Embracing the Sprint: Kathy Tremblay's Love Letter to Short-Distance Triathlons

Imagine the thrill of first love—that spark, that rush, that unbridled joy. That's a sprint triathlon for me," Kathy Tremblay shares with a contagious enthusiasm as we chat in her sunlit living room in L’Île-Perrot, Quebec. Surrounded by vibrant plants and the playful clutter of family life, Kathy, a two-time Olympian, radiates a youthful energy that belies her 42 years.

Kathy, fresh from her morning run, still glowing in her jogging attire, laughs off the idea of competing seriously in sprints nowadays, despite clearly still possessing the prowess to dominate. "I know my pace from the past," she chuckles, "but now, it's about inspiring others.

Through her non-profit, BougeBouge, Kathy is dedicated to motivating people of all ages—from energetic teens to active seniors—to embrace physical activity. Her mission is to integrate movement into the fabric of daily life, making it as natural as breathing. "Why not bike with your kids to school?" she suggests. "That round trip might just be your training for the day.

Our conversation turns to the accessibility of sprint triathlons. Kathy is passionate about debunking the myth that one needs to aim for an Ironman to be a "real" triathlete. "Sprints are a fantastic entry point," she insists. "They're short, yes, but they pack a punch of accomplishment and joy.

Kathy pauses thoughtfully when we touch on swimming—a skill she fears is woefully underdeveloped in many. With drowning statistics looming each summer, she emphasizes the importance of swim training, not just for safety but for confidence in the water. "It's about building comfort, stroke by stroke," she advises, her tone turning serious for a moment.

Reflecting on her own journey, Kathy recounts her evolution from a competitive swimmer in Gatineau to standing on the Olympic stage. "Triathlon sculpted my life, though not my body as my dad had jokingly promised," she laughs, recalling her father's words that led her to the sport.

Despite her competitive days being behind her, Kathy's love for triathlon remains undiminished—reshaped now by her roles as a mother and community leader. Her focus is on spreading that love through BougeBouge, which organizes multisport festivals that draw communities together in celebration of movement.

Triathlon is more than just a sport; it's a gateway to a vibrant, active life, Kathy concludes, her eyes sparkling with the same intensity as when she described her first sprint triathlon. "It's about finding your rhythm, your community, and sometimes, rediscovering that first spark of joy.

For those inspired to take their first steps into the world of triathlon or to learn more about the BougeBouge festivals, Kathy invites them to visit the organization's website for more information and event dates.

As we wrap up, Kathy's message is clear: Whether it's a sprint or an Ironman, the true victory in triathlon lies in the journey and the lives we touch along the way.

What does Kathy Tremblay say about starting with a sprint triathlon?

Kathy Tremblay encourages people to start with a sprint triathlon because it is less demanding on time and commitment, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of age or busy schedules. She believes it can give participants a significant sense of accomplishment.

Why does Kathy Tremblay find sprint triathlons appealing?

Kathy Tremblay describes sprint triathlons as "like falling in love," as they are short, exciting, and don't require full commitment. She sees them as rejuvenating and accessible for everyone.

What advice does Kathy Tremblay give for those who are scared of swimming in open water?

Kathy Tremblay acknowledges that open water can be intimidating, especially for weak swimmers. She recommends taking swimming lessons to improve technique, endurance, and comfort in open water. She suggests working on swimming skills as a priority before participating in a sprint triathlon.

How often does Kathy Tremblay recommend swimming to prepare for a sprint triathlon?

Kathy Tremblay recommends swimming at least two times a week to maintain fitness for a sprint triathlon, but she prefers three times a week as the third swim will help athletes reach another level.

What is BougeBouge?

BougeBouge is a non-profit organization founded by Kathy Tremblay. Its goal is to inspire people of all ages to engage in physical activities and take part in community sports events, such as running races and multisport festivals.