Back in June, we did a spotlight on France Girard in the OAC blog. Today, we are publishing an exciting update from her. With the race season winding down, we will catch-up on a few spotlights in our weekly news to keep you inspired for next season!
France is a retired school principal and Grandmother. I had the pleasure of meeting her at her 1st triathlon in Brockville where I quickly "cleaned-up" her transition zone and gave her some pointers on how to do a triathlon. She then joined Team Triumph and has been hooked ever since!
Here are France's Words of Inspiration:
"Life is made of multiple challenges that you need to overcome, mountains that need to be conquered, sometimes big, sometimes small. Everyone chooses the mountains that they want to climb.
In my case, I have already successfully climbed the mountains called education, family, and career.
In retirement, a new mountain is being offered to me!
On my way I have met a friend/sister, who motivates me every day;
I am with a team, with whom I developed my swimming skills and my cycling stamina.
Now my biggest challenge is the run!
Just like when I reached my previous goals, I know that the view from the top will be amazing.
However, in order to get there, I will need to keep myself well surrounded, dedicated, and I will have to know how to adapt.
In my case, there will always be a new mountain to climb so I can surpass myself!"
France then wrote to me after completing her first 70.3 Triathlon...
"I made it! I climbed one more mountain! The Canadian, 1/2 Iron. The water was great! The temperature not too warm, with a nice breeze! Even the course was not too challenging for my first time.
My team, Chummy, Anne, Yvon, Julia, Linda, Hélène, Monique, Debbie, Sophie, Monique, Marc-André, the S.A.R. and the Team Triumph gang gave me a lot of positive vibes!
Thank you for your encouragement! I'm feeling good after 6 months of training!
Now let us rest, enjoy the view and pick another mountain to climb!"
Congratulations France!! You are an inspiration to us all!!
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman