Is it possible to go from couch potato to finisher at the Hawaii Ironman World Championships a mere 8 years later? Darn right it is!

Like a lot of people I didn’t make exercise an important factor in my busy life. Then came the turning point – my 40th birthday in 1995. I started jogging before work after realizing that unless I took steps to prevent heart disease later in life I would end up with the same health problems experienced by my parents. After a few months I started to experience searing pain through my right kneecap. I needed arthroscopic surgery and while recuperating I strained a ligament in my back which completely brought any hopes of maintaining my fitness level to a standstill. I was in great pain and discomfort for nearly 2 years and combated the frustration by overeating. I consequently gained 40 pounds.

This inactivity continued until I got my back healthy and strong through rehabilitative exercises. Finally, pain-free, I recommenced jogging – alternating between one block of walking and one block of jogging for a total of about 6 blocks. This was the most I could manage and it exhausted me! I managed to build up to 3 km continuous movement which was a major accomplishment. I also joined Weight Watchers and over a period of 6 months lost the weight I had gained.

In the spring of 1999 I decided to try a sprint distance triathlon. While the race took me only about an hour and a half to complete, it felt like the most daunting physical challenge I had ever undertaken. I was so slow that I was one of the final few crossing the finish line; however, the feeling of accomplishment at the end was incredible and empowering.

After joining the Y Tri Club in 2000 I learned to properly train and prepare myself for competing in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons. That summer Bob and I spectated at Ironman Canada. While watching so many “regular” people coming across the finish line I decided that I needed to see if I had it in me to dig deep and race at that distance. Since 2002 I have completed Ironman Canada six times. I also competed at Ironman Lanzarote in 2007 where I won the W50-54 age group category and qualified to race at the 2007 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. In 2008 Bob and I also completed Ironman Western Australia.

After my first Ironman race I decided to leave my job of 30 years, as a legal secretary, and become a certified personal trainer and triathlon coach. I have been coaching athletes since the fall of 2004. By racing triathlons I have learned to dig deep inside myself and to draw on reserves of strength and perseverance that I never knew existed. My appreciation and love of the sport inspires and motivates my coaching clients. My passion is to help you achieve your own unique goals and aspirations.

• 2007 Hawaii Ironman World Championship Finisher
• 2008 Olympic Distance World Championship Finisher
• 2009 Olympic Distance World Championship Finisher
• NCCP Triathlon Competition Coach
• NCCP Level 1 Road Cycling Coach
• Member of the Coaching Association of BC (CABC)
• 9 time Ironman Finisher