And you thought Canyon Lake Triathlon Club just ran triathlons

BY Kelly Lopez

Matt Kivrizis is all smiles after winning the 10K run in the Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club’s Heart and Soul event as part of the club’s celebration of Heart Month. Photos provided by the CL Triathlon and Fitness Club

The Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club is a very active club. When they are not running, they are busy swimming, biking or just staying fit. The club holds heart pounding events in Canyon Lake monthly that are free to members. When club members are not busy around the community, they can often be found exercising far beyond Canyon Lake.

The club’s goal is “to promote a healthy lifestyle through swimming, cycling, running and other fitness-related activities.” They work towards this goal by holding monthly races or group practices. Club activities are open to non-members, but usually for a small fee. The club is open to anyone who enjoys running, biking or swimming.

Last month the club held the Heart and Sole 5k/10k on Feb. 22. Despite the threat of a rainy day, skies were clear and the turnout was good. The winners that day were Matt Kivrizis for the 10k and Elizabeth George for the 5k.

This month the club is having a bike time trial. The trial takes place entirely within the gates of Canyon Lake and starts at the Lodge upper parking lot. The course will consist of either one or two loops, being either a 40k course or a 20k course, whatever the participant is training for. The event is free for all paid members and $10 for non-members. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m., course review is at 7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8:00 a.m. Brunch and mimosas can be enjoyed after the trial at the Lodge.

Elizabeth George displays her prize after winning the Heart and Soul 5K run last month as part of the Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club’s celebration of Heart Month.

A bike time trial is also known as a race against the clock because the cyclist is racing only in order to test and improve his or her cycling speed. In time trials, the cyclists are not just practicing bicycling, they are also testing and improving upon their strategy, as far as pacing and position is concerned. The trial also tests the cyclist’s racing bike, to make sure the equipment is running as it should be.

Triathlon club members are not only active once a month at their events. They ride, swim and run often at events inside and outside of Canyon Lake. This weekend three members participated in the Los Angeles Marathon. Wendy and Paul Gallagher and Colin Gilliland all went to Los Angeles for the marathon. Others frequent morning bike rides and open water swims taken in the lake.

Other big events hosted by the club are Tour de Canyon Lake, a community fun ride, the Polar Swim and the annual Turkey Trot. The Tour de Canyon Lake will be held in April and proceeds from the event will be donated to Animal Friends of the Valleys.

The club puts on other fun events for the community like the Paddle and Pedal Regatta, where fun and sport are combined on Canyon Lake. The event focuses on fun with kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats. The club even holds a summer triathlon adapted just for kids.

The Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club welcomes all who are interested in running, biking or swimming, or any combination of the three. For more information about the club or to inquire about membership, visit www.

canyonlaketriathlonclub.com or email canyonlaketriclub@gmail.com.

Membership dues are $30 for an individual or $40 for a family and membership is always open for residents. Once a member, the club offers many membership discounts on races and workout apparel.

Volunteers are always needed to help run the many club-sponsored events. Contact the club for details or to volunteer as a student for community service hours.