This month we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Franco.
In January 2010, I happened to read a very inspiring book by a Vegan Triathlete, Brendan Braizer, called “Thrive Fitness.” You might know him as the guy that invented the product line Vega. This Canadian, Vancouver boy, pro triathlete’s story inspired me so much that I made a decision that I would do a triathlon!! That would be my 2010 goal! Problem was…I didn’t know how to swim more than one lap freestyle. I could only run for 200 meters before feeling winded. And the last time I biked was to get around university campus. So, this is how my triathlon journey began.
I proceeded to sign up for adult swimming lessons through the City of Brampton. Then I asked my buddy to take me bike shopping for a road bike, and he agreed to teach me how to ride once the weather was nicer. And I signed up for a learn to run 5k through the local YMCA in Brampton. That year, by May, I managed to achieve my goal of being able to swim 40 consecutive laps in the pool, since my goal race was going to be Guelph 1, Sprint. After completing my first triathlon that summer, I continued to have fun with signing up for more races with friends, doing more Sprints and Tri-a-Tri’s. I also continued running, moved up in distance fairly quickly, and did my first 10k, and then signed up for the Marathon clinic at the Running Room.
Looking back now, I realize that I must have been crazy or on some type of drug. What was I thinking?? Marathon. But thanks to amazing coaches, by October 2010 I completed Scotiabank Marathon and the Jamaica Marathon in December 2010. In 2011, my friend asked me if I would like to join her to do the Ironman 70.3 in Muskoka. Not knowing anything about Muskoka, I said, “Sure, why not.”
So that’s my story. Here I am, 7 years later. I’m still running, biking, and swimming whenever I can. I don’t train very much, but love having fun doing races. I am a back of the packer and proud of it. I run slow. I don’t get injured. I am a busy mother of 2 teenagers and work full-time. I love how triathlon has changed my life. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and I have more friends in Brampton thanks to all of the different running, cycling, and triathlon clubs I am part of! I joined FMCT back in 2010 and this club really helped me that year. I am very grateful to be a member of the club again and hope to get to know as many of you as possible.