Joanne Merkley: What Makes This Sport Great!

Being a veteran of multiple Iron-distance races (2009 IM Canada, 2010 IM Lake Placid, 2011 The Canadian 226 (Ottawa), competing at the World Championships out west in 2008, and placing in her Age Group at a variety of triathlons across Ontario, Joanne has accomplished a lot as a triathlete. But, she does not rest on her laurels, and would like to give a big thanks to all those that have helped her overcome an injury that cancelled her 2012 season, and helped her prepare for IM Mont Tremblant on August 18, 2013!  The funny thing is, Joanne has inspired so many local triathletes, that we owe her a big thank you!!

From Jo Merkley,

Thanks…

It’s my turn to say “thanks” to all of you who have inspired me and motivated me throughout the winter and the summer training and racing seasons. Last year, I was forced to the sidelines for the summer. That meant I had to give myself a big kick to get back into the game. Thanks to all of you for the fun along the way.

My 2013 race and training line-up included:

• The Chilly Half- PB for this race and almost PB for a half
• Sheri Fraser’s Training Camp/Spring Break Fun- met lots of great people and loved getting outside on the bike in the winter
• Around the Bay-PB
• Goodlife Marathon- PB and met BQ standard
• Spin the Lakes- always a grind
• Centurion- nasty day of torrential rain and cold, slowpoke but got ‘er done (may have been wiser to let that one go…)
• The horrendously hot Welland Half Iron- met my goals
• Niagara Training Weekend with the London group in Welland where I found out that there is amazing, difficult cycling and unique landscapes along the edge of the escarpment; Baydogs excursion next year?
• Peterborough Half Iron- PB at this distance
• Lots of long bike rides, swims, runs, Time Trials and Speed Workouts with Baydog friends

I am most grateful for:

• all of you guys (you know who you are) who let me draft during our long training rides and who didn’t ditch me after I fell behind on the climbs
• good cycling shorts and chamois cream
• during or post-ride buttertarts
• those of you who do all the extra work to keep the club going strong

Highlights:

•  arriving at the bike rack 2^nd at the Peterborough Half and getting in from the bike and seeing only 1 other bike there…
• exploring new cycling routes
• smiles of fellow athletes and fans before, during and after races
• running with a herd of youngsters and introducing them to Simon Whitfield at the EGames

Biggest Duhhhhsssss:

• Warming up for the Centurion by going up the hill by the Horseshoe Chapel only to find that my shoes wouldn’t clip out due to the sand and mud in them from the flooded parking lot and having to keep going even though I had run out of gears and the ride was about to start. Not having enough speed to even make the 180 degree turn, I had to turn into someone’s drive way, ride up to their side balcony and hang on tight with one hand, hold the brake with the other, get my feet out of the shoes and jump to the ground without toppling over or losing my bike down the slope
• Having both calves go into full spasm at the same time while carrying my food after the Toronto Marathon and helplessly falling to the ground

Looking forward to:

• Tremblant. I plan to take my time and enjoy the scenery! Can’t wait to see many of you complete your first full.
• Some trail running, getting back into the hockey season, skiing and boarding  and the Winterlude TriathlonJ
• BEER and WINE and CHOCOLATE

Push On, Finish Strong

Jo Merkley