Vancouver Triathlete Lana Collins Shares Her Incredible Journey
We are excited to share another powerhouse in triathlon. Vancouver triathlete Lana Collins shares with us her endless love of giving back to the community and excitement of helping others cross the finish line. You are a hero Lana! We have been keeping our eye on this game-changer in the industry and are totally stoked that she took the time to nerd out and share her amazing journey. This is the journey of Vancouver triathlete Lana Collins.
Your Journey is not only super inspiring but you are a real ambassador for the triathlon community. Tell us a little about your journey in triathlon and where it has taken you today?
I've been a triathlete for 10 years. However, I'm originally a sprinter and ran high school track and field and switched over to 10km distance running through my post-secondary years. I took a break from running to have my two amazing boys. After I had my youngest child. It was time to get back into running. So I chose a path of long-distance running aiming for my first marathon.
As that training began.I was plagued with my first running injury and a friend convinced me to join a master swim club and from there a seed was planted. Since I'm swimming and running. Adding a bike seemed the next step!
Triathlon has been my cathartic purge and it has helped me mentally and physically through cancer and through all the ups and downs in life. Through it all, I've been able to tackle Ironman’s, Half Iron, and an Escape from Alcatraz.
When the world begins to open up again. Do you have any future goals or races you want to manifest for the future?
Ironman Canada is my next big race after being postponed. I would love another opportunity at Escape from Alcatraz. I would like to race in the SF Bay again, and my next dream race if I can do it would be Norseman Extreme Triathlon. Something about jumping off a freight ship into a fjord brings some excitement into me!
Every athlete is a nerd when it comes to training. What is your favourite gear to train with or rest & nutrition?
Im blessed to
Be in a supportive group of amazing women from around the world! I'm truly honoured and blessed to be wearing Dixie Devil.
The leader and owner of this group Meridith Zohar is one of the most supportive women I have ever meet and I'm honoured to represent and wear her amazing triathlon gear.
I'm also blessed to be with Nuun! I'm very picky about what I eat and drink on my training and racing and this is the only electrolyte that does not upset my tummy! Also, it tastes so good!
For my tech gear! I'm a Garmin lover! I wear a Fenix 5 on my wrist and I have a Garmin 530 on my bike.
Also a special shout out to Tri-Cities Triathlon Club @tricitiestriathlon. I'm honored to be a coach there and be among some amazing athletes. As I support and encourage those finish lines, dreams.
Any words of wisdom for people looking to begin their athletic journey?
Balance is key in the world of triathlon. Dont let the training consume you too much. Listen to the body. Its amazing the body of ours, and if you listen to your body. Hopefully you can stave off the injuries or at lease lessen the duration of your injury. Never underestimate the power of rest day. More so when you get sick! Also remember to enjoy the journey.
Race day is the celebration of all of your training. So when you are at that start line. Breathe deep and enjoy every moment. Then when you cross that magical finish line. Take it all in! There is something so magical about a triathlon finish line. When you hear your name being called and all these strangers cheering you in. Nothing else matters at that moment! All the things that did not go your way on race day.
All the ups and downs during training. Nothing matter. Sometimes even your finish time. All that matters is that you made it. Be proud that you stood at that start line and savor every step down that magical finish line!
How can our readers follow your adventures?
Lana Collins on Facebook
Tri_lana_Tri on Instagram.
Thank You!
We would like to give our thanks again to Vancouver triathlete Lana Collins for sharing her adventures, nerdy advice and tips for others looking to give triathlon a try (tri).