Kat & Kev

The World's Greatest Ultra Triathlon couple

By InnerVoice

November 11^th, 2016

A 20 year, two-pack-a-day smoker

Kat: My husband Kevin was a smoker of 20 years; he quit, then gained 65lbs. BOOM, just like that. He said to me one day, “just because I quit smoking, doesn’t mean I’m healthy, I need to MOVE.” That thought led to family camping, hiking and kayaking vacations. Soon after that; bike commuting for him and masters swimming for me.

Kev: I was 39 at that time and a 20 year, two-pack-a-day smoker. I was unhappy, overweight and killing myself ever so slowly. I needed to change, thinking this can't continue. I didn't want to be the "guy on the couch", there was still so much more to life.

This was my wake up call. Life is what you make it - you have the control over it - you choose, so I did!

Kat: He had the spark to do a triathlon, so a Team Sprint was an easy choice and set us on an ultra triathlon journey. It was impossible not to follow his lead. He grabbed me by the hand and took me on this adventure. It’s always been about fun and fitness, and everyone from our daughter, our family, fellow athletes and even pro triathletes in the community were willing to share their experiences and tips as we took on each challenge.

Kev: There are so many amazing people that are part of the Ottawa and Montreal communities that were of great support to us. From legendary triathletes and runners to event organizers and all the support that goes along with it. I admire each and every one of them for their passion, genuine love and friendship, as well as acceptance for anyone who is willing to try.

What’s on paper is just that – on paper!

Kev: One thing I’ve learned is that what's on paper is just that -- on paper! Things can seem impossible when you read about them, which can make us hesitate. I have learned to just measure the challenge in digestible portions - you can really surprise yourself if you dig deep enough.

Kat: I had no idea I had it in me to be a triathlete. I’ve learned so much and I’ve pushed my body and mind to places I didn’t think possible. Sport has helped me develop into a more well-rounded version of myself.

I used to have a lot of anxiety

Kat: When times get tough during a race I repeat to myself ‘just keep going, you can DO IT…let no-one break your spirit!’. Now, that’s my outlook on life outside of racing as well – Keep calm. Focus. ‘You’ve pushed yourself harder for so much longer - you’ve got this!’

Kev: In-race for me is much the same -- I can only control the present (the now). Breathe the breath. Practicing yoga has taught me to slow it down and embrace my positive thoughts. To always think 'above the line'. It'll always get better, just wait a little bit as everything is just a passing moment in time. We're all much stronger than we think.

Kat: Only through triathlon have I realized I am courageous, I have integrity, I am strong. I used to have a lot of anxiety about meeting new people, being in social settings or large groups of people and was lacking self-confidence. Triathlon helped me to find my voice, to take on big challenges and accomplish great things. Allowing myself to be vulnerable to failure helped me to learn the depth of my character.

I didn’t discover the real me until I was in my 40’s

Kev: The biggest tragedy of my life is not discovering the real me until I was in my 40's. I'm so happy in my life and have grown beyond what I ever thought possible. Now I feel as though I'll run out of time before I'm finished my mission, which scares me.

Kat: Running out of time scares all of us. Losing a parent, as I did with my dad, even if you are prepared for it, it leaves a very empty hole in your heart. I wish I could just have ‘5 more minutes’. I think of him while training and racing and it pushes me to do my very best – to make every day count – before our time runs out.

A great adventure

Kev: The Ultraman way is the 'Ohana' (family), 'Kokua' (helping one another) and the 'Aloha' (love), and it’s fully in line with my personal beliefs. I am still growing up, but I feel like I'm on a really cool path right now that I'm loving - it's truly awesome.

Kat: I try every day to work on keeping myself healthy and build a better body for the years to come. I think over the next 10 years I’d like to learn how to dance; I feel good balance and spatial coordination will be a benefit as we age. I also love to laugh and share my training and racing experiences with my friends. Travel intrigues me, whether it’s flying across the planet for a race, or figuring out how to do an ultra-long run commute, I perceive all of it as a great adventure!

"Turn fear into courage. Stay in your ‘one square metre’. 98% of the things you worry about never happen."

I jump in and go for it

Kat: Triathlon has been a huge factor in my personal development as it opened me up to embracing the unknown, as well as push me far beyond my comfort zone. This has brought a greater perspective to the way I approach everyone and everything in my life, nourishing a supportive and positive outlook.

Kev: I don't think I'll ever stop exploring possibilities. If something inspires me, I jump in and go for it. I always have fun discovering who I am. I don't want to be told I can't do something, that just lights the fire to drive me to see how far I can go. I'm a happier person now - which impacts everything. It is possible to always discover new things and hold onto that happiness.