Alright. I had fun interviewing my first candidate, so here’s another one!
Christine Suter is a well known and very speedy Whistler-based triathlete/ultra-runner. Perhaps you are currently getting whipped into shape by her hands-on coaching. Maybe she’s drawn blood when making you feel like dying on the bike (seriously. She pokes your finger with a needle. It hurts and you swear. I know this from experience).
You’ve seen her around, I’m sure: always smiley, quick with a friendly word and wave. Usually wearing unusually large mitts on her bike. Recently gained semi-fame as the kayaking dog-rescuer of Pinecrest.
I know her as a friend and coach – that is, when I get my act together and need accountability and butt-kicking. She’s so good at making me push myself but understanding my need for some kind of balance.
An Ironman athlete several times over, she’s become an invaluable resource to many, many athletes in our community. So without further ado, here she is!
1. What was your first tri – and why that one?
UBC back in 1987
2. What was your most embarrassing race moment?
Squamish Tri in the swim to bike transition and I got stuck trying to get my lycra top on over my bra top- you know when it all rolls up and I could not get the top down- being a good swimmer I was one of the first female swimmers out- so there were lots of spectators.
(Edited to add: this happens to me all the time. In the locker room. Ahem).
3. Who is your biggest training/racing foe?
Greg Sandkuhl
(Edited to add: I sense I need to ask him these questions)
4. Bucket list race?
And some other dudes 😉
5. Best and worst part of training in Whistler/Vancouver?
Worst- Snow salt on the roads so a late start to outdoor riding and being cold!
Best- the hills because I have yet to race anything worse than where I live and the ride up to Callaghan.
6. Fave post race food
Since I usually cannot eat anything after a race- chicken soup.
7. Race superstition?
Don’t really have one.
8. If you could train with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
My husband Paul because he has not been able to do anything for 5 years and I miss being able to go out training with him!
(Edited to add: awwwwww.)
9. What’s your weirdest racing or training habit?
I like to sing one phrase of a song to myself over and over again to keep me motivated or I count my foot strikes while running to the count of 8 and keep on repeating it
10. Who’s your athletic hero? If you have one…
11. What’s your favourite Whistler event/trail/race etc
12. Describe your athletic style/career in one sentence.
Constantly seeing how far I can push myself and my body.
13. Describe that nightmare you have before racing (i.e. I show up without pants)
I sleep through my alarm and miss the start.
14. 3 words that describe you as a person
determined, too serious.
15. Dream sponsor?
Visa! Then they can pay for my flights, my hotels and my gear!!
Ok, so normally, I’d end it here but I needed some pics of Christine so I Googled her and feel it only fair to point out that she’s the only person I know to have ever competed nationally in… synchronized swimming. No photographic evidence available.
Thanks Suter!
Stay tuned for the next one!
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