Kimberly Fawcett
Canadian Paratriathlete
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Posts
- Kimberly Fawcett - Biography
SUMMARY
Kimberly Fawcett is an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force (Captain) who has a dream to compete at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio in the sport of Paratriathlon. She is an above-knee amputee whose motto is “Triumph Over Trauma”.
ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2012
- Esprit de Montreal Triathlon (Montreal)
- K-Town Triathlon (Kingston)
- Preparations for Paralympic Trials (100m)
- 2nd Summit of Kilimanjaro
2011
- Paratriathlon World Championships (Beijing)
- ITU World Championship Series (London)
2010
- Cumberland Duathlon Relay (Ottawa)
- Emilie’s Run 5km (Ottawa)
- Ironman Lake Placid, July (Swim Only)
- Paratriathlon World Championships (Budapest), 3rd Place TRI2
2009
- Summit of Kilimanjaro
2008
- Paratriathlon World Championships (Vancouver), 3rd Place TRI2
- Canadian Army Run 5km
- Member, Canadian Sitting Volleyball Team
MEDIA APPEARANCES/SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Amazing People Profile - CTV Ottawa - September 2011
- Canadian National Physiotherapy Conference, St Johns NFLD featuring General (ret’d) Rick Hillier, Margaret Trudeau, and Captain Kimberly Fawcett - November 2008
- Appearance on “Oprah” - Alicia Keyes “Superwoman” episode - October 2008
- CBC Ottawa Radio interview - Post-Canadian Army Run - September 2008
- Guest speaker at the CF Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Branch Annual Dinner – August 2008
- Age Group Athlete of the Month - Triathlon Canada Magazine - July 2008
- Appeared before Canadian Forces Armed Forces Council – speaking on the importance of athletics for the rehabilitation, recovery and retention of amputees - June 2008
- Featured Athlete of the Week, CTV Sports, Carolyn Waldo – June 2008
- Speaking Engagement - Veteran’s Affairs Head Office - March 2008
AWARDS
- Amazing Person of 2012 - CTV/Schoolbox Amazing Person Gala - October 2012
- Inducted into Canadian Forces Sports Hall of Fame - September 2012
- Awarded Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal - July 2012
- VCDS Female Athlete of the Year - November 2011
- Honoured at the CF Athletics Awards Banquet as the first CF amputee to participate in and compete at the ‘Women in CISM (conseil du sport militaire) Conference’ – October 2009
MY STORY
I am a relatively new amputee (6 years post amputation). As part of my initial rehabilitation and recovery plan, I decided to try and train for the Limestone Charity Triathlon in Kingston, Ontario in May 2007. I chose this particular race because it is supported and sanctioned by the Base Commander at Canadian Forces Base Kingston. While it took me over 2 hours to complete this first race, I finished the race all on one leg as I did not have any sports prosthetics. The moment I crossed that finish line, I knew that anything was possible.
Since completion of that first race, I have endured several limb revision surgeries; one major operation each year for the next 4 years. In between the surgeries, I trained and worked very hard to increase my endurance and to perform at a higher level in triathlon. I truly love the sport and believe it is the best form of rehabilitation for new amputees. It taught me that there is life after trauma.
My ultimate goal is to participate in the Paralympics in Paratriathlon. I believe that I have the ability, talent, and motivation to be a highly competitive paratriathlete. I have served this country with valour and honour as an officer in the Canadian Forces and would be equally honoured to represent Canada; an ambassador of sport and all that you can be. Under the ever watchful eye of my plastic surgeon, Dr. Conrad Watters, and my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Pichora, I have had a remarkable recovery. They repaired by body of over 20 fractures and rebuilt my residual limb. I am stronger than ever before and am able of handling the stresses affiliated with endurance sports.
To improve my ability to perform at a higher level in paratriathlon, I enlisted the help of a running coach, Ms. Helen Cooper, a swimming coach, Mrs. Andrea Smith, and a cycling and triathlon coach, Mr. Ian Fraser. I am now working with 2000 Olympian Sharon Donnelly and her awesome team at the Bytown Storm Triathlon Club. All of these individuals are experts in their field and were only too willing to help me out. With the incredible expertise of my prosthetist, Erik Schaeffer, I have the most comfortable prosthetic legs. They enable me to do sport without pain and without skin breakdown. The last thing an amputee needs to worry about is blisters and bad fitting legs. My goal was to ensure I had the best training, training plan and equipment I could to reach the highest levels of performance possible. I have just begun my journey.
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Posts
- Dec 29, 12On 27 Oct 2012, I was named as the CTV Amazing Person of the Year 2012 award. It was an honour to say the very least and completely unexpected.The event overall was awesome. Kimothy Walker and the CTV Organizing Committee did an absolutely fantastic job of putting this event together. We started off the evening at my place. A bottle of Rose Moet and Chandon later the four of us jumped into the car and headed to the Ottawa Convention Centre. When we arrived at this amazing location we were greeted by a Red Carpet moment. We were welcomed, ‘pinned’ and then photographed. The Champagne was flowing at this location too so of course we had to partake again!!! Very nice reception.At about 7pm we headed upstairs to the ballroom. Each table was assigned an old Hollywood star – afterall the theme of the Gala was ‘Old Hollywood’. We sat at the Elizabeth Taylor table!!!The evening started as soon as people were seated and the entertainment and events were AMAZING. There are so many talented and gifted people in Ottawa. Who knew? Well now I do. As we began the first course of the meal, Kimothy announced the names of the top 5 nominees. My name was called. Our table cheered as we ate our mushroom soup. Just in time for the next course about 15 mins later, Kimothy got up and announced the top 3 nominees for 2012. CTV then showed the video for each of the top three nominees. The third video happened to be mine. Curtis grabbed my arm, shaking it back and forth in excitement. I’m thinking to myself yahoo I made top 3 and was quite happy to just eat my salad. Curtis turns his head and says to me, ‘Kim I really think you should wait to eat your salad until they announce the name’. I don’t think Curtis and I were on the same page at that point. I’m thinking I’m starving and I want to eat and that it was a real honour to be named top 3, so be happy and LET’S EAT !! So in pops a spinach leaf and then..it happened..my name was called as the winner !!! To my delight (and horror with spinach possibly stuck in my teeth) my table screeched with excitement and surprise and I tried desparately to swallow the leaf and make my way to the stage. It was a surreal moment for me. Nothing I ever expected. I am up there with Graham Richardson receiving this award and I am in complete shock. I had a smile that was ear to ear…and not a good smile either with red lipstick. But who cares. At that point I was just so honoured and so happy, that I could do nothing else but smile. People were standing up, shaking my hand and congratulating me left, right, and centre and I don’t think I stopped smiling or saying thank you for about the next 3 hours.I can say that I did get a few bites of dinner in me, and I did try and eat ALL of my dessert as a reward in celebration of this honour. I also got up on the dance floor to jiggy to Gangnam style !!Many thanks to the organizers, to Kimothy and Eme and all of my friends and family, and coaches who have supported these past 6 years. A big thanks to the people of Ottawa for their support. It truly means a lot to me.
- Dec 29, 12On 12 Oct 2012, I was inducted into the CF Sports Hall of Fame. This came as a complete surprise although I had hoped that one day, my name would grace this prestigious group.
Many thanks to Col Ning Lew who submitted my name for consideration. Special shout out to Eric Schaeffer of A Step Ahead Prosthetics in NYC who helped me learn to live life without limitations. Eric makes these amazing legs I wear; no more blisters, no more chaffing, no more ripped skin. Yahooo!! Also a big shout out to my family and my husband Curtis. What a lot of people don’t know is that my story is not simply about triumph over trauma, its about my relationship with my spouse and how that has grown into what it is today. We persevered when most couples divorce particularly when it also involves the death of a child. We did not. It is because of Curtis and I have triumphed thru perserverence. Never let anyone curtail your dreams. Dare to dream big and then dare to dream to live outside the box. I did and I do. I am not mainstream because I choose to ‘make it happen’. - Dec 27, 12I recently started a new chapter in my training; its called Crossfit. I am training with Francois and Isabelle at Physics Crossfit on Trim Rd. Its an awesome studio and the atmosphere is incredibly exciting. I am finally learning how to lift a bar over my head with precision and good form. The one thing that I really admire about Francois is that he is always checking and correcting people’s form when lifting the big weight…even the small weight. He’s all about technique and it better be good or he’s make you do it again and again and again until you get it right. You are left with a positive feeling and clear knowledge of how to lift properly.
- Dec 29, 12One of the best organized triathlons in the region. Its completely safe and closed off to traffic. I raced a personal best a the Esprit. Mind you a torrential downpour moments before the swim start – not a welcomed moment. The waves crested at about 0.75m. Glad I wore my nose plugs. Lessons learned though, in a crowd of 150-200 women, paratriathletes should have a staggered start. I had women grabbing onto the legging of my wetsuit not knowing that there was no leg there !! It shocked the heck out of a few women.The bike course was on the Formula I circuit. Fast, holy mackerel. The run was around the rowing basin. The original course for us was on gravel. Fortunately the organizer changed the course when he learned that neither the wheelchairs nor a prosthetic leg (for above the knee amputees) work on loose gravel. Loose gravel is a hazard.Even with the wicked winds I persevered. This is a race that I will do next year. I am looking forward to it already !! Thanks Montreal. Great city and great reception for the paratriathletes.
- Dec 29, 12Ottawa-Orléans MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament) Phil McNeely and Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MPP Grant Crack hosted a wonderful ceremony at the Shenkman Centre in Orleans. Every MPP in Ontario was allowed to nominate up to 14 individuals for the special honour established to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's reign on the throne. The 21 local recipients were honoured for their dedicated service to their peers, their community and the province of Ontario. I was one of the chosen recipients for Ottawa-Orleans. I was awarded this medal for turning tragedy into triumph by taking up the sport of triathlon and winning two bronze medals at the ITU World Paratriathlon Championships, establishing the Canadian Forces Injured Soldiers Network and founding ParAthletes Canada, an organization that provides athletes with physical disabilities the equipment they require to participate in their chosen sport on a competitive level.
Here is a picture of me with all of the other recipients:
I was truly honoured to be nominated for this medal. Thanks Phil for having such confidence and faith in what I am doing to build my community. - Dec 27, 12On May 11, 2012 sixteen women and girls from Ottawa-Orléans were honoured at a special ceremony for local recipients of the Ontario Leading Women, Leading Girls Building Communities Recognition Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Ottawa-Orléans MPP Phil McNeely and presided over by Windsor West MPP Teresa Piruzza, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Women's Issues. The Leading Women, Leading Girls Building Communities Awards recognize and celebrate girls and women who demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their community. This year's recipients represent a range of women from local business and students, to health care advocates and community volunteers.Many thanks to my MPP Phil McNeely and the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues for their recognition of my pursuits.
- Sep 14, 11
Well this site was as spectacular as ever. It was a touch anti-climatic in that it took an hour to drive to Metianyu but we only spent about 30 mins climbing the wall. It was quite crowded so moving up and down the stones was a bit problematic. I did not have any trouble walking or climbing but I had to watch where I was stepping. Lots of people stared.
The views of the countryside were phenomenal from the wall. Given the thickness of the wall's construction and the terrain of the countryside, I almost felt as if the Emperor's that had built the wall were a bit paranoid. Seriously...what invading army would plan an invasion thru the mountains with the equipment they would undoubtedly need to overtake the Forbidden City (the ultimate prize)? Just does not make sense. I am thinking that there were a few Generals with enormous egos that posted anyone they did not like to these remote areas. There is nothing around this wall for miles and miles. Complete isolation. Even food would have been hard to come by. Life on the wall would have lacked serious quality of life.
The luncheon afterwards was excellent. It was one of the best meals we have had all week. Many thanks to Ming Hua Chung our tour guide.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
We had a great post-race meal at a local restaurant called Auspicious. It was very very good authentic Chinese fair. We ordered about 10 different dishes and shared them amongst the team. YUMMY!!
Many thanks to Grant for breaking open his 12 yr old bottle of Rye that he picked up in the duty free shop. It did wonders for my hip flexors who were still slightly annoyed with me for putting them thru that grueling 20km bike on race day. They are fine this morning thankfully. My entire body feels fine.
I remain a. Little disappointed this morning but I have come to realize that there are just some things beyond my control. I gave it my best shot.
Lessons learned:
1. Get my bike adapted to include climbing gears. I have no ability to stand up so i need the extra
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
I placed fourth!
This was the most demanding course I have ever raced. My training went well all summer but on the day, my training fell short of what I needed to climb the 8-10% grades over 500-800m of climbing and times that by 10 over the course of 23 km.
It was an amazing race. Well done China! I am glad I came and conquered the course but at the end of the day I did not have the proper equipment to climb these grades as an above the knee amputee. I should have changed out my front derailleur to a triple...just like all the other AK amputees. We need the granny gear to climb so I was taken on the hills and had no legs left for the run. It's unfortunate but nothing I can do about it now. My bike coach had thought that there was no grade over 2% and I took that info at face value. In hindsight, I should have done my own calculations.
Swim was ok but I was a bit off my rhythm. Got slammed at the start by the guys again. Oh well.
The run was ok but I had no legs left! Brutal run but I made it. I was never so happy to see the finish line.
Great experience and lots of lessons learned.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
Ok it's the day before the race and I definitely have race jitters. Curtis is just as nervous as I am. As my handler he has to follow strict rules and could inadvertently disqualify me. So his fears are just as real as mine; he too has to perform on the day
Not much more to say except that I missed the team photo and opening ceremonies as I had to have my rear derailleur cable completely replaced. Yes mechanical issues have reared their ugly head. Our job is to stay calm and simply go with the flow
Many thanks to the Chinese ITU mechanics who did an amazing job repairing my bike
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
Well it was an interesting day today. I spent most of the morning searching for a bike mechanic. I found the TriCan bike designate, Jay, who was able to get my rear derailler working again. I guess I should have protected and stabilized it better in my bike box given that the journey alone was bound to cause shifting inside the bike box. I also regret not getting my bike tuned up again right before we left Canada. I figured that I just had it tuned up before London UK four weeks ago, so did I really need to? WRONG WRONG WRONG! I should have kept to my normal race routine and had my bike tuned up. Even though we are deemed Elite we do not have access to the Canada elite support staff. Otherwise I would have had my bike repaired yesterday without issues.
While Jay was able to get my bike up and running, it's not finely tuned. Jay is a formula race car driver with a big heart and great tools. I am truly grateful for his help but I don't have confidence in my bike. So I am going to have to try and ride the Papa Hill tomorrow. Hopefully that part of the course won't be closed off.
Chinese security is starting to tighten up. I just got a note slipped under my door ordering me (well instructing) to attend a security screening at 1520 h. Oddly enough I will be at a TriCan meeting at the same time so I won't be able to make the timing. The note also states that the bus I am supposed take leaves the hotel 2 hours before the event! Sitting in a stadium for 2 hours and then participate in a 2-3 hour opening ceremony and pasta party, the evening of my race, is not that appealing. Security is so tight that I probably won't be able to leave at a decent time to return back to the hotel for a good night sleep. I guess I will have to make the call tomorrow as to whether or not I will participate in the opening ceremonies. It's too bad but such is the life of a racer. I came to race and represent Canada. It's a matter of priorities
I am feeling good today. I had a good run. My pace was a bit fast but that is ok. A case of pre-race jitters. I ran with Charles, our 74 yr old age grouper. He is in great shape and is racing sprint distance on Sunday. It's a definite must see for me. His lovely wife June volunteered to help as a Handler. A very nice couple. I am hoping that I can use Charlie as my aid at the bike dismount but I have to wait until tomorrow for a ruling from the ITU. The ITU might simply assign a delegate of their choice. Regardless of who helps me as long as I know who the person is and that they know how to help me, I will be fine.
It's started to rain this evening. I am hoping that the weather system will pass us by this evening and that it will be dry tomorrow. Here's hoping that for once, I will race with good weather. I have participated in only three international races in short paratriathlon career. Each and every time it has poured rain...and not just a sprinkle here and there. It was an all out assault. One can only dream for good weather.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
Up at 0545h this morning and gulped down a refreshing smoothie with bananas and mango. I added a protein supplement so it filled me up quite nicely before the morning bike ride around the race course.
We headed out for our group ride at around 0615h. We are only 2 kms from the race site, which is awesome.
Despite what my coach told me, the profile of this bike course has several grades over 8 percent. On the first hill my chain fell off and I crashed. This will teach me to ignore the sound of a twing coming from my rear shifter before I head out onto a ride. Bad bad bad. I managed to pick my butt up off the pavement and put my chain back on. I got back on my bike and just gutted it out all the way up the hill. A little zig and zag and before you know it I was at the top of this bugger of a hill. I finished the loop and then headed back to the hotel. YES I will find the bike mechanic today so that when I head out tomorrow, my bike is in good working order.
Once off the bike we took an hour break and then headed to breakfast. Since I had a smoothie I really was not hungry. I did have a tasty coffee.
About 30 mins later we were at the pool. Before long I was experiencing a Charlie horse in my good leg!! What else could go wrong! I guess that crash on the bike did a little damage as I am now achey all over. Damn!!!
So now I am sitting in my room snacking on some noodles and 7up. Think I will stretch and then have a nap. No sightseeing for me this afternoon.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 14, 11
Well hello everyone! First full day in the country and we have just learned that there is no access to Google or WI-Fi in this hotel. We are not certain if you can only access WI-Fi in Beijing. So my blog entries will be delayed.
The country is very beautiful. We are north of Beijing in a place called Changping. Nice area but the road system is under construction so it seems. Made the drive out here more like off-roading.
We have a decent room but it's not a double bed. It's two single beds. Smoke stains on the carpet so we wear our shoes all the time. Great ac though and nice linens. Beds are very hard. If you had a bad back you would be in heaven.
We will be out on the bike tomorrow and again in the pool. I hope to be able to do some running on site. The run route is all on top of a padded surface that is much like a track surface. This means that it is soft and will be much easier to run on.
Food is good just different. I will be carbo loading with rice. Not much in the way of sweets though but we got some amazing fruit at the local WalMart. Yes you heard me correctly. This place was huge and had everything you could think of including BEER. It was kind of like an LCBO inside the store. Curtis and Grant (another amputee Cdn racer) were checking out the scotch for after the race.
Curtis is running around in his underpants to keep cool. It's very very hot and humid here.
Got good news from the ITU today. I am going to be permitted to have someone at the bike dismount much to my relief. Just means that I won't need to find a safe crash zone to get off my bike. Yeah!!!! Also will be able to get red swim cap for swim exit. There is an assumption that all amputees can hop. In Canada the rehab centers discourage hopping since I broke my only good ankle because it has limited flexion. All to say that I am very glad that I asked the question in the first place.
That is all my news. Feeling ok and positive about the race. After the bike familiarization I will have a better feel for the race. I will post again tomorrow.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPadLocation:China
- Sep 03, 11
We are now underway. First leg of the trip is complete! Vancouver is beautiful as per usual. Flying over the Rockies was majestic. Not a cloud in the sky so that you could see the tops of the mountains as clear as day. Curtis and I are somewhat tired but we should be able to recover with a latte at the Maple Leaf lounge.
One of the best lessons learned from London was the value of executive class lowest fares. It's not first class but it is certainly a welcome step up to fully reclinable seats. We flew economy to London and ended up in seats that did not recline. Both of us ended up with back spasms, jimmy legs and for me the added phantom pain. We promised each other that if we were ever flying overseas again, we would splurge for the moderately higher airfare just to have the luxury of stretching out. We also decided that a good sleep would help with acclimatization. Beijing is 12 hours ahead of us (from Ottawa).
I am feeling good right now. No race jitters. I am in 'determined' mode. This won't be a tough race but rather a good race where you have to give it everything you got.
Curtis is reading a paper right now sipping a decaf espresso that was supposed to be a decaf latte! Damn machines!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad - Sep 02, 11
Did a "mini-sprint" triathlon in reverse today. Started with a 3k run, followed by a hilly 10k bike and ended with a 400m swim. Felt pretty good afterwards. Goal was to focus on transition and technique in all of the disciplines. Overall it was a great day.
Bike is packed, suitcases are just about done (waiting for a bit of laundry), and I am chillin' with a brew. Flight is at 0 dark buffalo tomorrow morning, so off to bed soon!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad - Aug 31, 11
Hi everyone. Three days until I step on the plane and head to Beijing.
My race is not until 9 Sep 11. It is too early to begin my race taper so I must continue my training as per normal with built-in taper recovery. What I must avoid is lactic acid build-up the day before I get onto the plan. One of the most important lessons I learned from working with Hugh Conlin (hi Hugh…aka Master YODA) is how to train while in taper mode. Taper does not mean that you stop training. Tapering is simply focusing your effort, reconfirming your cues, and focusing on race execution.So today, I began with a morning swim at my favourite watering hole. This place is so peaceful and so welcoming that I take a moment every time I get into the water, to thank the spirit of this pond. I had a great swim this morning. I came away with two 'race' observations however that I will have to address in tomorrow's training. Tune in for tomorrow's post.I also met two lovely ladies today at the pond. Both gave me some much needed encouragement and support for my upcoming race. Thank you Pauline and thank you Joan!!I was off to bike training soon after I got home from my swim. I don't think that I have ever worked so hard on hills - small and large. China is going to be hilly but truthfully these are 2% grade hills. For someone with two legs, these are not the kinds of grades that are worth consideration. But for someone with one leg even these low grades take training. I am predominantly a one-legged rider and without a knee on my residual limb side, I ride with 60-65% effort on my good side, and 35-40% effort on my prosthetic side. The ideal ratio is 50/50. I have trained very hard to get that ideal 50/50 ratio, but this is the best ratio I have achieved five years post amputation. Lessons learned from today is that with the added effort I need to drink at the 10km mark and perhaps take in a GU chomp or two (electrolyte upload).MAJOR LESSON LEARNED FROM LAST WEEK: Having a late waffle or pancake breakfast with fresh fruit around 11:30am yields a phenominal ride at 3:30pm.Tomorrow is another day of swim training, run training, and bike transition training.Its going to be a great day !!Talk to you tomorrow.Kimberly - Aug 30, 11
It's a very hard process. Physically, I am adapting fine - mentally, I'm finding it tough. Will stay strong!!
- Jan 30, 11
Well what can I say, 'I love it!!'. Here's what I wrote into the Racermate (http://www.computrainer.com) WANTED: DESPERATE ATHLETE Contest:
My name is Kimberly Fawcett and I am an officer in the Canadian Forces (http://www.kimberlyfawcett.me). I lost my right leg while on duty five years ago. I started triathlon as part of rehabilitation and love it. I have progressed to the point where I know I'll make the Canadian Paralympic Paratriathlon Team (I medalled at the Worlds in 2008 & 2010), but need your help to get to the top of the podium. I have used a CompuTrainer several times and immediately noticed improvement in my pedal stroke and found that I can actually generate power with my prosthetic leg!!!
I had the privilege of trying out this piece of kit a couple of times and knew that I had stumbled onto something really good. For the first time in my life I was able to visually see how much power my residual limb can actually generate on the bike through the SpinScan Pedal Analysis feature. I am of course, an above-the-knee amputee - well actually a through-the-knee amputee. Because I have my full quad and hamstring, with the CompuTrainer's help, I have re-learned to use these muscle groups.
One benefit of being a traumatic amputee is that I have muscle, ligament and tendon memory. I know how my leg should work and how to fire the muscles. With the CompuTrainer's help, I awoke my sleeping nerves and muscle memory as I learned to climb. This came to me as a complete shock to be honest. I think in my mind I always thought my leg muscles were working, but I really couldn't see any results to confirm it. Using the SpinScan, I can actually see my progress. I can also help train my brain to learn the signals from my muscles when they fire. These associations are critical as they help me in my everyday activities, like walking and running.
The CompuTrainer is a great piece of equipment, but it comes at a fairly large upfront cost. If I win this contest, it will put me in good stead for success at my planned ITU races in London, Edmonton and the World Championships in Beijing. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!! - Jan 09, 11
Its the day after my first track and field meet. I'm not certain how I feel about the experience. There were lots of young faces and plenty of anxious parents sizing up the competition on behalf of their sons and daughters regardless of whether their child wanted to know anything about the competition.
I watched one father and mother approach a young girl just to find out how old she was. The young girl was from Montreal and she was 9 yrs old. She ran in the heat just ahead of me. Both she and her older brother are naturally talented runners. I wish I took the time to ask her her name. She was quite nervous, but she ran a great race. She beat a few older girls which raised eyebrows. That's why this father and mother who perched beside me on the stands looking like vultures at the ready, wanted to find out if this talented 9 yrs old was their daughter's competition. I wanted to say something to the parents but I just sat there and kept my mouth shut. Not my place to say anything. These are the kinds of people I detest being around. The parents that lack any respect for the competition or the sport.
A day later, I am still wondering what lessons learned I can take away? I learned that their is no margin for error in a sprint distance race. It is fundamentally critical that you execute the game plan from the moment the Race Officals says, 'on your mark'. In fact, I am more apt to believe that the execution of the game plan begins in practice. You have to be able to practice your game plan in order to perfect it. Come race day, the execution of the game plan is essentially second nature. The difference between first and second is purely the mind game. If you believe you will
win the race, you will. If you can execute your game plan to perfection the result is inevitable. She who can execute a flawless plan is triumphant.
So what next? Well, I have to build a race game plan that I can practice every time I go to the track. Simply running down the track and trying to go faster each and every time is not enough. I will also have to rethink my Plan B. I am learning invaluable running skills but I also need to
translate that into a fast 5km race. I also have to determine if I am even talented enough to be doing sprints. I like endurance events and I'm just not convinced that I have the fast twitch muscles necessary to become a 'speedster'. What I have decided to do is set milestones. If I am unable to achieve two successive milestones, then I will revisit my commitment to track and field - to the sprint distance race. At the same time that I set milestones for my sprinting, I will set milestones for my 5km race. I think I already know the outcome but this means that I am situating my estimate to a certain degree, and that is not good thing.
I have decided to keep an open mind, build milestones and focusing on achieving those milestones head on. Its going to be a tough 4th quarter but I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Lets wait and see. - Dec 17, 10
When you have one of the top National Sprinting coaches in Canada taking interest in your running, you know you have struck pay-dirt !!
Three short weeks after placing third at the World Paratrithlon championships, I met Hugh Conlin. With my trusty coach Helen Cooper by my side, Hugh asked if I would be interested in trying sprints - the 100m and the 200m. I was a little shocked at the offer. I even asked him, "are you certain I am talented enough to do sprints?" He just laughed and told me not to worry about it. Two short weeks later and I am starting my first ever sprinting session with this amazing person I have now dubbed YODA. I have learned so much about good running technique in such a short time - it was awesome. Sprinting is incredibly technical, completely powerful, and absolutely frightening all rolled up into one. I was hooked. Sprinting is not for the faint of heart, and it takes the courage of a lion to step into a starting block.
Its been 5 weeks since I started training with YODA. This Saturday, I am going to do my first race. I'm stoked. I am going to have a great race and an even greater day.
To my good friend Helen (aka Obi-Wan Kenobi), thank you for believing in me, for taking a chance on me, and for allowing me to achieve amazing things on the track and out on the triathlon race course. Together we will change the world one race at a time!! - Oct 27, 10
- Oct 01, 10
I've got a soaking wet, slightly disappointed, but overall content Kimberly upstairs here in the hotel. She had a great race, but just couldn't run as hard as she wanted to - the mind was there, but the leg(s) couold only do so much. Once I look after the care and feeding of my little triathlete, I'll write more!!
- Oct 01, 10
Quiet day in Budapest. Lots of race prep. Getting ready to head down to the transition area to drop off Kim's bike - it's rainy, so we are going to get wet!! Got some nice emails from CF members (including the CDS - thanks sir!!) Kim seems pretty calm and ready to race, so all is good!!
- Oct 01, 10
Well, it was a long and busy day here in Budapest. Got up early for a team breakfast, followed by a trip (for Kim) down to the race site for registration. I headed into Pest to recce out the other spots we would be visiting today. We linked up for the Paratriathlete Briefing at 1330 and went to the Team Canada Meet and Greet at a local sports bar (owned by an expat Canadian and, supposedly, Wayne Gretzky). This was followed by the Team Canada photo. While the rest of the team headed out for the opening ceremonies, we headed over to the Hotel Intercontinental to get Kim classified. So, according to the experts, Kim is actually missing her right leg above the knee - can you see the sarcasm at all? Anyway, she has officially been classified and can qualify for medals now.
We will head down to the race site again tomorrow, to check out the newly-set up transition area and to drop Kim's bike off. After that, it is all race prep, all of the time...
I think I will go and drink a tasty beer now...
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Tweets
- Here is a film that a couple of Public Affairs NCMs did on my husband and I about surviving trauma - http://t.co/Qkv3nnCqMA via @youtube
- Had a great Tri Camp with @bytownstormtri. Looking forward to a winning 2013! #paratriathlon
- No one was more surprised than me when I won the Amazing Person 2012 award - thanks everyone! # apgala
- Made the top 3 at the Amazing People Gala! #APGala
- Australian Paratriathlon Championships - 11 January 13!! http://t.co/pu9aB3HDOct 12, 12 from web Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Ironman Canada in Whistler! http://t.co/R0ICkleq
- “@CurtisJSmith: Vote for Kim Fawcett as the Viewer's Choice Amazing Person - she rocks! http://t.co/6uCZDPrv” - Thanks hubby!!
- Getting ready for Esprit Sprint Tri in Montreal. Wave start at 1030. #paratri
- RT @5StarLeadership: The Navy's Moral Compass ~ Commanding Officers and Personal Misconduct http://t.co/ZAE5Ajv5 via @NavalWarCollege Re ...
- K-Town Tri became K-Town Du because of high winds and a bit of lightning. #ktowntri
- Getting ready to race K-Town Tri tomorrow - should be awesome! #ktowntri
- I uploaded a @YouTube video http://t.co/dN9ulbnf Fawcett Documentary DND
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/x1GhZrvF Somebody That I Used to Know - Walk off the Earth (Gotye - Cove
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/m3kz2IAF Vanessa Low.mpg
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/0YpYb5ia Aussie Gold: Day 2. IPC Worlds, K Cartwright & R Colman.
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/LgXPAxzT longjumpwoman.mov
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/AZf63May Queen - 'Under Pressure' (Live At Wembley)
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/fToLgyzR Queen - 'We Are The Champions' (Live At The Bowl)
- I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/6HLLk75a Gotye performing "Somebody That I Used To Know" on KCRW
- Cutie patootie! http://t.co/KtUMnD9D
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Uploads
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Photos
