THE GUTS & GLORY TO BE A TEAM TRIUMPH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER
BY DENISE PITTUCK
After being diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 2005, I had to really work on my fitness level to stay healthy. As part of my recovery I began running in 2008 working my way from 5km to the half marathon distance. But honestly, I never really enjoyed it - I never had that “I have to go for a run” feeling. I went back to karate and earned my 4th degree black belt.
After 25 years as a competitive swimmer and water polo player, my swimming was pretty good and I loved to cycle recreationally, so as I approached my 60th birthday, I wanted to do something special. I decided to do a Try-a-Tri for my 60th. I registered for the Graham Beasley event in Carleton Place in 2013. It was supposed to be a “one and done” but I had so much fun and met so many wonderful people, I drove home - smiling all the way, walked in the house, turned on my computer and registered for the Thousand Island Brockville Tri a few weeks later. The rest is history as they say. I did Try-a-Tri’s for a couple of years .
I was honoured in 2015 to be selected as one of the Bushtukah SWEET Ambassadors and my ‘fitness first’ was to do a Super Sprint in Smiths Falls and the Iron Girl Canada Sprint Triathlon in Grimsby, Ontario. I trained completely on my own, relying on the internet and free seminars around the area. (In fact that’s where I first met Coach Julia Aimers and Coach Kevin Willis. I attended an open house at the OAC to hear Kevin speak). I realize now that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. No open water practice and limited cycling on my new road bike. Ironically, running was my strength. Meanwhile in Grimsby, the weather turned the morning of the competition with a water temp of 48 degrees F, with 4 foot swells. The event was flipped and I did my first Duathlon, finishing 2nd in my age group.
Since then I have competed at the Iron Girl event, now called the Women’s Triathlon Festival every year except during Covid (I did a virtual event) and in 2025 due to scheduling conflicts. I’ve had an AG podium finish in all but one event. I even won my AG to celebrate my 65thbirthday.
I also compete annually in the Bring on the Bay swim and have done both distances but now do the 1500m event. I’ve been lucky to place in my AG several times.
I’ve come to love Duathlon and complete 2-4 each season with great AG results.
I had dropped my running distance to 5km to strengthen my Triathlon and Duathlon, but this year at 73 I had planned to attempt a half marathon last spring. Plans changed and I switched back to 5kms.
I’m not here with you at the award ceremony because I’m in Niagara Falls to run my first 10 km in 13 years. This will be my 17th event this year. After competing with a cracked rib (from the Mudgirl Spartan Event) in 2025 I was preparing for a redemption year. But, I had a bad fall resulting in a concussion last November so I basically started over again last January after I retired. I took a new attitude – Do it because you want to, have fun and don’t worry about the other guy. This year has been a blast.
As I’ve aged, I’ve adopted the mantra – “Look in the mirror, that’s your competition”.
I am truly humbled and honoured to receive this award. Team Triumph has so many amazing and inspiring athletes and coaches. I am so proud to be part of the Team Triumph Community.
Someone asked me one of my favourite things I had about Multisport - I love when I`m in the body marking area and they ask me what age to put on my leg – freaks them out when I say say 73! I hope to continue doing so for many more years!
Congratulations Denise! 17 races in one season and most of them on the podium! You are truly an inspiration to everyone in our community. You are leading by example and proving that by staying healthy and fit, anything is possible in the world of multi sports! We look forward to seeing what is in the plans for next season.
Coach Julia
Founder/Head Coach
Team Triumph Triathlon Club
I would highly recommended Eric and Team Triumph!
Ian Ross
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!