Confessions From a Seasoned Triathlon Coach

Every year, when my eldest son celebrates his birthday, I’m reminded of just how long I’ve been involved in the world of triathlon—he just turned 32 and I completed my first triathlon after he was born. Each Olympic Triathlon event also serves as a milestone, marking the years I have served as Head Coach at Team Triumph in Ottawa. Our club began after Simon Whitfield won gold at the inaugural triathlon event at the Sydney Games in 2002. In short, I’ve been part of this community for quite a while. The lessons I’ve learned since that unforgettable March of 2020, when the world ground to a halt, have shaped my personal and professional journey in ways I never expected.

Adapting Through Change

In 2020, my routine was packed: I taught four spin classes a week, led hot power yoga classes, coached swimming, had access to the gym for strength training, and swam regularly with a squad. When life shifted to a new normal in 2022, our group cycling continued on Zwift, and I maintained my personal practices in yoga, strength, and swimming. Fast forward to 2025—after three years living abroad on a military posting, I have managed to keep up these routines, adapting as needed to each new environment.

A Humbling Confession

Here’s my confession: my fitness, strength, and agility have decreased significantly. I thought I was still fit, but this off-season, I decided to join a few classes at my local gym just for fun. To my surprise, I found myself struggling at the back of the class, a stark contrast to the days when I led from the front. Setting aside the effects of aging, these experiences have taught me some valuable lessons.

Lessons Learned

• An hour of boot camp-style class, yoga, or Pilates is much tougher than my usual routines at home.
• These group classes engage different muscle groups and challenge balance and agility more than traditional triathlon training.
• Having a scheduled class—especially one you’ve paid for—makes you more likely to show up, whether it’s swimming, cycling, strength, or yoga.
• While riding outside in the summer is more enjoyable, maintaining at least one challenging ride on the trainer helps sustain fitness levels.

One of our Team Triumph Lifetime Achievement award winners and Ironman finisher, now in her 70s and still conquering the hills of Europe, has always kept up with her classes at the gym. Thank you, Renee, for being a source of inspiration. I’ll do my best to keep up!

Bottom line do your strength and agility training and challenge yourself in all kinds of different ways and directions! 

Coach Julia Aimers

Found/Head Coach

Team Triumph Triathlon Club

Certified Exercise Physiologist

Certified Triathlon, Cycling, Yoga Coach

80/20 Coach

Ironman U Coach