The Rally4Life team was out in the community again a few weeks ago, as participants in the 30th annual Ski2Sea Race. Rally4Life driver and founder Mark Jennings-Bates, co-driver Jennifer Daly and Anthony Evans, founder of Rally4Life: Awareness Through Triathlons, competed in six disciplines, including alpine and Nordic skiing, mountain and road biking, running and canoeing. The relay began at the top of Big White and ended 95km later on the shores of City Park in Kelowna.
Mark and Anthony each completed two consecutive legs in the race, which requires uninterrupted effort over long distance. Both were well prepared, and undertook Ski2Sea as a challenge that fits well with their rigorous training schedules: Mark, for the 2011 Dakar Rally, and Anthony, for the approaching Awareness Through Triathlon season. This year’s Ski2Sea had a record entry field, including teams with long standing rivalries, and a few entrants who tackled the entire race on their own.
Mark, who is being coached by Leanne Manlove at Pinnacle Elite Athlete in Kelowna completed three legs of the relay: Nordic skiing, mountain biking, and canoeing. He finished the mountain bike leg caked with as much mud and dirt as his rally car after its muddiest gravel event, and was happy with his efforts: “I noticed a big improvement in the Nordic leg, which was tougher for me last year. Events such as this help me learn to set my pace and see how far I can push my heart rate and overall performance.”
Team organizer Jennifer joined Mark for the final canoeing leg. With Mark steering, and therefore in charge, the usual rally team roles were reversed, but they adapted effectively, passing many other teams during the paddle. Jennifer was less ready for the fitness challenge than the Rally4Life men, who steadily made up ground after her slower alpine skiing leg. She noted that Ski2Sea isn’t just for elite athletes: “This race is accessible to people with a wide variety of ability. It’s a great opportunity to get out and do my best, and to enjoy competing as a team. We improved vastly compared to last year, and we’ll be working to be even better next time.” The Rally4Life team was supported by Jackie-Jennings Bates, Craig Ross and Mona Toth for the Ski2Sea race, and thanks their crew for all the assistance.
Written on Wednesday, 05 May 2010 15:00 by Administrator
Mark and his wife Jackie both set personal bests in the #Summerland #triathlonLinkSunday, 05 September 2010 05:46
MJB is getting ready for the #Sumerland triathlon tomorrow morning. Early start and race starts at 10am... see you thereLinkSaturday, 04 September 2010 10:44
Latest blog on the Alberta Xterra event for Mark's training http://fb.me/IbU0Q5lGLinkSaturday, 04 September 2010 03:34
