Strathmorite relishes triathlons

Times Reporter  

 

Strathmore triathlete Kevin Mertz is enjoying the triathlon circuit and there have been some very memorable ones for him so far. Most recently, in Edmonton, Mertz’ results improved in the 2014 ITU World Triathlon grand final from a year ago in London, England.

“In the aquathon world champs, I came ninth and was the first Canadian in my age group. That was four spots better than last year in London, I was very pleased with that,” said Mertz.

“Triathlon was another great race. I came 13th overall in my age group, third Canadian to finish and 20 spots better than London,” said Mertz.

The London experience was an unforgettable one for Mertz, but being such a big race it was overwhelming.

“London was great, somewhat overwhelming just being a first time (at a big race). It was pretty big but I came 33rd in the triathlon and 11th in the aquathon,” said Mertz.

The focus each year for him is to train properly all year leading up to a major race such as the World Triathlon grand final.

“These World Triathlon races are my focus races for the year. I do not rest as much for my other races as I do for this one which is a full paper schedule,” said Mertz.

“I don’t necessarily think there are too many obstacles other than some pretty good pressure and balancing the whole family, work and triathlon thing.”

Mertz embraced the triathlon scene and has been doing it for four years now.

“I just tried a triathlon out on my mountain bike and really enjoyed it. I really like the training too, maybe I like the training more than the racing because it keeps me out of trouble and keeps me in shape,” said Mertz.

Training sessions become more frequent for these bigger staged races, and theres no exception for Mertz.

“I pretty much train one to two times a day. Swimming or running in the mornings and biking in the evenings and there is a core strength program I do, as well as stretching,” said Mertz.

“It’s shorter more focused stuff during the week and it is long runs and rides on the weekends.”

When he is not competing, Mertz just likes being a family man and making sure his kids and wife keep active as well.

“I just try to do family stuff. We are pretty involved in the swim club, my wife (Jenny) is the head coach so I try to support my kids in swim meets,” said Mertz.

“We try to get out hiking, biking and camping whenever we can.”

Expectations going into the Edmonton race were to improve and place higher then last year.

“I think I’d like to place a little higher then I did in London, you know going through the world triathlon once, I know what to expect. I can refine my race strategy a little bit,” said Mertz.

Mertz will now travel to Banff this coming weekend to take part in the provincial championship. That will be the  qualifier for next year’s World Triathlon grand final in Chicago.