Finally spring, and time to set fitness goals. Why not do a mini triathlon (750 m swim, 20 km bike ride and 5 k run)?
For inspiration, you can turn to Joe Finley. Finley was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and has since had several surgeries, as well radiation and chemotherapy. Several years of treatment reduced this 5-foot, 11-inch man from 160 pounds to just 118. Just 10 days after his last round of chemo in August 2006, Finley completed his first triathlon — something he’d always wanted to do.
Finley then formed a triathlon team called “Joe’s team,” which raises money for Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. The first year, the team (230 people) entered the Gravenhurst, Ont., triathlon and raised more than $500,000 for cancer research. And, amazingly, 99 per cent of them had never done a triathlon before, proving that these events are full of non-elite athletes.
This year, the event is being held on July 11 at the CNIB camp on Lake Joseph in Muskoka. It’s not too late to start training, which you can do with Joe’s team, with another group, or on your own. The team is hoping to raise more than last year’s $650,000.
Go to joesteam.ca for information on getting started.
