The Faces of the HSBC Triathlon Series - By Roger Hospedales
The Faces of the HSBC Triathlon Series will introduce you to some of the athelets who race with us on a regular basis. We have collaborated on this section with Roger Hoepedales, who will be wrting these articles. Roger Hospedales is a frequent competitor and familiar face at all of our races. He is also a contributing writer for Triathlon Magazine Canada. If you receive an email from Roger there is a good chance he wants to know a little about you. Pictures courtesy of Mike Cheliak Photography.
Nicole Bailey
From frequent bar patron to the 2007 HSBC Triathlon series Athena Champion. Nicole Bailey has sure come a long way in a relatively short period of time.
The 29-year-old Torontonian entered the world of triathlon two years ago due to a realization and subsequent decision that she and her friend came to.
“My good friend and I found ourselves on a few too many patios too often,” confessed Nicole. “We decided we needed something else to offset the caloric intake and make better use of our time. So we decided we should do a triathlon.”
Not being a strong swimmer, Nicole learned how to swim, but like many newcomers to the sport, underestimated the challenge of the bike and run segments.
“We honestly didn't realize what we had gotten into when it came to the bike or run. I quickly learned that bricks aren't what a house is made of,” said Nicole.
Nevertheless, Nicole endured the training, toed the start line, and successfully finished her first race at the Cobourg Sprint Triathlon in 2006. It was an experience that she vividly remembered and learned from.
“I did not realize the importance of a wetsuit until I was treading frantically and hyperventilating. I’ve never felt so close to death. I also realized I was never doing a triathlon again with a hybrid bike. Those underappreciated Northumberland hills were certainly appreciated. It felt like I was on them forever,” said Nicole.
Fast forward to today. Nicole manages to fit in seven hours of training each week, is still seeking to improve her swim, and cycling has become her favourite activity, especially the hills.
“I enjoy biking most because that means that I made it out of the lake. It’s been close on a number of occasions,” said Nicole. “Besides, training for the bike portions is the most fun. You get to ride all over, explore, and look for the perfect hills. I have learned to make hills my friend.”
Nicole lists her favourite races as Cobourg (her first race), Bala Falls (beautiful scenery and rolling hills), and Toronto Island (close to home and her parents come to cheer her on). However, some of her nutrition choices while participating at those and other races might come as a surprise. Her pre-race meal consists of a McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito, and post-race she rewards her race day effort by finding a local watering hole for a few pints of Guinness.
Nicole credits her friend and fellow competitor Heather McMullen (you can often find them racing together) for getting her involved in triathlon and offers some words of encouragement to newbies.
“You can do it! Just put your mind to it, and don’t let that 81 written on the calf in front of you get you down. Even if he started eight minutes after you,” said Nicole.
Nicole looks to defend her HSBC Athena title this year and will compete at the Muskoka 70.3 event in September.
John Groppo
Four years ago, John Groppo came upon the duathlon race scene. It was evident to many that he would become a force to be reckoned with at every race he entered. However, what many may not realize is that he is a dedicated family man.
The automotive technician from Hamilton, is married with two children (his son is a spitting image of him), and when asked to describe himself in on statement he responded as follows.
“Most important to me is family first, work second, and running/biking third,” said John.
His love of family also surfaces in his recollection of his greatest accomplishment, winning the Binbrook Duathlon for the second time in 2007 (he also won in 2005).
“Coming down to the last stretch of the race and knowing that my wife Lisa, my kids Marcus and Renee were waiting for me and cheering me on at the finish line,” said John.
Participating in organized soccer and hockey since the age of eight, John stayed active as an adult but did not feel fit. As a result, he started running and cycling to get in better shape. He then stumbled across the Multisport Canada website, thought that doing duathlons would be fun and the registered for a race. Although he might be a threat to win any race he enters today, he was so nervous and intimidated before his first race that he almost did not start.
So how is John so fast? He trains 6-10 hours a week (making sure to clear out family activities first so he can train with a clear head) while still seeking to be more disciplined in his approach. In addition to doing core strengthening three times a week, he maximizes his time by combining running and cycling in every training session.
“Brick workouts are the key for me. I always try to do a run/bike or bike/run and when time permits I’ll do a run/bike/run,” said John. “I do lots of Spinerval workouts in the winter months and I love to run on the Chedoke Rail Trail.”
John fuels his body by having a spaghetti and meatball dinner the night before an event. The race morning breakfast consists of a bowl of Vector cereal and an energy bar. During the race, he drinks Heed and after the race, he makes sure to promote proper recovery by taking protein in the form of a protein shake or Omega whey.
John likes racing with the HSBC series because of its organization, the very friendly staff, and the welcoming atmosphere. An atmosphere that introduced him the likes of Paul Gonsalves and Gord Avann (a couple of series regulars) who helped him get started in the sport. Thanks to that experience, he offers this piece of excellent advice to newcomers.
“Come out and have fun. Never worry about the person in front of you or the one behind, just race at your own pace. Enjoy the after race festivities, walk around, meet your competitors, and ask questions,” said John.
Tamara Forrest
If it were up to Tamara Forrest, duathlon events would be bike-run-bike. The 27-year-old registered nurse is an avid mountain biker who competes at many Ontario Cup races, so it is easy to see why she would prefer such a switch in the order of events. Tamara decided to try the sport of duathlon because it looked challenging. Perfectly fitting in with her preference for mountain biking, she did her first duathlon at the Fanshawe Lake Off-road Dirty Duathlon on June 3, 2006. “This is one of my favourite races to date because I really enjoy mountain biking and liked the challenge of trail running,” said Tamara, “It was such a relief to finish!”
The 2007 season was a breakthrough year for Tamara as she won the Duathlon Series Championship for Females 20-29, but as with all top athletes, she still aspires to make improvements to increase her speed. “I want to improve my run and bike times. I have never been a fast runner and find this leg to be very challenging, especially the second run.”
Since she works long hours, her training regimen varies, being flexible and creative in fitting in training time whenever she can. “I teach fitness classes in the evenings and also train to do mountain bike races. I don't have a concrete schedule - it varies depending on what race is coming up and what I feel like doing. I try to ride my mountain bike 1-2 times per week, my road bike 1-2 times per week and run 1-2 times per week.”
During a race, Tamara enjoys munching on Jelly Belly Sport Beans or Cliff Bars, and drinking E-Load. However, post-race she indulges her chocolate craving by rewarding herself with chocolate milk and a Snickers bar.
Tamara advises to newcomers to the sport that they just go out and have fun. This feeling of fun is what hooked her to the sport and the HSBC Series. “Everyone is very friendly, and the races are very organized,” Forrest adds, “My favorite races are the Fanshawe Lake Dirty Du (although this one isn't offered anymore), the Gravenhurst International Duathlon, and CFB Borden Duathlon.”
If all goes according to plan, we should see a faster Tamara Forrest this season as she looks to have a stellar race at the Gravenhurst International Duathlon, and defend her Series Championship.
Angus Kim
In regards to the sport of triathlon and duathlon, 2001 was a huge year for Angus Kim. He finished his first triathlon, marathon, and Ironman. Seeking to improve upon that first-time experience, his is still going strong today. A former rugby player (University of Toronto, Canada’s Under 19 Team), in 2000 he watched his friends compete at Ironman USA Lake Placid, and was immediately bitten by the triathlon bug, signing up for the race the next day, never having done a triathlon before.
He spent the following year learning how to swim, using the proper gearing while biking, and increasing his run distance. He lost over fifty pounds in the process. “Due to all the training, I got in much better shape, ” said Angus, “Being a non swimmer I was worried about the Ironman swim but I got it up to a decent level that would allow me to finish.”
His virgin Ironman experience was a memorable one to say the least. After successfully completing the swim portion, he confidently mounted his bike only to experience the unexpected. “I remember waking up in a ditch,” Angus admitted, “I guess I fell asleep on the bike during the second lap. I wasn’t injured so I dusted myself off, got back on my bike and just kept on going.”
He would go on to finish his first Ironman at Lake Placid, winning the Inspiration Award (awarded to the final finisher), and winning a year’s supply of Saucony shoes. If that was not enough, he celebrated a few days later by attempting to eat ten Big Macs in one sitting. He was not successful. Since then, Angus has finished another eight Ironman races (singles at Ironman Arizona, Canada, and Korea, along with five more at Lake Placid).
An HSBC Triathlon Series regular, he proved how much he loves racing in the series this past year. Thanks to his understanding wife to be, Angus raced in the Cobourg International Duathlon just hours before the getting married. Much to the shock of many of those assembled at the post-race awards ceremony (he placed third in his age group). And if you are wondering, yes, he did manage to get home to clean himself up, and make it on time for his nuptials.
I’ve come to know Angus over the past nine years and I can tell you that he is a top-notch dude. He is that typical gentle giant. Tough as nails, would give you the shirt off of his back, and has a heart of gold. Just show him a video clip of Dick Hoyt speaking about his son Rick and you will know what I mean (you can ask him to explain why). This season you can see Angus at Ironman Lake Placid and the many HSBC Triathlon and Duathlon series races this season as he pursues yet another top 3 finish in the Clydesdale standings.
Holly Blackwood
Recently graduated from high school, Hamilton’s Holly Blackwood looks forward to making this upcoming season her best yet.
Holly was inspired to get into triathlon after watching a friend of hers compete. It looked like fun so she went on to do her first race. While she did not set any speed records at that first race, the experience felt so rewarding to complete something so difficult, that she has been at it ever since.
“My first race was in Milton in the summer of 2004. The race was pretty difficult because my for my first year of racing I had this old Miele, which was a team bike (from Hammerheads) and I just felt like no matter how hard I tried people were just flying by me on the bike.”
Those days of being easily passed on the bike are less of an occurrence for the 2007 HSBC GT 12.9 Series Age Group Champion (females under 20), but one just has to watch her race to realize that the swim is clearly her best event.
“My favourite portion of the race is swimming. My swim usually helps me get in the front at the beginning of the race, because in shorter races swimming is usually the more difficult part for some people and I find it the easiest.”
Holly’s success in triathlon can be easily attributed to her work ethic and her well-rounded athletic background. In high school she was a two-time athlete of the year playing sports such as volleyball, football, waterpolo, basketball, baseball and soccer. But she also had extensive dance and swim training.
“Before I started triathlon I had been a competitive dancer for almost 10 years. I also took swimming lessons until I was 12,” explained Holly. “I joined the Hammer Head triathlon team in 2003 and started racing in 2004. After my first racing season I quit dance and triathlon became my main focus.”
This summer, we just might see the best racing from Holly. Up until last year, Holly was training six times a week and for about two hours a day, but scaled back her training to concentrate on school. But now that she has graduated, she’s returned to training hard once again.
“My favourite workouts are bricks because you get to combine different workouts and change things up. They are also killer for training.”
On top of regularly competing in the HSBC GT 12.9 series races and defending her series title, she plans on adding a few sprint distance events, with her favourite sites being Lakeside and Welland. After this race season concludes, Holly will begin her University studies with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher.
Mike Leader
“Run, Fat Boy, Run!” Mike Leader jokes that the title of the new film describes him, however, while he may be a big boy, he can certainly hold his own, especially in the water.
Hailing from Markham, the father, husband and banker enters his fifth season in triathlon, looking to defend his HSBC Triathlon Series Clydesdale under 40 title. One look at his race results and you will quickly realize that his strength is the swim and there is a good reason why.
“I have been swimming competitively since I was 10 years old, I was a provincially ranked age group swimmer and an undefeated swimmer in high school (not one loss at Scarborough Championships),” Mike explains, “It’s the one leg that I can feel like I am on top of the game and it’s always fun to be a clyde (Clydesdale) coming out of the water with the top swimmers and ahead of most in my age group and wave.”
Since the swim portion is a challenge to most, Mike offered a favourite workout of his that may be beneficial to those of use wanting to get faster.
“Kamikazes are always a fun way to mix it up from time to time. Not ideal for long course but fun to see how much free speed you might have. Basically, start with a 50 on a minute and then each rep you leave one second earlier. Go until you miss your split.”
While Mike loves swimming, and his biking is getting faster (his goal this year is to average over 35 km/hr in a race), he openly admits to not having an extreme passion for the run.
“Let’s put it this way. I’m a clyde and I have to work hard to not be a clyde. Running and being over 200lbs is very difficult,” Mike said.
Having completed two Ironman races in the past two years (Lake Placid in 2006, and Florida in 2007), he has decided to put that type of racing on the backburner for time being, seeking to further improve that dreaded run before making a return to longer distance racing.
“I need to get smaller to run faster so it is always a struggle since my weight is always an issue for me, I come from a family of big people and I don’t mean tall,” Mike revealed. “I’ve decided this year, to focus on the short stuff, get faster, build a better base in running and then progress back to the long distance. It ill probably be a 3-4 year plan, but when I get back to Ironman, I want to be able to bring it on the run.”
Putting in long and stressful hours at work, Mike treasures the time he spends with his wife and two young kids. To maximize that time, he juggles family life, work and training by doing much of his training at home indoors (bike trainer and treadmill) since there is less time spent on prepping equipment or traveling to workouts. This strong devotion to family also drifts over to his feelings on the HSBC Triathlon Series.
“I love the family feel to it. I basically race HSBC exclusively now, and I love the fact that I get to see the same people race in and race out. I’m also a big fan of the fact that although it is very competitive, it doesn’t feel overly competitive like some other races out there,” said Mike.
With his drive to succeed, and his relatively rapid success in the sport, it will not be long before the self-description of “Run, Fat Boy, Run!” turns into “Run, Fast Boy, Run!”
Karen Gamble
How is this for a triathlon debut? First place in your first race! Despite such a successful beginning, Karen Gamble is still motivated to get faster.
The Markham native got her start in the sport at the Cobourg Sprint Triathlon in 2006, a race she signed up for on the day of. Practicing the week before the race, she did the race on a borrowed road bike and wetsuit. She also enlisted the help of her friends.
“They walked me through the swim transition and out to the bike start line & back into transition and out to the run start before the race, so that I didn't get lost during the race,” said Gamble.
Having won her age group at that first race, her early success may not be much of a surprise when you consider her sporting background. Unlike many beginners, swimming came easy to her since she did a lot of swimming in her youth. In fact, during those years, she was the Canadian record holder in the 100-metre butterfly. She is no slouch on the run either, running in the Boston Marathon on 2006.
“I swam as a youngster but gave it up at fifteen,” confessed Gamble, “after about 30 years I picked it up again so I could do triathlons.”
Gamble’s race success continued in 2007, highlighted by another great showing at Cobourg, where she won her age group, and qualified for the Olympic distance World Championships (taking placing this June in Vancouver). She would also go on to win her age group in the HSBC Triathlon overall series.
This season, Gamble is looking forward to enjoying her experience at the World Championships, and to better her time at the half iron distance when she competes at Bracebridge. To achieve this, she is seeking to improve her transitions, mental toughness, and biking.
“In season, I try to swim twice a week, run four times a week, and bike four times per week,” Gamble noted. “The bike needs improvement (having just added aerobars last year), I have only been biking really a little over a year. I still need to learn when to change the gears & hill climb.”
As a self-described dedicated athlete, her great attitude and work ethic ensures that the Team Running Free member is well on her way to achieving those goals. Karen loves the friendly atmosphere and excellent organization of the HSBC series, and you will see her out regularly at the many events. Maybe ask for a swim tip or two, I’m sure she’ll be happy to oblige.
Gord Avann
It is probably superfluous to say that Gord Avann loves speed. Those who race in the HSBC Series, have already come to this realization, since they regularly witness him zooming past them during the bike leg, leaving behind a trail of dust. But his need for speed precedes this sport.
Prior to multisport, Gord professionally raced snowmobiles, ATV’s, motocross and personal watercraft. He still snowmobiles for a TV show where he tests new products. In addition, for ten years, he raced road and mountain bikes at a very high level, but became frustrated with its racing scene. Eventually he discovered the world of multisport to be quite opposite. The people were friendly, and the venues were excellent for both competitors and spectators. He was hooked.
Gord did three relay races before racing solo (he recommends relays to those interested in taking the multisport plunge), and after three years of successful duathlon racing, he couldn’t resist the attraction of triathlon, doing his first at Lakeside in 2007.
“I swam a total of twenty-five feet and panicked. I finished with my head above water or on my back. I was very embarrassed,” Gord admitted, “I could never have imagined how open water would have messed me up so bad. But I went from my first disaster to swimming the Calabogie Soloman (4000 metres) in one year.”
Despite considering his swim and run to be a weakness, he won the HSBC overall series for his age group (45-49) in both the triathlon and duathlon categories, and he qualified for the sprint triathlon World Championships. Clearly, his cycling prowess allowed him to achieve these accolades, but what makes Gord so fast on the bike? His racing background certainly has something to do with it but there are other factors involved.
“I am a Spinervals addict. I have many of the DVD’s and have use them daily in the winter,” Gord revealed, “when spring comes I really ramp up the bike and regularly put in three hour rides, three to five days a week.”
Attempting to push the envelope further this season, Gord will continue his trend of doing as many HSBC races as possible (he often races back to back days), will toss in a few half iron distance races, and will face his greatest challenge yet, Ironman Lake Placid in July.
“It has been my dream, I know it will be a very tough day, but my goal will be to finish and hear those words (You are an Ironman – from announcer Mike Reilly),” said Gord. He adds, “The HSBC series has been my preference from my first event, the crew is very friendly and they always make feel you as a you are their priority.”
Loving the sport as much as he does, Gord typically arrives two hours prior to each race to help other athletes with their bikes and to settle himself. Truly appreciating the accomplishments of his fellow competitors, his ultimate goal is to be able compete as long as legendary World Champion Jimmie Georgas (still going strong at 80 plus).
“Many people can’t imagine, or comprehend, this is the only sport that a age group athlete can line up on the beach and race the same course and time as the hero’s and Olympians of the sport,” said Gord. “I absolutely admire that, and learn from it.”
Allison Poe
Allison Poe may not own a Batmobile or a nifty costume, but the moniker “Batgirl” certainly applies to her.
The 26 year old resides in London, Ontario (originally from Maysville, Kentucky), where she is a Master’s Biology student at Western University. The focus of her study, bats (thus the nickname). Allison landed a summer job with the HSBC Triathlon Series after saying she would help out with the Shore-to-Shore Relay race. Her job entails race registration, coordination of volunteers, and basically doing anything that needs to be done.
Having a strong background in team sports (she played field hockey through her undergrad in Kentucky) she easily made the transition to triathlon, and manages to squeeze in 10-14 hours of training each week. “Working at MultiSport was pretty conducive to lots of training. John and Anne trained for Ironman Canada all summer, so I would tag along with them from work on long rides and swims. Also, with grad school I can make my own schedule. When I’m doing field work, I work with bats during the night and have my days free”.
A favourite workout of hers is one that her boss, John Salt, showed her. After a warm-up, you go 12-15 minutes hard on the bike, then do 8-10 minutes of hard running, and repeat 2-3 times. She finds it very challenging and it is great for race simulation.
Allison’s results this season were quite impressive. She finished among the top females at the Tupper Lake ½ Ironman, had a personal best at the Wasaga Beach ½ Marathon (1:26:43), and was the top female at the Gravenhurst Olympic Triathlon and the CFB Borden Duathlon.
For newcomers to the sport Allison offers this piece of advice. “Have fun while you are racing—why do it if it’s not fun. Expect your first race to hurt more than you anticipated, but once you get that one out of the way it’s smooth sailing. Also, being prepared (mentally and having all your stuff together) is a big one, that really cuts down on race day anxiety.”
Allison plans to continue working in wildlife/biology conservation and maybe doing a PhD. Athletically, she enjoys the hard training and wants to see how good she can become, possibly even throwing in an Ironman into the mix. “I would love to do an Ironman in the future. I’ve done three ½ IM’s and enjoyed the challenge. I want to make sure I’m in the right place to dedicate the time it takes.” To end the season Allison will head to Florida to compete at the Best in the U.S. race in October (an age group race consisting of 1 male and 1 female from each state).
The Faces of the HSBC Triathlon Series - Kent Parkinson
If you have experienced bike troubles or forgotten a piece of equipment at one of the HSBC Triathlon Series races, chances are Kent Parkinson has come to your rescue.
Since 2002, Kent has been a friendly and familiar face to the series, participating or volunteering at virtually every race. Bright and early on race morning, you can often spot him performing body marking duties (you don’t have us fooled Kent, we know you are scouting out the ladies) and then racing later that day.
Then there are countless incidents of Kent lending fellow athletes helmets, wheels, and even bikes. Sacrificing has own race so that someone else could enjoy the sport that he loves so much.
“At Borden this year, a mildly confused looking first timer asked for help. I found her a spot on the racks, looked at the bike she had and asked her if she would like to use something better for the day. I had the best day watching the expression on her face,” Kent recalls. “Just before race start someone needed a helmet so I loaned them mine, I pumped a few tires and did some mechanical work on a few bikes for good measure. I think I loaned out my sunglasses for that race too.”
The thirty-eight year old Hamilton resident, now entering his 23rd year in the sport, has raced at various distances, but chooses to concentrate his efforts on the HSBC GT 12.9 series (a series he named in a contest).
“I like the speed, lack of suffering for long periods of time, and I have a short attention span,” he confessed “They say you aren't a triathlete unless you do an Ironman but I don't know that I have the drive for one. It's a huge commitment both in terms of money and time. I will do one some day just to say I have but not anytime soon.”
By the way, the next time you are at a Multisport Canada race, be aware that Kent made those nifty racks that you will put your bike on.
“I mulled over a few designs and came up with something we thought would work. Two months later we had all 200 of them in three sizes (men, women, and kids). I did them all myself from beginning to end.”
Kent claims to be “anti-tri” in terms of his training regimen and super social attitude but his actions certainly prove otherwise. We should all be so “anti-tri” because this sport will be much better for it.