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As you have likely heard, Ironman Canada in 2020 is headed back to Penticton, BC. When the news was announced, Fitspeek’s roving reporter Kevin Heinze did some digging around to see what the news meant to some of the people in the multisport community.

One of the most passionate responses was from Penticton triathlete Jeff Symonds, whose roots in that South Okanagan city run as deep as any Merlot vine that grows on the Naramata Bench. Here are Jeff thoughts on what the move means to him.

The first thing it means is that the young kids in Penticton and area (especially the ones that I coach in Kisu and TriPower) will have the same inspiration and opportunities that I have growing up. The legacy passed on to me, and I am a part of, will be passed on to the next generation. It also means great things for a lot of friends in my close circle. JonnyO, The Bike barn, Peach City Runners, ParkRun Penticton, KISU, TriPower, Joe Dixon and Oliver half and Other coaches I have met over the years all are going to benefit financially and emotionally from this.

It means more fun through the year as I think a ton of people locally will be signing up and it will be a blast training together for it. It also means an upswing in Triathlon in the province, Alberta and Northwest US as I believe this was the race that really made people want to be a triathlete.

Personally, I am pumped. This is what got me into the sport. My dream was always racing here growing up. Although I want to do well in Kona, doing well here is a deeper level of motivation. Which sounds strange, but it is something that I have dreamt about as a kid and believed was possible, whereas Kona was a dream crafted later in life.

It is also great for me personally as an athlete and as someone involved in the business of the sport. I am much more valuable to sponsors as I can be involved in the hype and promotion in the lead up and hype on race day, but also by working Saturdays at the Bike Barn I can come in direct contact with a massive number of triathletes throughout the year to train at time when they are actually purchasing products.

It means that Penticton is still a triathlon town and the murals will stay. I was a little worried that they might be taken down at some point.

It also means I get another opportunity to race with my friends but also have friends and family cheer me on. There are lots of people that are a part of my success with their support and its great to have them be there and be a part of the race day success.

After going “light” for the early spring, your May 6 Fitspeek is the whole enchilada for your Cinco de Mayo listening. We are offering a calorie-dense 30 minutes of listening. We have your recent race results from the Heritage to Hatzic 5 and 10 k races, Zack is back with a new Between the Ears, and we have a mystery voice as part of upcoming events schedule.

Also on the program we have an update from Ironman hopefully Jen Burns and we are are unleashing our second edition of our newest segment that is called FitFlops a look at the lighter side of fitness. This week we investigate that wonderful piece of, um, athletic equipment from the 1980s called the Thighmaster. Hear it all by hitting that play button right here.

Just a reminder that Fitspeek is brought to you by Tri*Joy}The Spirit of Multisport. Let us help you to the finish line with effective training plans, in person consultations, and regular progress assessments. E-mail kknnheinze@yahoo.com to get things started.

Things are buzzing in the Fitspeek factory and it’s not just because of the bees making love to the cherry blossoms! After our enligtening interview with Maple Ridge’s ultra-realtor, Mike Huber, we were motivated to delve deeper into the psychological and spiritual aspects of training and racing.

Coming soon to Fitspeek we’ll be offering up some food for thought and substance for your soul for the next time you hit the trails, track, or pool. Although the term Cognitive Intervals has been used by folks who teach reading, we’ll be introducing the concept of Cognition Intervals to better tap into the non-physical part of your athletic self.

But just in case you think Fitspeek has gone all ethereal you’d be wrong. We are also going to get physical as we are working on an interview with CFL’er turned triathlete Derek Duvall, a guy who could easily bench press the combined weight of Fitspeek’s Kevin Watt and Zack Neufeld. We’re hoping that Derek will have some famous company for what should be an interesting interview. Required listening if you are a triathlete or a person who loves a good story.

Just a reminder that Fitspeek is brought to you by Tri*Joy The Spirit of Multisport. To start your journey to the finish line, e-mail me at kknnheinze@yahoo-com

Running is always a great thing to do, whether you do it for stress relief, to lose weight, or just because it’s fun. Locally, we have a guy who is raising money for a children’s charity by challenging himself to do an epic 100 mile run in San Diego in June.

In Fitspeek 65, we introduce you to Mike Huber. He is like a lot of us who did sports as a kid and as a younger adult, but then “real-life” caught up with Mike & he didn’t run for almost two decades. Some great friends of his motivated him to put those running shoes back on and he hasn’t stopped since. Hear Mike’s story of how he got back into running, his formidable challenge, and the story of why he is doing the San Diego 100 by pressing play below.

You can help Mike hit his target goal by visiting here.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/run-100-charlene-reaveley-childrens-charity

This week on Fitspeek we go VELO to celebrate the start of the full on biking season both here and in the land of the classics! While the big name pros are ripping it up over in Belgium at De Ronde & Paris Robaix, we are busy interviewing Chilliwack cycling sensation Thomas Schellenberg who is a brand new pro and is racing with the DC Bank team. We Fitspeek to Thomas about his humble beginnings riding his mountain bike around Ryder Lake and now to the pro ranks.

Also on Fitspeek 65 we have Zack Neufeld back with his latest installment of Between the Ears. Zack explains how a writing exercise may be just the method you need to rewrite your life story and attain your most important goals.

Finally on Fitspeek 65, be listening to our Upcoming Events Schedule for your chance to win a FREE ENTRY to the Prospera Fraser Valley Granfondo that is being held on Saturday July 20th. Get it going by pressing the play button below!

Remember that Fitspeek is brought to you by Tri*Joy} The Spirit of Multisport. We live in Mission and can drive to see you in person to discuss your athletic goals and work to achieve them. Whether you want to complete your first fondo, fastest marathon, or crush a Half Ironman, we can help you. E-mail me at kknnheinze@yahoo.com to book your free consultation and goal setting session.

Oh yeah, that’s also the e-mail address you will need to win the free fondo entry as well!

1. Find out more about this new pro cyclist from Chilliwack.
2. Find out how a writing exercise may change your future.
3. Hear our newest Fitspeek feature FitFlops
4. Win a free entry to the Prospera Fraser Valley Granfondo

It’s coming on Wednesday!

After teasing you over the weekend and at about 37 minutes into our interview it’s time to unleash Meaghan on you, for real. She’s the high-energy/low-technology ultra endurance cyclist who placed second female overall at the world 24 Hour Time Trial Championships in Southern California last fall.

In our interview we hear about her preparation for the event as well as her amazing performance and support crew! Fitspeek 64 also features the big performances from the UBC multisport event and our upcoming events schedule. Here it all by pressing play below.

To follow up on Meaghan’s adventures as she prepares for her second 24 Hour World Time Trial Championships and to keep up with all of her writings you can check her out at

Website: www.meaghanhackinen.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meaghanhackinen/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meaghanhackinen

While doing her very first World 24 Time Trial Championship race, Meaghan discovered chaffing in a most unusual place.