How is this for a triathlon debut? First place in your first race! Despite such a successful beginning, Karen Gamble is still motivated to get faster.How is this for a triathlon debut? First place in your first race! Despite such a successful beginning, Karen Gamble is still motivated to get faster.
The Markham native got her start in the sport at the Cobourg Sprint Triathlon in 2006, a race she signed up for on the day of. Practicing the week before the race, she did the race on a borrowed road bike and wetsuit. She also enlisted the help of her friends.
“They walked me through the swim transition and out to the bike start line & back into transition and out to the run start before the race, so that I didn't get lost during the race, said Gamble.
Having won her age group at that first race, her early success may not be much of a surprise when you consider her sporting background. Unlike many beginners, swimming came easy to her since she did a lot of swimming in her youth. In fact, during those years, she was the Canadian record holder in the 100-metre butterfly. She is no slouch on the run either, running in the Boston Marathon on 2006.
“I swam as a youngster but gave it up at fifteen, confessed Gamble, “after about 30 years I picked it up again so I could do triathlons.
Gamble’s race success continued in 2007, highlighted by another great showing at Cobourg, where she won her age group, and qualified for the Olympic distance World Championships (taking placing this June in Vancouver). She would also go on to win her age group in the HSBC Triathlon overall series.
This season, Gamble is looking forward to enjoying her experience at the World Championships, and to better her time at the half iron distance when she competes at Bracebridge. To achieve this, she is seeking to improve her transitions, mental toughness, and biking.
“In season, I try to swim twice a week, run four times a week, and bike four times per week, Gamble noted. “The bike needs improvement (having just added aerobars last year), I have only been biking really a little over a year. I still need to learn when to change the gears & hill climb.
As a self-described dedicated athlete, her great attitude and work ethic ensures that the Team Running Free member is well on her way to achieving those goals. Karen loves the friendly atmosphere and excellent organization of the HSBC series, and you will see her out regularly at the many events. Maybe ask for a swim tip or two, I’m sure she’ll be happy to oblige.