In the realm of athletic triumphs, few stories resonate as profoundly as that of individuals who turn their personal struggles into sources of strength and motivation. One such inspiring narrative is that of Kyle Roman, a dedicated and resilient individual who recently achieved a remarkable feat in the realm of triathlon. Amidst his demanding role as an Assistant Superintendent at EllisDon, one of Canada's leading construction management companies, Kyle embarked on a transformative journey that ultimately led him to triumph in the Canadian Olympic distance triathlon.
In a recent conversation, Kyle shared his motivations, challenges, and triumphs with us, offering a glimpse into his profound journey.
The Genesis of the Journey
The seed for Kyle's enthralling triathlon journey was sown in a period of personal turmoil. Following the passing of his father in 2022, Kyle found himself grappling with the transience of life. Encouraged by the desire to seize every moment, he sought to break the pattern of setting goals without following through. It was during the Ottawa race weekend in May 2023 that the allure of the triathlon gripped Kyle, propelling him from a mere spectator to an ambitious athlete. Inspired by the electrifying atmosphere and camaraderie, he resolved to participate in an Olympic distance triathlon, setting in motion an awe-inspiring transformation.
Trials and Triumphs
Kyle's journey was not without its trials. Venturing into the world of triathlons with limited experience in both running and swimming, he faced a formidable uphill battle. Overcoming these challenges demanded unwavering determination and a supportive network. Teaming up with his friend Landon for mutual training, Kyle found the strength to confront his insecurities and push his limits. Guided by the expert mentorship of Julia, Gabi, and Brenda, he steadily gained confidence and honed his skills, turning his weaknesses into newfound strengths.
The Road to Victory
When the moment of truth arrived at the Canadian Olympic distance triathlon, Kyle faced the race with remarkable composure. Overcoming initial jitters during the swim, he swiftly found his rhythm, drawing upon the invaluable experience gained from a mock triathlon in Gatineau Park. The culmination of months of intensive training and unwavering perseverance, Kyle's triumphant crossing of the finish line symbolized not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the power of resilience and dedication.
A Journey of Community and Support
Reflecting on his experience with Team Triumph, Kyle emphasized the profound impact of a supportive community. Amidst the rigors of training, the unwavering encouragement from Julia, Gabi, and Brenda, along with the camaraderie fostered among fellow athletes, served as a cornerstone of his success. Kyle expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable support and camaraderie that propelled him forward and looks forward to the upcoming 70.3 program with excitement and determination.
As Kyle Roman continues to set his sights on new athletic endeavors, his journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and community. Through his story, we find inspiration and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with unwavering commitment and support, incredible feats are within reach. As the chapters of Kyle's journey continue to unfold, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of his awe-inspiring narrative.
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
