Triathlon BC recently caught with with Whistler local and long time multisport Caroline Morris to chat about her evolution as an athlete, the simple pleasures of movement, building community and creating lasting memories.

TriBC: Tell us a little bit about your athletic background, what sports did you come from? Are you a triathlete? What other events are you competing in this year?

Caroline: I’ve been swimming since the age of six. By the time I was 10 years old, I was training four hours a day, six days a week. I competed at the Australian National Championships every year until I was 16. Then, I transitioned into kayak racing, competing at the open world championship level. I took up triathlon in my 20s and raced in several half Ironmans and a full Ironman events. These days, training and racing are more about the pleasure of movement and the community it builds, as well as fun places to travel to for races.

TriBC: Have you ever completed a SwimRun? If not, what made you decide to sign up for a SwimRun?

Caroline: In Australia, I competed in surf lifesaving, where we did a lot of swimming in the ocean and running on the sand in one race. Since I have lived in Canada, my only SwimRun has been a fun day out with my friends. I loved it so much, that’s why I signed up for this race! SwimRun is much more enjoyable than triathlon for me because there is less gear to manage. Plus, I like the fact that there is more swimming and no transitions. The new SwimRun wetsuits are so comfy!

TriBC: This sounds like a new adventure for you, what are you doing to prepare? Have you bought new equipment and clothing? Are you following a training plan or have a coach?

Caroline: I have a coach writing my training program to prepare me for my SwimRun adventure. I’ve been swimming in the pool three days a week, approximately 9 to 12 km a week during the winter. I will start to ramp up the swim distance this month and get into the lakes very soon. I’ll swim about 16 km a week, building into the race. As far as running goes, I spent most of the winter skate skiing four days a week, so my running preparation has predominantly been that. However, I started running again last month, and I’m currently doing approximately 40 km a week. I do some strength training and mobility training each week as well.

As far as equipment goes, I have a specific SwimRun wetsuit. Last year, I just drilled holes into my regular trail running shoes, but this year I’m going to get some SwimRun-specific runners for the race. I will use my regular training paddles and pull buoy on race day. I actually think you could basically do the ‘experience’ distance off the couch. I am doing the long one simply because I like to suffer. Nothing like some type 2 fun!

TriBC: This is a relatively new sport here in BC, what, if any, are the things that you’re thinking about or worried about?

Caroline: I’m wondering whether my friend Ted will have coffee and chocolate for me at one of the docks like he did when we did our swim run with friends last year, haha. I’m not too worried about anything. I think racing in my beautiful hometown of Whistler will be a really enjoyable day.

TriBC: As a Whistler local, you must have the inside track to the course.  Can you share any secret intel about any particularly tough sections or other sections that may be really fun?

Caroline: Alta Lake will definitely be my favourite part of the race. Swimming in that lake and looking up to the mountains is breathtaking. I am hoping that Green Lake isn’t too cold that day. Given that lake’s temperature, it would be wise to wear a long-sleeved wetsuit. If it’s a rainy day, be careful of any tree roots when you’re running on trails as they can be super slippery, but I don’t think it will be a problem as the run course isn’t too gnarly.

TriBC: If all goes well, will you this summer, would you consider racing a SwimRun in someplace more exotic, like the World Championships in Stockholm?

Caroline: I’m sure I will definitely do another SwimRun event. It’s my jam. I have spent time in the islands of Sweden; they are absolutely gorgeous, and I would definitely consider going there again if I had the opportunity!

TriBC: Thanks for sharing with us, Caroline. What parting advice do you have for triathletes who may be looking to try a new multi-sport adventure?

Caroline: Signing up for a race is not just about setting and achieving a goal. It’s about the people you meet along the way and on the day that make it memorable and life-elevating.