Ironman competitor

LISA BENTLEY

Lisa Bentley, a professional Ironman competitor, is one of Canada’s most impressive action sports athletes.

Ironman competitions include a 3.8 km bike ride, a 180 km swim and a 42.2 km run. Lisa has not only completed many Ironman races but she has won 11! Lisa’s success is doubly impressive because she has a mild form of Cystic Fibrosis, a respiratory disease that would stop most people from even trying this sport.

Kidsworld thinks Lisa is a great athlete and a great inspiration. We were able to catch up with her to talk about her sport, her life and what’s coming next.

KW: How did you first get started in Ironman competitions?

LB: I was a runner in University but when I got injured I would bike and swim for cross training. Then I met friends who did triathlons and so they convinced me to try one.

KW: What was your favourite Ironman so far? Why?

LB: Hawaii IM – it is hot and I love the rolling bike ride – love the ocean swim – it is like swimming in an aquarium.

KW: How do you stay focused during competitions for such a long event?

LB: Lots of mental training. I mentally rehearse the race several times over before hand. I have several mental cues that I repeat to myself throughout the event; things like “finish what you start” and “a true champion does well when the going gets tough.”

KW: How often and how much time do you spend training per week?

LB: When I was competing at a high level, I trained 30-40 hrs per week, plus physio two times per week, plus acupuncture and massage two times per week. Now I train about 20 hours per week. The rest of my work involves coaching, camps, television commentary for CBC, online commentary for Ironman Live etc.

KW: Besides running, biking and swimming, what other things do you do to stay fit and active?

LB: Lots of walking, plyometrics and abdominal work.

KW: Did you ever think you would experience this kind of success when you first started?

LB: No – I work hard at everything that I do, but I never suspected that I would pursue a triathlon career full time and then race internationally. It all happened gradually, I raced and my results kept getting better. It was a work in progress.

KW: How difficult was it to leave the teaching profession?

LB: It was tough – I love teaching – it is my passion. But sport is also my passion and I had some unfinished business in sport to accomplish and I am glad that I took the plunge and did it.

KW: What are your secrets to success?

LB: I never give up. Mentally, I am pretty tough and I love pain. I will never ever quit and for me, the harder the better. And I absolutely love what I do and I don’t find it to be a job at all.

KW: How has your career and life been affected by Cystic Fibrosis? Did you ever feel there was something you could not achieve because of it?

LB: CF has been a blessing. It has allowed me to touch lives and to give hope to families with CF. yes, maybe it has held me back from a few more victories and maybe winning IM Hawaii but maybe it is my secret weapon which has helped me win 11 Ironmans because I have so much more to race for.

KW: What advice can you offer young athletes today?

LB: Be the best that you can be. Shoot for the stars but if you don’t get there, grab onto a cloud and be your best on that cloud. There is something to be gained from every experience – win or lose – but you have to look for it.