Published on June 28, 2024 by Gabrielle Sarthou
Suzanne Poirier completed her tenth half-Ironman in honor of her niece this Sunday, June 23 in Mont-Tremblant.
Suzanne Poirier during the Ironman 70.3 race event. Photo FinisherPix
In 2014, Suzanne Poirier began training to support her niece who was suffering from breast cancer. Faced with the difficult treatments she was undergoing, the idea of preparing for a half-Ironman emerged. “At the beginning, people told me that I couldn’t do that, that I had to start by doing shorter races like sprints, Olympics. I wanted to do something difficult. I wanted to do something to exceed my limits, because I told myself that my niece must also exceed her limits,” explains the athlete.
Each training session was dedicated to his niece, with a photo of her always present: “when I did my training, I always had her photo with me. » She adds, with emotion: “Unfortunately life decided that the treatments would not be enough. She died not long after my first half-Ironman in 2015.”
Each of Suzanne Poirier’s training sessions was dedicated to her niece, with a photo of her not too far away. Photo courtesy
Defying genetics
Her family has many diseases: autoimmune diseases, cancers, neuromuscular and degenerative diseases. Her genetic makeup is not favorable. “My parents died young, as did some of my brothers. That’s why I continued to train. I wanted to defy genetics, put all the chances on my side by adopting healthy lifestyle habits,” says Suzanne Poirier.
Every year she completes a half Ironman and this year marks the tenth. In 2018, a full Ironman was completed, as a personal challenge.
“It’s become a passion. It’s a little nod to all those who have left my family. I’m lucky to be healthy and live in a great environment.”
-Suzanne Poirier
A region suitable for training
Mont-Tremblant has become an ideal playground. “I am proud of my region. I call it my ‘Club Med Mont-Tremblant’ because you can do all the activities you want, stay active and have a great community,” she says enthusiastically. Having lived in the region since 2015, she opened her dental practice there in 2020.
Racing here, year after year, has allowed you to better understand the challenges of the course. “The crowd is extraordinary, the volunteers are second to none. Having done shopping in the United States, it doesn’t compare. Here, it’s unique,” she notes.
A good challenge this year
This year, the race was particularly difficult due to the weather conditions. “I’m happy to have this in my baggage. I got through it like a warrior. It makes me even more proud of myself, and it makes me appreciate even more the chance to be healthy, to be active, to be able to do it for all those who don’t have the chance to do it.” She adds: “The volunteers were there despite the storm. My family was waiting for me, and my husband, a firefighter, was there to support me. The Mont-Tremblant community really stands together.”
The swim had to be curtailed for safety reasons, but that didn’t dampen his determination. “I split my run into three sections, taking it one step at a time. » She adds: “When I saw that the race was shortened I said to myself: ‘Go, I don’t have to stop. If I see people panicking, I’ll panic.’ I knew what I was doing, I have experience, it’s my lake, I know it. The more you advance, the closer you are to finishing. I heard people who needed help, but I said to myself: ‘Go, swim.’ »
She adds, on an inspiring note: “I had in my head the phrase that Pierre Lavoie told us, that it is in discomfort that we become stronger. It is during days like this that we tell ourselves that we have surely gained strength.”
Keep smiling and inspire
She says, with contagious optimism: “I kept smiling the whole time, I knew it was possible and that I would cross my finish line. It was my goal to finish at the finish line in the expected time, with a smile, without being injured. For me, it was mission accomplished and I thanked heaven for having been able to live this experience.” “As soon as I arrived, I said ‘mosus I love this, I can’t wait for next year.'” adds Suzanne Poirier.
Already signed up for next year, she shows no signs of slowing down: “My next half-Ironman is scheduled for the end of the summer in Piopolis.” Asked about her message to others, she answers: “Trust yourself, prepare well, and surround yourself with competent people.”
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