Search
shop

‘Sometimes I get more out of chasing Strava times than racing’ – triathlon superstar Paula Findlay

Paula Findlay took on the infamous Mt Lemmon climb for the first time in five years.
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Canadian middle-distance triathlon superstar Paula Findlay has set the cat among the pigeons with a revealing Instagram post.

The three-time Canadian National TT Champion is used to winning IRONMAN 70.3 races, but she was back in the saddle to hit Arizona’s most scenic bike climb at Mt Lemmon last week.

And after missing out on the women’s QOM by 69 seconds, she admitted she sometimes get more out of herself chasing Strava segments than she does in racing.

Advertisement

Strava vs racing

Findaly, who finished in a total time of 1h32:46, said: “I know it’s just a silly Strava segment but I really care about it and somehow I can get more out of myself chasing Strava segments than I do in racing sometimes. #strava #thattriathlonlife.”

The 35-year-old is no stranger to Mt Lemmon. Back in 2020 she took the lead on Strava to become the new QOM. This time around she improved by almost three minutes.

Paula Findlay PTO Canadian Open T2
Photo by Darren Wheeler (www.thatcameraman.com)

A perfect puzzle

She said: “There are so many factors that go into this climb: wind direction, temperature, traffic, road bike vs TT bike – it’s a puzzle to get it perfect but I gave it absolutely everything for over 90 min and I have to be happy with that!

“The last time I went for this climb was 5 years ago during COVID and I beat that time today by nearly 3 min, so maybe I’ll try again in another 5 years.”

Findlay had support on the climb from Eric Lagerstrom, her partner, plus husband and wife triathletes / ultrarunners / gravel bikers Sean Watkins and Heather Jackson, and gave the trio “enormous thanks” in the post.

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Matt Hauser Aussie flag WTCS Wollongong 2025
‘I knew I had it in me’ – Matt Hauser on his incredible journey to the world title
Beth Potter WTCS Grand Final Wollongong 2025
“Flat” and frustrated: Beth Potter reflects on tough WTCS Grand Final
Jonny Brownlee smiles Jersey Supertri activation
‘Life feels complete’ – triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee becomes a Dad
Matt Hauser joy WTCS Grand Final Wollongong 2025
WTCS 2025 Grand Final Wollongong men’s results: Aussie rule as Matt Hauser powers to win and first world title
Lisa Tertsch wins WTCS Wollongong 2025
WTCS 2025 Grand Final Wollongong women’s results: Tertsch takes title as Beaugrand and Potter blow up on run
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...