Today, we’re delighted to introduce you to Serge, a determined triathlete whose journey is a true model of resilience. From his humble beginnings to his exploits in high-intensity races, Serge tells us about his evolution, his personal challenges and his plans for the future. His passion for triathlon and his perseverance make him a source of inspiration for all those who dream of embarking on the adventure.
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Serge Lacroix, I’m 59 years old, I’m from Montreal and I’ve been a chartered professional accountant (CPA) for several years.
How did you discover triathlon?
Phew, it’s back! About 25 years ago, I came across an article in VéloMag magazine, I think it was, about triathlons. I was really impressed by these athletes who were able to swim, bike and run in succession. At the time, we were starting to hear a bit more about this sport, which was still fairly new to the general public. But I told myself it wasn’t for me… I thought you had to be a great athlete to practice this kind of discipline. I put up a lot of barriers, especially as I wasn’t at all athletic. Apart from a bit of cycling every now and then, I hardly did any physical activity.
What prompted you to take the plunge?
It was taking part in the Tour de l’île de Montréal with my sister-in-law that really started it all for me. Seeing me pedaling at top speed, she said to me: “You should go bike racing! And I replied: “Well, I’m not good enough for that…”, yet another barrier I’d put in my way.
Then one day, she handed me a brochure for the Saint-Sauveur duathlon and said, “I can see you doing that kind of event.” And again, my response was, “No, no, I’m not athletic enough for that.”
But after a few days’ thought, and a bit of teasing, I decided to sign up. And that was the start of a wonderful adventure in the world of triathlon. I had a real buzz, a huge sense of pride when I crossed the finish line. And then I said to myself: “Next year, I’ll try a triathlon… and why not!
What was your first triathlon and what was it like?
The following year, at the age of 33, I signed up for my very first triathlon: the Ste-Agathe triathlon, organized by Sportriple. What an adventure! I still remember how nervous I was that day. I seriously wondered what I was doing there… The famous comparison with the others, always in the back of my mind.
The swim was particularly difficult. I needed to take a break, leaning on a kayak, just long enough for the famous second wind to kick in. And then… ah yes, I was wearing a sky-blue speedo with an integrated chamois, which honestly felt like wearing a diaper! When it comes to clothing, let’s just say things have come a long way since then.
The bike and the race went better. Even though I finished among the last (and that’s still often the case today!), I was extremely proud of myself. The sense of achievement was enormous. That was the day I knew I wanted to continue in triathlon the following year.
What’s been your proudest achievement as a triathlete?
After several years of competing in sprint and Olympic triathlons, a few half-Ironmans and even marathons, it was a very proud moment for me to be at the starting line of the very first Ironman de Tremblant in 2012. Me, who was not at all athletic when I was younger, who was always picked last in the teams, and who was shouted at because I “made you lose”, well… that day was my revenge on sport.
If someone had told me in my youth that I’d be doing an Ironman one day, I’d never have believed it. And yet, that morning on the beach at Lac Tremblant, I felt exactly where I belonged. On my X, as they say. It was a day of pure fulfillment and accomplishment.
After 14 hours and 57 minutes of effort, doubt, joy and perseverance, I crossed the finish line. I turned to the crowd, arms raised, as if to say a huge “bye bye” to my old demons. To all those inner messages that had always told me I’d never be a real sportsman.
And then there was the Canadaman/woman in 2018, another major challenge, an extreme triathlon. Crossing that line too filled me with immense pride.
But beyond the medals and kilometers covered, what makes me most proud is to have learned about myself. To have evolved, in every sphere of my personal, professional and sporting life. Triathlon has allowed me to discover myself and, in a way, become a better version of myself.
As I often say, I don’t set impressive times, I don’t stand on podiums. But I firmly believe that with determination and perseverance, even with “ordinary” talent, you can achieve extraordinary things.
Do you have a memorable anecdote to tell?
I remember the Ste-Agathe Triathlon, but I can’t remember the exact year. My friend and training partner, Éric, and I arrived only 15 minutes before the start. We really weren’t ready! We rushed to get our stuff out of the car, ran to the transition area to drop off our bikes in a somewhat chaotic fashion. Then we put on our wetsuits and headed for the start of the swim.
There were 5 minutes left before the start. Trying to put on our wetsuits, we tried to help the other guy get the zipper up, but… we dropped our bathing helmets in the lake! And then we saw the helmets drifting away. We chased after them in the water to get them back. Finally, 5 seconds before the start, we were ready! It wasn’t ideal, but we had a lot of fun in spite of it all.
What does your training routine look like?
For my part, I devote around 10 hours a week to training during the autumn and winter, and 15 hours a week in the spring and summer, as events approach. During the week, my workouts focus mainly on intervals and strength training, while at weekends I devote myself to long bike rides and runs, interspersed with swimming, cross-country skiing and Nordic blade skating in winter. I’ve never reached 20 hours of training a week, because after all, there’s a life outside triathlon too.
How do you reconcile triathlon with your other responsibilities?
Reconciling triathlon with my other responsibilities, whether professional or personal, requires a certain amount of organization, but it’s perfectly feasible. I train mainly outside working hours, in the evenings and on weekends. I’ve learned to fit training into my schedule strategically, planning my sessions in advance and being flexible when unforeseen circumstances arise.
Why try triathlon? What advice would you give to someone hesitating to try triathlon?
You shouldn’t be afraid to take the plunge, and you shouldn’t pay attention to negative judgments from people around you (such as “Why are you doing this?” or “At your age, you’re not athletic”). It’s important not to compare yourself to others, because everyone has their own path, goals and ambitions. I’d say that, above all, you have to assume your own responsibility in the race and live your triathlon without measuring yourself against others. It’s important not to put barriers in your way, and to be open to self-discovery through sport, especially triathlon. Triathlons help you get to know yourself and develop self-confidence.
What do you like best about the triathlon community?
Above all, it’s the spirit of camaraderie, mutual aid and shared passion. Triathlon allows us to meet people from all walks of life, while enjoying the sport itself. It’s also an opportunity to exchange training tips, forge friendships with other enthusiasts and share anecdotes and race experiences.
Is there someone who inspires you?
Pierre Lavoie’s journey is truly inspiring. To start with someone who was not athletic, who smoked, and who managed to qualify several times for the Hawaii Ironman, is incredible. Alongside that, I have two friends who inspire me enormously: Jean Dessureault, a great athlete in triathlon and ultratrail, and Guylaine Larouche, an exceptional athlete in cycling and speed skating.
What are your future triathlon goals?
My future goals are to continue triathlon for a long time to come and to keep up this passion for the sport for the next 25 years.
In 2026, I’ll be 60, and I’m thinking of a special event to mark the occasion. Why not take up the Canadaman/woman again? There’s also the Austria Extreme Triathlon in Austria, which really appeals to me. It’s a triathlon similar to the Canadaman/woman, with cycling and running in the Austrian mountains – it must be an incredible experience. In my wildest dreams, there’d also be the Norseman, but that’s a tall order. But you never know what the future holds.
I’d also like to get back into some ultratrail racing. I’m particularly interested in the Tordret, a 110 km race in Italy as part of the Tor des Géants.
And of course, I haven’t forgotten that I’d like to go back to Austria, to Wiessenssee, to take part in the 200 km Nordic blade skating marathon again.
How do you see triathlon evolving in Quebec?
Triathlon has become very popular in Quebec in recent years, and I think there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Many people want to take up triathlon, which is really encouraging. I’d also like to congratulate the federation on its work with schools to encourage young people to take up triathlon. There are some great initiatives, such as the Discovery Triathlons, which bring the sport to a wider audience.
I’m convinced that the “Stars of the Month” theme can help encourage those who are hesitant to take up triathlon. It’s important to highlight the sport’s accessibility, to show that it’s not just for the elite, and that you don’t need top-of-the-range equipment or hours and hours of training to enjoy it.
I’d also like to give talks to share my atypical triathlon background, to show that with ordinary talent, but exceptional determination and perseverance, you can achieve great sporting challenges.
What races will we see you at in 2025?
The years 2023 and 2024 were very busy for me. The year 2025 will be quieter, but I don’t intend to remain inactive. I’m planning to register for the Xterra de Bromont, a gravel bike triathlon, and to take part in the Epic Triathlon at the end of September. The gravel bike and trail running are particularly appealing to me. I’m also thinking of doing one or two Olympic triathlons, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. To get the season off to a good start, I’ll be taking part in the Scotiabank Half Marathon in April.
Any last words?
I think it’s pretty complete. It may be a bit long, but I’m passionate about my sport!
Oh yes, I forgot to mention that a month before the 2012 Tremblant Ironman, my friend and I swam the 7 km of Lake Boker in the Eastern Townships. It took me exactly 3 hours to swim that distance.
A huge thank you for your interest in my story. If it can inspire even one person to take up triathlon, it will be a winning bet.
Serge perfectly embodies the spirit of triathlon: perseverance, passion and surpassing oneself. His journey shows that every challenge, even the most ambitious, can be met with the commitment, will and support of a close-knit community.
