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8- The Canadian Champion, Frday, Sepember 20, 2002 Fitness program leads to new lifestyle for runner Local woman gears up for grueling Ironman competition next summer By FANNIE SUNSHINE The Champion Four years ago, Julie Shelton couldn't runa full lap around atrack. Now the 26-year-old is gearing up for the lronman Canada competition next summer in Penticton, B.C. 1 saw the lronman on TV when 1 was 15 or 16 and it looked so cool." But she didn't start running until she was 22, she recalied. due to ailing knee problems. 1 was in terrible pain ail the time and 1 thought 1 should be a lot more active," Ms Shelton said, adding she suffers from patella femoral syndrome and iliotibial syndrome, which affect the tissue sur- rounding the knee. -So 1 started an exer- cise programi to strengthen my knees." The program consisted of walking on the treadmili, followed by running. "It was a slow process but 1 kept going until 1 was hooked (on working out). 1 also feit better." Since then, Ms Shelton bas joined the Burlington Swim Club and the Milton Runners, she continued, adding she's par- ticipated in several triathlons througbout Ontario. "My first triathlon was in Guelph in 1999 and I placed sixth in my age group. 1 was really impressed. For me it's neyer been about placing. 1 do this because 1 want to finish the race in the time 1 set for myself." Ms Shelton said she runs, swims and Mlfton nmcomer Julie Bluton hma cortalnly made !rnpresslve strides In her fitnes over th. pa few y.urs. She'. currently training for un Ironman competlon In BC next sum- mer and hopes to ralse $1 0,000 for diaboloes In the proom. Photos by GRAHAM PAINE 111 was in terrible pain ail the time and 1 thought 1 should be a lot more active. So 1 started an exercise programn to strengthen my knees. It was a slow process but 1 kept going until 1 was hooked (on workîng out)." bikes six days a week for 15 to 20 hours per week. I still bave my knee pain but now l'm a super fit athlete. Training has also belped my astbma." She's currently training for a marathon at the end of October in Niagara Falls, she added. "lt's a huge lifestyle change. Now when 1 get together with friends we go for a run or swim." Ms Shelton said she won't start training for the Ironman- whicb contists of a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike ride and a 42.2 km mun - until after the new year. The competition will alto serve as a fundraiser for the Canadian Diabetes Association. -Wben I found out about the funds going toward diabetes research, it was an even greater reason to compete," she said, adding ber grandmother passed away due to complications from diabetes. Ms Shelton is currently the process of raising $10,000 to be eligible to compete in the lronman. "You can boy a spot but they go so quickly. So I have to raise $ 10,000 or I don't get to go." To support Ms Shelton in ber Ironman quest, donations in her name can be made by calling l-800-BANTING. ext. 425, or e-mailing to jcmboyer@botmail.com. Donations of $15 or more are eligible for a tax receipt. Be Part of the First Annual Milton Christmas Party Sat. Nov. 3Oth 5pm - l am at Country Heritage Park Live Entertainment Book your tickets now! For individuals, groups & office parties Cost: $15 per person Pack LostTickets available at: (rnk Pck) t D.J. Kalena Flowers 905-876-1000 R.ats BoysCountry Heritage Park 905-878-8151 5-9p Pltte Bufet ashBarComputer Brothers 905-693-1446 5-9p Pltte Bufet ashBarG.P. Music 905-299-052§ à~ ULd~~~és ~G.P.Muslic :t*J .KLn Production quiu Bring in an unwrappedge' ]