Life changing

Times Reporter

 

Being extremely fit and in superb shape is not a necessity to have taken part in the Strathmore Women’s Triathlon as  Janice Sumner learned. Last year Sumner and her friend Marie Van Driel went to the triathlon workshop because they wanted to sign up for the 2010 triathlon because entries were done for 2009. Sumner said there were approximately 20 women at the workshop and they were going around the room telling the others how many triathlons they had done. 

“It got to me and I was like ‘I’m here because I’m a wannabe, I wannabe like you guys,” said Sumner. 

Deanne Jabs, the race director, told her she didn’t have to be a wannabe anymore and that she and Van Driel would be able to take part in the 2009 triathlon after all. Both women had only a week to prepare, and the workshop taught them what to do and not do during the events.  

“It was truly one of the most empowering experiences of my life. It was such an amazing experience,” said Sumner. 

Since last year’s triathlon Sumner and Van Driel have continued to train for this years events. 

“We’ve done boot camp three times a week and all kinds of things and we’ve become pretty fit because neither of us was very fit a year ago,” said Sumner.  

“I’ve had to work pretty hard because things just aren’t as easy when you’re 40. I wish I’d discovered this when I was 20. But better to discover it late than not at all.”

This year on August 15, five staff members from Westmount Elementary took part in the triathlon. Sumner said the amount of support they gave each other was wonderful. She also gushed about Deanne and what the experience has done for her. 

“I just can’t speak highly enough of Deanne, I went to her at the banquet and told her she has truly changed my life.”

Marian Cook also took part in the triathlon and found it to be a great experience. 

“It was a great event, well organized and a great experience.  Special thanks needs to be extended to all the volunteers and that “special little person” on the run route who was respectfully asking the participants if they wanted to be sprayed with water. What a fantastic treat,” said Cook. 

Since competing in her first triathlon, Sumner has taken part in every one she possibly can. It’s something she plans to continue doing as long as she can, and she compared the anticipation of this year’s triathlon to Christmas. 

“For me it was like Christmas day, I had been looking forward to it since last year. I knew last year I was going to register for this year. And it was, it was like Christmas, it was just fun from the minute I woke up. I’m kind of sad because that was what I was looking forward to most this summer and now it’s over,” said Sumner. 

She managed to shave 15 minutes off of her time from last year, finishing in an hour and 45 minutes. She said it doesn’t matter if you’re an ironman competitor or a beginner; the Strathmore Women’s Triathlon fits everybody.