Faced with the prospect of cancellation, event organizers from GPP Endurance moved the 4th annual Memory Maker Triathlon indoors this year. That outside-the-box thinking put them inside a box -- specifically, two Endless Pools® Original models! -- to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research.
After flooding knocked a local pool out of commission, GPP’s management team quickly brainstormed an alternative—an indoor triathlon to make use of their two Endless Pools models.
The two day triathlon event, held from October 11-12, raised around $1,500.
/f/76838/400x212/cbf8de5fe3/suk3drjxtwikkxpve92r.jpg "Chip Beard competes in the indoor triathlon in the Endless Pools swimming machine at GPP Endurance")
In addition to Endless Pools swimming, GPP employed CompuTrainers and treadmills to complete the race. With a true open-water feel and no flip turns, the Endless Pools current was adjusted to the desired pace of each athlete.
“The venue allows you to race as hard as you like while adding a social element you just can’t get in an outdoor race,” said Mark Mohler, Instructor and Multisport Coach at GPP.
The Memory Maker Triathlon was started by triathlete Brad Pope to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association after his grandmother passed away from the disease.
Pope was the first participant in the event and set the bar high, finishing at 1:22:34 before the final competitor, Chris Risk took the crown, registering a time of 1:21:18.
Mandy Ozimek took first place in the women’s division, clocking in at 1:51:35, just 15 seconds faster than Pauline Mohler.
Officially sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the GPP Endurance team did their part to keep the race running without a hitch. Based on their success, they’re now discussing a winter triathlon series to continue to take advantage of their indoor pool setup.
For daily training or an indoor triathlon, GPP’s Endless Pools models pass the test.
“The Endless Pools have greatly enhanced our ability to speed up form and technique changes in our swimmers and triathletes,” said Mohler. “We estimate we can make changes in a single hour session that would normally take us four to six sessions in a standard pool.”
“We can’t imagine training without them.”
Endless Pools, established in 1988, has served over 20,000 customers in over 100 countries, and offers compact, customizable above-ground, partially in-ground or fully in-ground pools. With a series of six innovative products and an adjustable, revolutionary swim current, the product can be tailored for exercise, competitive training, or family fun. Rigorously tested for safety, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly, Endless Pools has a product to meet virtually any need.
For more information about the Alzheimer's Association, visit www.alz.org.
For more information about the Memory Maker Triathlon, visit www.memorymakertriathlon.com.