Living the triathlon dream

Times Reporter 

 

Strathmore native, Darren Hayner, moved to Strathmore when he was in Grade 7 and he always had a passion for triathlons. Hayner manages to balance his work as a millwright in Calgary with training for triathalon events. He has recently competed in some well-known races like the Whistler Ironman competition, where he qualified for the upcoming World Ironman championship in Kona, Hawaii  set to run on Oct. 11.

“In Strathmore, I started with cross country in junior high. I ran all my life. In high school I played basketball for Pat Fule,” said Hayner. “I continued running after doing 10 km races. I did not start triathlon until 17 years ago and I had to learn how to swim to do it … it was a little rough that way,” said Hayner.

The continuous running showed results as he won the Tri-Smore last year and finished a mere 24 seconds behind this year.

He admits that there were many difficulties to overcome to feel comfortable in long races such as Ironman’s and just registering in them was motivation.

“It has been a long progress to get to this point, you start out at basic obstacle with the  triathlon. My motivation is to enter these races … training scared is what motivates me to get into that pool and do the distance,” said Hayner.

As for his experience in Whistler, Hayner really embraced the challenge especially being on the bike with the windy conditions.

“This is my third Iron distance race. So I knew from three years ago I had to improve on the bike, and I am plateaued on the swim but it gets me out of the water in the top 25 per cent,” said Hayner.

Training was pivotal for him as he did a lot of indoor cycling training to prepare for Whistler this time around.

“This last year was a lot of indoor trainer on the bike in the winter so I really pushed it,” said Hayner.

According to Hayner, the strong point for him is running and is less of a focus point in his training.

“I teach Grassy Knoll training camp in Calgary every April for eight months. I have about forty  people under me that I coach as well,” said Hayner.

“They’re all from different sports marathons what we do here is straight high intensity speed work. (The athletes) can push harder and that increases your confidence in racing when you know you can push that hard.”

“That is the Grey Cup or World Series of triathlons, it is very hard to qualify for. I had dreams of getting there one day and I race again in two months so my recovery time will not be as optimal as some other racers that qualified earlier in the year,” said Hayner. 

If he feels recovered enough from Whistler, Hayner will push to be better but will enjoy it more so that he made it.