Athlete of the Week Spotlight: Julie Matte's Inspiring Triathlon Journey

Today, we're shining a spotlight on Julie Matte, our Athlete of the Week, who has not only conquered personal goals but also inspired others on her remarkable journey. Julie is a retired superintendent of education turned consultant, and she has a passion for triathlons that drives her to push her boundaries. Let's delve into her inspiring story.

A Life Beyond Retirement
Julie's life beyond retirement is far from the conventional image of slowing down. After a fulfilling career in education, she transitioned into consulting, where she continued to harness her skills and make a meaningful impact. But Julie's post-retirement story isn't just about her professional pursuits; it's about her personal goals, too.

Family and Athletic Ambitions
Julie's family holds a special place in her heart. With three children – Nicolas, who serves as an RCMP officer in Moncton, and Alex and Chloé, both attending Ottawa University – she has a close-knit family that supports her every endeavor. Her pursuit of triathlons was inspired by a fellow athlete, Gabi Porter (Team Triumph Coach), whose determination in Ironman races motivated Julie to embrace a new challenge.

Summer Goals: From Ironman 70.3 to the Barrelman
This summer, Julie had set her sights on the Ironman 70.3 in Tremblant as her main event. However, life often throws unexpected challenges. When the Ironman 70.3 was canceled, Julie, together with her friend Deborah, decided to make the Barrelman triathlon their new goal for the season. It was a testament to her unwavering determination.

Overcoming Challenges in Training
The path to success is rarely free of hurdles, and Julie encountered her fair share during her training. Two significant challenges loomed before her. The first was believing that she could conquer this distance at this stage in her life. The second was the grueling summer heat, which tested her resolve to train during the hottest parts of the day.

But Julie's approach to overcoming these challenges was straightforward – diligence and consistency. She followed her training plan religiously and embraced the scorching sun as just another element of her journey. Her persistence paid off.

Race Day Hurdles
Race day brought its own set of obstacles. Technical difficulties with her bike and feelings of dehydration during the last 9 kilometers of the run could have derailed her progress. However, the true spirit of an athlete is revealed in how they respond to adversity.

Julie, ever the determined triathlete, sought help from volunteers for the bike issues, and with a quick fix, she was back on track. Her resolve to complete the race was unshaken.

Pride in Preparation and Achievement
What makes Julie truly proud isn't just crossing the finish line but the journey she undertook to reach that point. The hours of preparation, unwavering dedication, and the fulfillment of her goal on race day are what she cherishes most.

Team Triumph: A Source of Encouragement
No athlete's journey is complete without a support system. For Julie, this came in the form of Team Triumph, led by Head Coach Julia Aimers and Assistant Coach Gabi Porter. Their encouragement, expertise, and fantastic training plans and advice played a pivotal role in her success. It's through this community of like-minded athletes that she learned valuable lessons and found inspiration.

In conclusion, Julie's story is a testament to the fact that age is just a number, and life's greatest accomplishments often come after retirement. Her journey from superintendent to triathlete is an inspiration to all of us, proving that with determination, perseverance, and a strong support system, you can achieve your goals at any stage in life. Julie Matte is an athlete who has shown us that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves, and we look forward to following her continued journey of triumph.