Airdrie’s Quicksilver Running Club has decided to branch out to swimming and bicycling for 2012 – and has rebranded itself as the Quicksilver Tri Team (QSTT).
The group is holding a series of free introductory programs this weekend across the city, in order to provide residents with an idea of how the team works.
“It’s a free session and introductory weekend with no obligation,” said Scott Brass, with the Quicksilver Tri Team. “You can come and see what we’re about and meet the coaches.”
The first event was a run on Jan. 12 at Genesis Place, with two other sessions slated for Jan. 14 and 15. On Jan. 14, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., there will be a free swim at Genesis Place, where people can work with the swimming coaches.
The following day, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., there will a stationary bike spin class at CrossFit Edge, although users are required to have their own bike.
Quicksilver, which began in April of last year, will then focus on group training until June, with the new Tri Team starting on Jan. 17.
“It started just as the running club, focusing on the five and 10-kilometre courses,” Brass said. “This year, we’ve decided to expand and get into the triathlon.”
Brass said the club’s classes would incorporate every dimension of fitness: strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, stamina, power, co-ordination, balance and agility.
“We strive to improve every one of these fitness areas through training and practice,” he said. “Many individuals neglect to focus on the importance of strength training, which is critical throughout the season, and can provide a balanced approach to triathlon training, nutrition and recovery.”
The club has organized social nights, as well as field-trip runs, trail runs, relays and informal team races.
“Airdrie has a really big athletic community, but nobody to bring it together,” Brass said. “We’re just building the community and we want the beginner and the expert athletes. We will individualize your program according to your athletic ability. Our coaches are really good at spotting that.”
Brass said he is hoping this weekend will provide a good opportunity for people to start making a change in their lives.
“Within the last few weeks, we’ve been getting lots of e-mails, thanks in large part to New Year’s resolutions and the warmer weather,” he said.
“Everybody takes up sport for different reasons. As we develop together as athletes, the broader benefits become apparent – we start to experience many more reasons to continue what becomes a life-long passion.”
More information on the club is available at www.quicksilverrunning.com
