Cottage triathlon in memory of Al Norris - Sprint version - 22 Aug (Sat)

[Heather Mace (heatheramace@gmail.com)]

Hi all,

Well it’s last minute, the pandemic remains, the road to the brewery is under construction and I am getting hit with an education tsunami as September looms but I would like to host a revised sprint version of the 2nd annual Cottage Triathlon, in memory and honour of Al Norris, OTC coach, this Saturday (https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/allan-norris-1079658583)

If you are “in”, post here by noon Friday with a e-transfer to heathe...@gmail.com (see below). I will confirm by 17:00 pm Friday that we are a ‘go’.

Details:

- date: 22 Aug (08:30 start; arrive anytime after 07:00) - this looks like the better weather day forecast but who knows...

- distances: swim (800 m), bike (20 km), run (5 km) - and yes, you can revise as needed for your own needs/training; you can also adapt to an aquathon or duathlon or just race support :)

- location: Mace family cottage (110 Craigs Shore) which is a 40 min drive from Ottawa

- cost: $20 which will be used as a donation in Al Norris’ memory to the Hintonburg Community Association - please make a transfer to heathe...@gmail.com

- Covid details: the property (deck, lawn) has easy ability for social distancing,... consider the lake as your ‘facilities’ as much as possible, the cottage will be accessible in case of ‘emergency’ with disinfecting measures in places. Bring your own chair as there is lots of space on the property. I will have wipes / hand sanitizer available. I would like to limit to 15 people or less which should be super easy considering this is hugely last minute. 

- social details: plan to linger for a swim, a hangout and a bbq afterwards, if you’d like. It’s BYO-everything, except you can pre-order from the Perth Brewery and sausages (chicken/feta/spinach or veggie) and I will pick up Friday. 

Route details:

- bike: the route takes us along back roads with little traffic with a couple nice rolling hills; it’s in the opposite direction from last year. Apart from the cottage road which is a hard packed gravel surface (called Macintosh), the pavement is smooth with few bumps / potholes.  To honour the Cottage triathlon roots, there will be beer at the turnaround if I have a helper :)

- swim: Mississippi Lake - we will swim along the shoreline; the beach is rocky but if you walk slowly, it’s not a problem.  There will be a safety kayak in the water.

- run: the route will be same as last year; along the cottage road and one part on back road; one small hill, overall flat. 

[Derek Johnston]

What a wonderful initiative, Heather. Thank you so much for putting this together. I won't be able to participate, but wish you every success and thank you for honouring Al in this way.

Warmest regards,

Derek

[Heather Mace]

Thanks Derek!  The weather has cooperated with us!

[Heather Mace]

The 2nd annual Cottage Triathlon is a "go" for tomorrow.

For those who are joining, my cell is 613-668-0684 in case you have any GPS trouble finding the cottage.

:) Heather

[Heather Mace]

Thanks to those who took part in today's 2nd Annual Cottage Triathlon (2CT) - Sprint Edition. The beautiful August weather was certainly more enjoyable than the heat of July from this year.

Not only did the event raise over $400, but the smiles and laughter during the triathlon and your appreciation of nature at the cottage are the true reason we came together in Al's memory today. Those who created their own "Individual Triathlon Plans" showed courage and perseverance to tackle the challenge in the way that you needed.  Well done.  

Congratulations to those who completed their first triathlon ever (Christian, Erin, Nelly)!  Coach Steve conquered the course with his usual determination to be first male finisher, narrowly beating out Tyler, and our newest triathlete, Nelly, took the glory for first female. Kudos to Leila for a CT PB and to Mari for her determined beer cooler biking which extended her route by 5km!  As always, a big shoutout to our race support crew: Dave, Siobhan, and especially Peter and Victoria for getting up early to set up the course with me.

The donation will be made to the Al Norris memorial fund set up by the Hintonburg Community Association; for those who would still like to contribute, please let me know prior to Wednesday.

It was a true pleasure to host you at the cottage, and I hope that this memory carries you through what your world or work throws at you in the coming months.  The Cottage Triathlon will return in 2021 under the pines.

:) Heather (Peter and Victoria)