Team Running Free Athlete Profile: Gary Kennedy
Home Store: Team RF Markham Team: Triathlon
Age: 43
Occupation: Human Resources
Home: Etobicoke
About me: I am married to another Team Running Free member Phaedra Kennedy and work for RBC. I did my first triathlon in 1997, then focused on running for a few years before getting back into Triathlon in 2001.
Sports: Triathlon mainly though do play some hockey and golf plus mountain biking from time to time.
Athletic Accomplishments: 3 time Ironman finisher with a PB of 10:32:32 at IM Switzerland 2008.
Finished in top 3 AG season championship in HSBC Triathlon Series 2007/2008/2009.
Athletic goals: Currently recovering from knee surgery and hope to be back racing in late July/early August 2010.
My most catastrophic racing experience was: First marathon was it for me. I trained on my own and was clueless. Every run I tried to run longer and harder. Needless to say I got to the start line injured. I had on my cotton tee shirt along with soccer shorts. At that point I didn't know anything about technical clothing or Body Glide. It started to rain at about the 10k mark and poured for the rest of the day. I was able to run until about 30k when my injuries and brutal chaffing reduced me to walking. I was able to finish but it wasn't pretty. The next few days seemed to be the most painful of my life. Looking back I am happy this didn't go well because if it had I might have been done with running. Instead I had some unfinished business to take care of so joined a running clinic where I met my wife. So in the end it worked out perfectly.
My most memorable racing experience was: My most memorable race would be IM Lake Placid 2006. It was a great day overall. My friend and training partner Pat Trainor raced that day after finishing treatment for cancer and given the all clear sign. It was amazing to see him out racing well and fortunately behind me. It was made even better that my wife was completing her first IM and both of our families were out cheering us on. She had a smile the whole day and enjoyed every second of it. The best moment of the day was being at the finish line and putting her finishers medal around her neck.
Favourite footwear, clothing, or equipment: Cervelo Bikes, Saucony Shoes, Zoot clothing, Aquaman Wetsuits
Favourite race: Ironman Switzerland
Favourite race food: E Load drinks and GU gels
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