Am group will swim with the Tri Mb swim program. While all of our participants and coaches are women, the Tri Mb program is open to everyone so you will be swimming with men. This group will focus more on stroke refinement, endurance and speed. They will spend less time talking and more time swimming. This group is best suited for intermediate and above swimmers. You can choose to attend Monday or Wednesday, and switch it up week to week.
How do the open water swim sessions work, and why is one of them in a pool?
Open water swimming is very different from lane swimming. For our first “open water swim” we will actually be at Pan Am on Wednesday, June 10th. We will be taking down the lane ropes and trying some mass starts, drafting, sighting and other open water skills in the comfort of the pool. For the last two weeks we will be moving our open water swims to the actual open water of Birds Hill Park on Monday June 15th and 22nd. Past participants have been unanimous in their opinion that these sessions were among the most important for getting them ready for race day. On these days I also bring out a transition rack or two and participants have the option of trying a short swim to bike transition after practice.
Can I swim with both groups or add extra swims?
Yes and no. The YMCA group is limited to 20 swimmers at a time. We have more flexibility with the Pan Am swims. Opportunity may arise to swap or add swims within the group, but this will be subject to availability. Each additional swim will cost $10. Please speak to Jenn if you would like extra swim time.
Can we use the lockers at the YMCA and Pan Am during the swim?
Yes. At the YMCA you can bring your own lock. At Pan Am, there are lockers available for a quarter. At both sites, they are emptied at the end of each day, so be sure to take all your stuff (including the lock) with you when you leave.
Do I have to wear a swim cap and goggles?
Absolutely! Have you ever had to clean a pool filter or even a bathroom drain of gobs of hair? It’s gross. Wearing a cap is good pool etiquette – the pool operators will love you for it and your fellow swimmers will appreciate not sucking in a hair when coming up for air during the swim. Swim caps are also mandatory in most triathlons.
Swim caps will be in your swag bag provided at the JTI kickoff, but you are responsible for your own goggles / nose plugs / ear plugs. Please come prepared.
As far as the goggles go, you need to have clear vision when lane swimming and, unless you are willing to risk the wrath of your fellow swimmers, you need to open your eyes above and below the water.
I can’t swim 300m. What will I do if I still can’t by the time the race occurs?
No worries. Our participants have special permission to use a swim buoy during the race. If that isn't enough, your race registration can be switched to a duathlon (run-bike-run) and you will still have a great day with us out at St Malo. Then come back an keep swimming with us until you are ready to tackle the swim. We will get you through your first race safely.
Where do you change your clothes after you swim in a triathlon and before you get on the bike?
WHOA!!! You’re worried about the day of the triathlon?!! Let’s get you swimming, riding, and running, first. Don’t worry - we will make sure you are fully prepared for your first triathlon. However, it does not happen overnight, and our method is to ‘baby step’ everyone towards that goal. So, please be patient. There is much to learn, and we will get you there one step at a time.
Bike Questions
Do I have to wear a helmet? It really messes up my hair and I look goofy.
Yes, you must wear a helmet on our rides – the rule is “no helmet, no ride”. This is for your own safety. You’ll look goofier with a big hole in your head!
My bike is really, really old. I only have a mountain or hybrid bike. Is that OK?
Any bike will do. All we ask is that your bike is in good working order with gears and brakes that work and tires that are properly inflated. We will be heading to Bikes and Beyond (227 Henderson Hwy) on April 8th, where they will check out everyone’s bikes and let you know of any concerns. They are also offering our participants priority service at their shop, to get you on the road quickly. This is a great offer as the bike shops are often very busy in the spring, often with long waits for appointments.
I refuse to wear those Spandex bike shorts. I swear you must have a supermodel body to look good in them!
There are no clothing requirements for the biking portion, except for the helmet. So, you can wear whatever you are comfortable in. However, please do not laugh and point at those of us whose bodies are far from ‘supermodel perfect’ yet choose to wear cycling shorts. We choose comfort over looking good – sit in the saddle of a bike for long enough and you’ll appreciate the benefits of padded cycling shorts!
What do I do if the group ride is too slow for me?
What you DO NOT do is complain about the slow speed – all that will serve to do is make many people uncomfortable. Most weeks we will bike as two groups and each group pace is set and will not be altered to accommodate one or two riders. So, be encouraging to those who need it and complete the ride. If you were in the slower group, join the faster group next time. If you were in the faster group, speak with the coach quietly about your concern at the end of the ride. Participants are encouraged to do additional workouts on their own (or with a small group from the program), and you can choose to do these bike rides at whatever speed suits you.
What do I do if the group ride is too fast for me?
Dig deep, real deep. If you were in the faster group, join the slower group next time. If you were in the slower group please speak with the coach at the end with your concern. Our coaches are great and will likely notice anyone struggling and adjust to meet the group’s needs. No one will be left behind.
Walk and Run Questions
I am unable to run – can I still participate in a triathlon?
Absolutely! All you must do is complete the distance, so you can do this by walking, a walk/run combination, running, skipping, shuffling – the possibilities are endless. This program is designed to take you from walking 30 minutes to running 3km, and we encourage you to really give it a shot. If you absolutely cannot run, we have a walking group to increase your speed and endurance so you can finish race day strong.
I do not run but would eventually like to get there. Can you help me?
That’s what we’re here for.
I can already comfortably run 30 minutes / 3km. Will I be bored?
We will have a faster group for those already comfortable with this time/distance. That group will work on increasing their speed.
Do I need to buy new, expensive running shoes?
We suggest that to ward off potential injury and aches and pains that your shoes be fairly new and provide plenty of support. Those old Nikes that you’ve had for 4 years and love to kick around in may be ‘oh, so comfortable’ but we can almost guarantee that they will not provide enough support on longer, quicker walks and runs. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not you need to update your running shoes. Big Sky Run Co (194 Tache Ave) will be happy to help you find your perfect fit.
How will I stay hydrated if I’m sweating and its warm outside?
Good question! Hydration is very important to ensure your body performs well and that you feel good. Hydration starts before you ever get out to exercise, so try to drink enough water throughout the day. When you are walking or riding your bike, bring along a bottle of water to sip (not gulp).
Should I be drinking a sports drink, like Gatorade?
They can really taste good but, unless you are engaging in non-stop vigorous exercise sessions of more than an hour, water is your best choice. If you choose a sports drink, it’s certainly not going to harm you, but you will be consuming extra sugars and calories that your body may not need.
