In the world of triathlon, where determination and resilience reign supreme, Joanne Bezzubetz shines as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey from a healthcare organization administrator to a consultant doing work with organizations across Canada has been accompanied by a remarkable story of pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and embracing the spirit of endurance sports. Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of our Athlete of the Week, Joanne Bezzubetz.
A Life Dedicated to Health and Well-being
Joanne's professional journey has been grounded in promoting health and well-being. With a career spanning the healthcare sector, she has served as a healthcare organization administrator for her entire career, including a decade in the bustling city of Ottawa. Today, she's making a mark as a consultant, lending her expertise to organizations across Canada. Joanne's commitment to fostering healthier communities extends beyond the workplace and into her own life, as evidenced by her journey in the world of triathlons.
Triathlon: A Journey Beyond Boundaries
Joanne's journey into triathlon was sparked by a desire to explore the benefits of cross-training for her running. A fitness enthusiast with a penchant for running and swimming, she recognized the potential for triathlon to enhance her running performance. After arriving in Ottawa, Joanne's initial involvement in running soon expanded to include swimming, marking the beginning of her foray into the world of multisport.
Setting the Bar High: Goals and Challenges
This summer, Joanne had her sights set on some significant triathlon events. Her ambition was aimed at the canceled half Ironman in Mont Tremblant, a race that brought a wave of disappointment when it was called off. Undeterred, Joanne channeled her focus towards the Huntsville race, an event that holds special significance in her triathlon journey. And finally, the pinnacle of her summer was the World 70.3 Championships in Lahti, Finland, a race she designated as her "A" race for the year.
Triumph Over Trials
Joanne's journey has been marked by overcoming challenges and obstacles. One notable challenge was incorporating preventative strategies into her training routine, a key element in ensuring she reached the start lines of her races. An injury just days before her race in Lahti posed a significant hurdle, but Joanne's tenacity and willingness to learn about her body helped her prevail. Through trial and error, consultation with experienced athletes, and the guidance of her coach, Joanne navigated the complexities of her training and emerged stronger.
Pushing Boundaries: Triumphing in Lahti
The Lahti race presented Joanne with a platform to showcase her unwavering commitment and dedication. Despite challenges and setbacks, she not only finished the race but also achieved her goals. Joanne's objectives were not only met but exceeded, as she clinched the top 40 in the world (34th) and top 20 North American finishes she aimed for. Her triumphant success in Lahti reflects her resilience, preparation, and the unwavering support of her community.
Team Triumph: A Community of Camaraderie
Joanne's journey in triathlon has been enriched by her association with Team Triumph. The camaraderie among athletes, the exchange of stories, and the mutual motivation form an essential part of her experience. The atmosphere at Team Triumph resonates with Joanne, providing her with the encouragement and support she needs to thrive in her multisport pursuits.
Joanne Bezzubetz's journey is a testament to the remarkable accomplishments that arise from determination, preparation, and unwavering dedication. Her story reminds us that success is often the result of pushing boundaries, overcoming challenges, and embracing the journey with open arms. In celebrating Joanne's achievements, we honor her spirit of resilience and applaud her for inspiring us all to strive for greatness in every endeavor we pursue.
Julia Aimers
CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CSEP High-Performance Specialist
Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga and Swimming Coach
USA Cycling Level 2 Coach
Training Peaks Accredited Coach
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
My coach Kevin Willis is amazing. His swim practices have been a real game-changer for me. A great communicator regardless of your swim level. The whole club is supportive of everything you do. You don't need to be an Ironman to benefit from their programs. 5 stars all around!!! - Denise Pittuck
I just wanted to thank you and your team (Gabi! Brenda! Maggie! Dawn!) for making last weekend's event so amazing. I had tried to do a try-a-tri on my own last summer, and the experience was night and day.
Even though I didn't make every virtual session, I felt so prepared... I knew where to go for information, and I knew I had a team of people (coaches and our beginner tri group!) who were all there to support me.
It was interesting to watch Eric train on his own (without access to the TrainingPeaks workouts and without the weekly meetings to ask questions and learn more about proper form and race-day stuff). When we left on Sunday, he looked at me and was like "we're DEFINITELY doing the training with Julia if we decide to go for the olympic distance, right?".
So glad to have found this club and looking forward to many more triathlons in the near future!!! Tai Teleso
Julia is incredible, I once had a coach who told me to get good at biking and running as he couldn't do anything with my swim technique. Then I was introduced to Julia who is so patient and has an amazing ability to translate it all into a way I could understand. I knocked a minute per 100m off my open water swim times after only a handful of sessions with her. The team is also really welcoming, inclusive and most of all FUN!
Triumph is a warm and fun place for every level of triathlete. Whether you’re just getting started and learning all about triathlon or have been at it for decades, like some of us, you will find camaraderie and expertise in this group with Julia Aimers’ support and caring. She keeps up-to-date in so many areas of training, especially for women and including women’s issues whether it be nutrition or menopause. I highly recommend Team Triumph for swimming, biking, running or putting it all together in one package. There is no other place or group, I would rather be training with. So many of my close friends were met in this group.
A huge thank you to my Triathlon coach, Julia Cooper-Aimers. She took the time last week to drop off (from a distance because of COVID19 restrictions) some tri shorts I ordered along with a well-appreciated note to remind me that there will be ups and downs and that things will get better. She has gone above and beyond to support all of her athletes and our Team Triumph club, by providing almost daily strength, yoga, and spinning videos that have been uploaded to Youtube for anyone who needs a little motivation during these challenging times as well as many words of encouragement. I am grateful for her support and encouragement. ❤️
Anita Lacelle Taylor
Training with Team Triumph for 7 months (so far) made me faster and stronger while building nourishing connections with like-minded fitness nuts and shattering the expectations I had of myself. TT is a crew of inspiring people pursuing epic individual goals and encouraging each other along the way. Julia and her team have expert knowledge and provide a thoughtful evidence-based group program that works. I am privileged and thankful to have Team Triumph in my neighborhood and can't wait to get back to the pool!
Alex Bourne
I want to thank you for always putting our well-being at the forefront of your business model. You suspended face-to-face programs in a timely manner, leading the way in a fitness business world that took much too long to respond and put their members’ health and the community at risk. You « triumphed « in quickly acting to flatten the curve.
Your caring nature resulted in a series of innovative and fun virtual sessions and opened them to the community. I am missing the live interaction now that I am working for a few months but I appreciate that I can access the videos according to my schedule. Yin/yang session tonight, just what I needed.
Not to mention the check-ins, the home deliveries, the charitable events. Priceless.
Simone Rose-Oliver
