On the other hand, Terence’ first race took place in Cambridge, Ontario in 1978, and that experience provides an interesting look at the early days of triathlon in this province. This edition of the faces of the series features our first couple, Terence Conroy and Tamara Hopkins. The fiancés are teachers from Orillia, and their life together in triathlon started quite innocently at a local swim club.
“Terry got me into triathlons. We met at the Orillia Masters swimming club and developed a relationship from there. He got me started, helped me train and has supported me in the sport ever since. My very first race was the Barrie triathlon in 2003,” said Tamara.
On the other hand, Terence’ first race took place in Cambridge, Ontario in 1978, and that experience provides an interesting look at the early days of triathlon in this province.
“It was an 800 m swim in lanes made of nylon rope between two large docks. At the end of each length you had to go under rope and swim back to the other dock – there was a little rope burn to say the least as well as a great deal of bumping between athletes. After exiting the water there was a run down the beach to a crude transition area. The run was the second event, an 8 km cross country through a number of bogs and trails – I remember how stagnate and still the air was and how hot I was on such a short run,” described Terence. “Upon returning to the transition area, the bike ride was last, I started the 25 km ride on my friend’ girlfriend’ bike. A Canadian tire CCM special that was easily 2 or 3 sizes too small. I remember how much I loved the speed of the bike and finishing a tri on the bike was crazy dangerous and chaotic. There were a lot of crashes that day which prompted most races after this point to be ordered swim bike run.”
That experience inspired Terence to do some training. After the race, he trained for 6 weeks, bought a new bike and a bunch of other gear, and won his next 4 triathlons outright. “It was great being a big fish in a little pond. Given that the numbers in the sport had not grown into what it is today. Now it is tough to win your age group,” said Terence.
The pair come from a varied sporting background, with Terence playing hockey in his childhood, running his first marathon at the age of 17, and competing in cross country skiing and swimming at University. Aside from swimming, Tamara contrasts those endurance type sports with her wrestling, rugby and flag football background. Training from 4-10 hours per week, their favourite activities range from cross country skiing and trampolining, to swimming with their club, running on trails and doing bricks.
The series winners list Lakeside, Welland, and Gravenhurst as their favourite races and love racing in the series because of the t-shirts, the personable staff, the great support and positive race experience, and the high level of sportsmanship and encouragement amongst fellow athletes. While they enjoy racing, two have also done their fair share of volunteering with the series.
“I love it! It is great to be on the other side knowing how much it means to even have one person tell you – great job,” said Tamara. “It is good to get the spectators perspective and to support the other athletes. It also motivates you for your next event. It is important to encourage other athletes as well as reaching your own goals,” said Terence.
Despite Terence recovering from a shoulder injury, and Tamara moving into a new age group, the duo hopes to repeat their overall series wins in 2009. They also have some great advice to share for newbies and veterans alike.
“Look at your own individual results and compare only to yourself, not others. It can be defeating otherwise,” said Tamara. Terence adds, “Start with a short triathlon. Learn to swim first, bike a ton, and slowly work on running. Do lots of short races to build speed for longer ones - if they interest you, and take your time jumping to Ironman.”