Five Halifax triathletes, including 70-year-old, set to compete in Hawaii Ironman
The first time Kim Sawler finished a triathlon, her reaction was one of pure excitement.
“At the time I said, 'When can I do another one?'” Kim asked.
Five years later, Sawler is still competing and is now the co-president of the Halifax Triathlon Club.
“It’s hard to put into words unless you feel it," said Sawler. "It is such a sense of accomplishment.”
Five Halifax-area triathletes are now on the cusp of a historic accomplishment. Denita Hammond, Paul Shore, Greg Lummis, Islam Ellaithy and Francine Comeau will compete in this week's Ironman competition in Hawaii.
“It puts Halifax and Nova Scotia and the Halifax Triathlon Club on the map,” said Sawler.
Francine Comeau did her first triathlon more than 20 years ago. Now, 70-years-old, Comeau is still competing.
“I slowly built up to it,” said Comeau. "I started with sprint distances.”
The Hawaii Ironman distances are staggering. A 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike race and a 42.2 kilometre marathon, all within 17 hours.
“It’s slowly building," said Comeau. "It’s like a science experiment. You are trying to figure out how much your body can take before you’ve had enough.”
Year-round training is close to a full-time job. Recovering is also a long-term process.
“I usually feel a bit groggy and kind of dizzy," said Paul Shore. "So you just consume a lot of salt and water.”
Based on Shore's experience, the race is punishing, especially on the leg muscles.
“Everybody walks the same the following day," said Shore. "People walk like Frankenstein because they don’t want to bend their knees. “
As for when Comeau will retire, she said it's possible she will race into her 70s or even her 80s.
“I haven’t yet decided if I will try again when I’m 75," said Comeau. "I will see how this one goes.”
Comeau, along with her four fellow Halifax-based triathletes, are trained and ready for the 2022 Ironman. They will be swimming, biking and running on the world stage, while representing their home province.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.