JAMES' AMAZING COME BACK STORY!

 

JAMES' STORY 

It has been a long recovery since my collision May 31/06. I use that term because I do not believe in accidents. After spending nearly a month in two different hospitals London Health Scienes and Hanover Hospital I was discharged for a weekend trial at home and returned to the hospital for a day and then discharged home for good. My recovery was long and very painful withover 26 broken bones. The worst of which was a broken acetabulem ie hip joint. It was rebuilt with seven screws and a plate. I also broke both shoulders, my left ankle and some ribs. My back was broken in 20 places all the spinal procesess were broken. My wife says that the bones did their job at protecting me as I had no internal injuries other than two heamatomas in my lungs. By the way my helmet probably saved my life as it split in half no noggin damage sorry to say.

I was recovering well enough in Feb of 07 and planning to return to work when I develpoed AVN avascular necrosis in the hip. This is when the bone begins to disintegrate as a result of loss of blood supply. This happened when the joint was origianlly dislocated.

I was scheduled to have a full hip replacement in May of 07. In Sept of 07 I returned to work. I began on Half days to begin with and built up from there taking ten weeks to return to full time. With the full hip replacement the surgeon has strictly said no running. I retuned to trainning as soon as I was able to trading in my treadmill for a crosstrainer. I began to swim and cycly regularly. I joined the local health club and they had several spin classes. I also began to attend yoga classes.

With all the legal stuff out of the way in the fall of 09 i was able to train even more specifically for my return to triathlon. In feb I began to run one per week ie 5k or 30 min which ever came first and have maintained that frequency of trainning up to race day with a little more use of the cross trainer. I also began to do some water jogging. Anything to get me off my feet!

I would like to thank all those and esp. the Kincardine Tri club for their support during my rehab.

Laura Trepanier - 2010

 

Name: Laura Trepanier 

Age: 40

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: I think 8 it is so much fun it blurrs together

Favourite Race: my favorite is Ironman Canada - the first time I went it was with so much of our club and they help make the experience unforgetable.  But for straight running "The Goofy" Half and Full Marathon in Disney world - just can't be match by anything. Where else would you have to stand in line during a race for a photo moment with Mary Poppins!

Biggest/ most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon:  Thankfully I manage to keep all those moments well hidden - and plan on keeping it that way!

What is your proudest Race Moment: I am proud of all my race finishes - I am not athletic to begin with so every finish is a momentus moment in my mind.

Favourite training ride: I love to go on the long rides with the guys (they are very patient)

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received: Listen to your coach - do as they say and remember always smile for the cameras - when you are all done and you get those photos back you want to look good even if you didn't feel good.

What are your goals for 2010: Survive and have fun

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you: Murray and chocolate 

 

Celeste Jackson

Russ O'Handley

Number of years: 8

Favorite Race: Every race is my favorite, but my first World Championship race in Switzerland with the beautiful race site, crystal clear water, and the honor of being a part of the Canadian race team. The Canadians on the team were like a family unit during that event. I met great people and made friendships with people who had the same hopes and dreams as us from all over the world.

Proudest moment:Participating in all races, especially races where more than 60 countries took part in the race. It opened my eyes to how LUCKY we are, and how PROUD we should be to be CANADIAN. I saw how other people from all over the world, love and respect Canadian’s. We are very lucky to live where we do.

Favorite Training ride: Sunny, early weekend rides along the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline with some friends, enjoying some laughter, which I seem to generate, and the great outdoors. A coffee at Tim’s with tales of great tales is a usual wrap up.

My favorite run: is always the last ½ km. of every race and training session I have ever done!

Strangest Moment:  At the worlds in Vancouver, which everyone heard was one of the coldest races ever; before my swim start, I saw a seal swimming in the water in front of our swim area start. Some boats shushed it to the side and our race was to begin. The water was bone chilling and it was my first ocean race, you know, Jaws etc. not that I would be scared!  Well that seal was on my mind the whole swim. At about the last ¼ of the remaining swim, on my downward stroke of my arm, my hand hit something , it was not another racer!!!! Right there I probably lowered the water level, then checking my shorts I finished the last part of the swim a little faster than  normal.    

Goals for 2009:  I have an issue with my knee that I am keen on resolving, and then to get back into some club events and races, and share some belly laughter, some outdoor sun, and wind!, and share as much FUN as I can.

Best advice: Be proud to be Canadian. Do not get uptight and caught up in yourself about a race or your training. Be Positive, enjoy your family, and everyone around you. Do what you can , do your best , and enjoy life’s experiences.

Stranded on a desert island: A Canadian flag would ensure my rescue and a guitar to play while I enjoy the peaceful island.  

Katherine Gaudreau

Name: Katherine Gaudreau
Age:23
Number of Years Involved in Triathlon:5
Favourite Race: Kingston Triathlon
What is your proudest Race Moment?Crossing the finish line at the Canadian Iron Distance in 2006 (my first Ironman) with my family waiting for me.
Favourite training ride? From Kincardine to Port Elgin on Rd. 33
Biggest/ most embarrassingmistake you have made in a triathlon? Humm, this is a tough one, once I had put my sunglasses in my bike shoes (so I wouldn't lose them) and then couldn't find them in the morning before the race, panicked at the thought of a 6 hour ride with no sunglasses and borrowed a stranger's glasses and then found them when I got out of the water and tried to put my shoes on.
What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?If your heart isn't into the workout after the first 15 minutes, go home, you need a rest day.
What are your goals for 2009
Qualify for another Ironman, improve my nutrition plan and break 12 hours.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?
I'm assuming this is a desert island with paved roads...my bike to train with and Adam to stop me from overtrainning (he counts as an item, right??)

Murray Kraemer

Name: Murray Kraemer

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 
Started in 2001 when the club was formed

Favourite Race: 
I think my favorite race is Ironman Canada. I’ve done it a few times and although I haven’t always had the race I wanted the atmosphere is fantastic.

What is your proudest Race Moment?
I have two: finishing my first Ironman and getting the silver medal at the “Around the Bay” race in Hamilton

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Keep it simple and enjoy every workout.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you in a race?
During the around the bay race I lost my watch right at the start among the 5000+ people who were running that day. I was sure the watch was gone for good. At about the 7km point in the race a young kid races up to me and ask me if I lost my watch. I couldn’t believe it. He actually chased me for 7km and found me just to return my watch. 

What are your goals for 2009? 

Qualify for the Boston Marathon

Race at Ironman Lk Placid

Improve on my times at Muskoka and Peterborough.

 

What’s your favorite training workout? 
I enjoy the Century ride around Bruce County.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?

Running Shoes

Who needs two things?

Doug Dunlop

Name: Doug Dunlop

Number of years in Triathlon: 2 years

What is your favorite race: Muskoka 70.3

What is your favorite training ride : Probably the shore road to Southampton on an early weekend morning ,,or the long ride to Neustaad/Hanover and back,i have to go with Shawn or Murray or i would ,and have, got lost.(should i be admitting that ? )

Favorite Run : There can’t be a nicer run than along Boiler Beach and the upper shore road,,of course ..thats not counting my secret route where the triathlon club members cant catch me walking .

Weirdest thing that has happened in a triathlon : First year i did an Olympic race in Coubourg,, the bike was pretty tough on me,,and when i got to transition ,i was so delerious,i couldnt find my spot,,,a couple of minutes running around in transition with a bike seems like an eternity !! And it looks ridiculous .

What’s the best advise that you’ve received to date: If you really want to enjoy the race..and have your best chance at a good experience..make sure you have done your training work,,there are no shortcuts in this sport !!! (Guess who )

What are you goals for 2009 : Well i have registered for Ironman Wisconsin,a lofty goal for me,and have so much work to do it isnt funny.Hoping for lots of help ,and knowledge from studs Mike G and Shawn T ,who are also competing there.

Whats on your iPod ? im over 50, what is an iPod ?

If you were stranded on a desert island what two items would you bring with you: Raquel Welch ...and Viagra

Katarina Savic

Name: Katarina Savic

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 9

Favourite Race:
Owen Sound - Olympic Distance(it's a great course)

What is your proudest Race Moment?
First time I placed in the top 5 and got a plaque (Guelph 2, 2004)

Favourite training ride?
Anywhere outside of Toronto! I love going for rides when we visit Kincardine (I'm not sure the exact names of the roads though - I just follow everyone else!)

Biggest/ most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon?
Not remembering where my gear was during the Kincardine triathlon, and running around transition for what felt like an eternity before I found my spot. This just happened two years ago, so it wasn't like it was my first ever race!

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Two things: keep your power gel in the leg of your shorts (thanks to Carrie Houghton!), and don't make any future race decisions while racing (thanks to Teresa Macel!).

What are your goals for 2008?
Not be last in my age group at the Vancouver Worlds (I know, not a very lofty goal, but it was my first World Championships and it was really, really cold!).

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?
Pictures of my family, and a wetsuit (maybe I could swim out to a boat!)

Mike Horley

Name: Mike Horley

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 1

Favorite Race:
I really liked all of my races this year as you meet so many great people who are really supportive, no matter how well you do. My favorite race though was Gravenhurst Olympic Triathlon because of the cool clean water and the Steamship launch for the swim portion of the event. The local restaurants had some great food and the scenery down at dock-side was excellent.

What is your proudest Race Moment?
My proudest moment was a 5th place finish at the Niagara (Grimsby) triathlon. I did everything wrong as far as stay out late, party, drink copious amounts of alcohol, eat all the wrong foods the night before… but manage to put in a decent performance.

Favorite training ride?
There are so many good rides out there. The rides I like the best are the organized rides with a group of people going out for 100km. I also like the hill repeats on the hill at the intersection of Boiler Beach Rd & Concession 10.

Biggest/ most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon?
My most embarrassing moment in a triathlon was at the 2008 Milton event. As this was my first open water swim in well a few years… I was not used to swimming without lanes markers. In addition, the water was 14 degrees C (58 F). The water and air temp was so cold that during the swim warm-up that it was difficult to breathe and get in any sort of rhythm. I thought to myself that I must be @#!&^% crazy to be out here at 7:00am in these elements. Anyways, the race started, I was veering of course and swam literally head-first right into the side of a kayak (THUD). I stopped, looked up at the girl in the kayak and asked if I was going so fast that she couldn’t get out of my way?

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Complete a 5-10km run after every bike ride to get the legs used to the transition from bike-run.

What are your goals for 2008/2009?

Progressively better times in each event and each discipline

A podium finish (I’d throw a huge podium party)

Complete (2) ½ Ironman events

Beat Darryl (friend from London)

 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?
#1 would be my dog Maximus (Doberman). He’s my jogging partner and early morning squirrel chaser.
#2 would be a brunette carrying a case of wine, guitar, 10hp motor, dingy, tent, BBQ, some great food….

Amanda Brindley

Name: Amanda Brindley

Number of years involved in Triathlon? 4

Your Favorite race to date?
Kincardine Women's Triathlon

What is your proudest race moment?
My marathon and now finishing 1/2 Ironman

What advise would you share with someone just starting out?
Enjoy and have fun, set personal, achievable goals.

What are your goals for 2008?
To finish my first half ironman

What got you started?and keeps you going?
Watching the first KWT.

What is your favorite part of triathlon?
I love to swim, but it still freaks me out in an actual race, so I would have to say in the race the bike is my favourite part.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 2 items would you take with you?
Book, husband, dog. (they go together!)

Richard Tout

Name: Richard Tout

Number of years involved in triathlon?
It is 11 years and 1 month since I did my first triathlon. I was not in to sport and athletics when I was young, however once I reach mid-life I thought it was probably about time I did some exercise. I joined a fitness class and the guy running it also organized a local triathlon race.
I had a bike and could do some cycling, but could swim no more than two lengths in the pool without a breast stroke length to recover and had not done any running. I completed the race and survived and had no other triathlon plans, however when the race came round the following year I signed up again and the rest is history.

Favorite Race?
It has to be the Hawaii Ironman. The big island is fabulous to visit even without the race, but the event itself (and all the activities leading up to it) is quite unique. However Ironman Canada is pretty special too; the crowds of spectators are bigger and more enthusiastic than I have seen anywhere else, the scenery on the bike course is spectacular, and I love the out and back run along the lake. If I am allowed a third favourite race it would be the Olympic distance Royal Windsor Triathlon, set in the historic town of Windsor in the UK with Windsor Castle as a backdrop on the run course.

What is your proudest race moment?
It has to be finishing the Hawaii Ironman. I still find it difficult to believe that I got there. It was my hardest triathlon; the swim is non-wet suit which is not good for a poor swimmer, the cross winds and head winds on
the bike were the worst I have encountered (even in Bruce County), and the heat and humidity on the run really sap your strength. I enjoyed every single minute of the race.

Favorite Training Route?
A run loop along Boiler Beach, the view of the lake opens up in front of you as you come down the hill and round the corner. For a bike ride I head up to Southampton, nice quiet roads and again great views of the lake between Port Elgin and Southampton.

What is the best triathlon advice you have received?
The year before last I did several long (5 hour) bike rides with the coach, followed by a one hour run straight off the bike. That was the best shape I have been in for long distance races. Also I tend to concentrate on
endurance (long and slow) training. This has impacted on my speed and I need to mix the endurance training with speed training in each discipline.

What are your goals for 2008?
I am looking forward to having a good race and a good time (fun rather than sub 10 hours) at Ironman Canada in Penticton in two weeks time. However my 'A' race this season is Ironman Arizona in November. I would like to get a spot for Hawaii in Arizona but I don't know if I will be that lucky again.

If you were stranded on a desert island what would you take with you?
In keeping with my multiple answers to all the other questions, my bike and a life time supply of beer (but not to be used at the same time).

Pete Richards

Name: Pete Richards 

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 8

Favorite Race: 
Triathlon - Chicago Triathlon. Marathon - Neolithic Marathon (Finishing at Stonehenge). Sub 26.2 mile Running Race - Hamilton 30k Around the Bay Road Race.

What is your proudest Race Moment? 
Actually I have at least three: Guelph Lake 2005, I was President of the Tri Club that picked up the most hardware of any Club on the day. Completing my first Marathon, is followed closely by catching my good friends, Ian Driver and Richard Tout at the Finish Line of the 2007 Ironman World Champions in Kona Hawaii with my wife Patti.

Favorite training ride? 
The Benmiller Ride, followed by swim, hot tub and brunch (doesn’t get much better).

Biggest/most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon?
It takes a lot to embarrass me but Brad Scheel and I almost walked into Simon Lessing during his run at the Chicago Triathlon. Could have made the news, “Two Canadians assault potential winner of World’s Largest Triathlon”. 

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Listening to Ian Driver.

What are your goals for 2008? 
Knock some time off my Marathons

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?

A lifetime supply of the World’s Greatest Healthfood - Guinness.

A can of “AXE” deodorant in case my island gets invaded by the neighboring island’s all-female tribe of triathlon wannabees who would love to hear that I was once the President of the Best Triathlon Club on the Planet.

Michele Gade

Name: Michele Gade

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon:
8 years

Favourite Race:
Kelowna Apple Olympic Triathlon 2006 

What is your proudest Race Moment? Sharing the podium in Guelph with Mike when we both came 2nd in 2005 (Sprint). . There have been many others... watching my kids compete in their triathlons, getting Mike into the sport and see him progress into the Ironman, love it and do well.

Favourite training ride?
Probably the Point Clarke loop and for a longer one –the Kincardine to Southampton loop with my buddies.

Biggest/ most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon?
I've never lost my race suit or anything that exciting...probably peaking a week too early for the Caledon qualifier, and after a long drive, pummelling rain, getting something for a pal back at the car - 4 km away, I almost missed the race start when the bus got stuck in the mud of a parking lot.....!!! I had to get off the bus to run to the start... As a result my legs felt like lead (it felt like I had a flat) and I was disappointed with my result on what should have been an A race. I learned a lot from that race, to approach an A race differently and that I really need to work on my run if I want to place better.

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
I have received great advice from many of my tri pals... including my husband, but when in doubt ask Ron Boucher!! His advice to arrive early -2 hours- find your quiet place , warm up , stretch , relax and focus. I try not to get too stressed at the events; I love the atmosphere and try to enjoy it.

What are your goals for 2008?
To strengthen my core muscles, become fitter and enjoy a few races. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?
Toothbrush and floss of course!! Seriously though - Mike and a cell phone. 

Kristi Waram

Name: Kristi Waram

Number of Years in Triathlon
I've been racing in triathlons since the summer of 2006

Favorite Race
Kincardine Womens Triathlon - this is where it all began!

What is your proudest race moment
Each and every time I cross the finish line feels so great!!

If I had to choose one race.... it would be the Kincardine Womens Triathlon 2007. After training for one year I placed 7th overall. It was super motivating to have my coach Pete R., family and friends on the side cheering me on. 

What is the best Triathlon advice you have received?
Enjoy the moment and take in all you can on race day.
Don't try anything new on race day..... race like you train.

What are your goals for 2008? 
My goals for this year are:
1.) World Championship in Vancouver - sprint distance.
2.) Complete an Olympic distance Tri.
3.) Complete a marathon in the fall.

Long term?
To complete an ironman... I may be several years away from this but I'd love to do it someday! 

What is your favorite post race food? Bananas

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 things would you take? A kayak and chocolate. 

Brad Scheel

Name: Brad Scheel

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 8 years
Favourite Race: Florida 1/2 Ironman

What is your proudest Race Moment? : Finishing
Ironman Canada 2005

Favourite training ride? Kincardine to Southampton along the lakeshore.

Biggest/ most embarrassing mistake you have made in a triathlon?

In my first tri a tri, I swam the first 100m faster than Mark Spitz, I hit the "wall" then did the breast stroke for the rest of the swim.

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Rich Straus from "Crucible fitness" says that "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" when talking about Ironman racing. It sure seemed to help me get through the day.

What are your goals for 2008? Enjoy the World Championships in Vancouver with friends and family.

Carey Buehlow

Name: Carey Buehlow

Number of years involved in Triathlon?
I have been involved in running/triathlons for three years now.

Your Favorite race to date?
My favourite race is of course kincardine women's triathlon. The first time I did it I knew it was going to be addicted and I couldn't wait to start training for larger, more challenging races.

What is your proudest race moment?
Every race presents a proud moment - the minute I pass the finish line is the best feeling. You feel so proud of yourself and also all of the other participants in the race.

What is the Best Triathlon related advise you have received?
Work hard, train hard, do your best! Before every race my dad always reminds me.... 'slow and steady wins the race'....and it usually does!

What advise would you share with someone just starting out?
Don't be afraid - the best part about triathlons is you go your own pace. Races are made up of all types and sizes of people who will encourage you all the way!

What are your goals for 2008?
Last year I focused on my running
- now that I am back in the area my goal is to compete in triathlons across the province with a focus on achieving my personal best, meeting new people and really enjoying all aspects of living a healthy and happy lifestyle!

Do you have long term goals?
Yes - my long term goals is to always be active and have fun. I would like to push myself to run an ironman and learn from people's experiences on training smart.

What is your favorite part of triathlon?
My favourite aspect of triathlons is training and how confident they make you feel. You are outside, active and you get to meet great people along the way.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 2 items would you take with you?
This is a hard one - I just got back from Belize camping and kayaking. We actually did get stranded on an island......we had rum and a bathing suit and I survived!!

Keith Malhotra

Name: Keith Malhotra

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: 
Started entering running races in 2003, 5years

Favourite Race: 
Amazing race on TV……kidding.. The “Shore to Shore” race near Wiarton when I proposed to my wife.

What is your proudest Race Moment?
Definitely when my future wife said yes after I proposed. 

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Swimming will eventually come.
And run at your own pace.

What are your goals for 2008? 

Complete a ½ Marathon.

Improve my swim.

Finish my first try a try triathlon.

Long term: Complete a full triathlon.

Would you ever do an Ironman? 
Sure…..What’s an ironman again?.

What’s your favorite run route? 
Any run along water where there’s a nice view..

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?
Jenna and a boat with good instructions on to how to get home.

Shane Hotchkiss

Name: Shane Hotchkiss

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon:
2 years

Favourite Race:
Wasaga Beach I qualified for the 2008 World Championships at this race

What is your proudest Race Moment?
Watching my two children race at the Chatham Bulldog Triathlon this past summer

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Three pieces of advice:
Train smarter not harder
10% under trained is better than 1% over trained
Do it for fun

What are your goals for 2008?
To race

Would you consider doing an Ironman someday? 
Yes

What is your favourite training ride:
Anytime on my bike

What surprised you the most about triathlon:
How much you can improve

What has been the hardest part of triathlon:
 Learning to swim

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you? 
A disk (Frisbee) and a boat 

Ron Boucher

Name: Ron Boucher

Number of Years Involved in Triathlon: Started in the early 80’s, 26 years

Favourite Race: 
The World Championships with Hawaii being his favourite location so far.

What is your proudest Race Moment?
Two- The first being at the Milton race where Ron preserved to win his age group by 1 sec.
The second was the 2007 World Championships in Germany. Ron placed 4th but it was heartbreaking missing the medal by 23sec.

What is the best triathlon related advice you have received?
Anybody can do it if they put their mind to it. Don’t to go nuts, pace yourself and you can do it. From there your options are
a) happy to finish
b) be competitive
c) decide how competitive you want to get i.e. getting all of the “toys”

What are your goals for 2008? 
World Championships in Vancouver, Nationals and Provincials and the Subaru Series. A total of 10 – 12 races for the year.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 2 items would you take with you?

Good books and some good food.