What is Tri 4 the Cure, anyway?
Tri 4 the Cure was created by Andrea Guspie. That’s me. The clever name comes from two ideas. Tri is for triathlon, which is an event that involves running, swimming and biking. You have to try hard to finish a triathlon. You have to push yourself to your physical limit, and mental limit. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s an incredible experience.
Tri also comes from the effort it takes to accomplish anything in life that you think is important. For me, that is contributing to research into mental illness. I have lived with mental illness, my own and that of people I love. I know how hard it is to live with mental illness. Some days can be extremely difficult. Getting through those difficult days takes strength, and courage to stand up, and fight.
Tri 4 the Cure is my way of raising money and awareness to help find cures for the many different mental illnesses that people suffer.
About Andrea Guspie
At 32 I’m not a youngster to be training for an Ironman, which is the ultimate Triathlon. Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run, making this truly a physically, and mentally demanding event.
I’ve always been athletic, so the challenge is one that feels right to me. I was introduced to triathlon through my personal trainer, Deirdre Casey in 2007. Deirdre invited me to watch her compete in a race, and instantly I was hooked. Deirdre is no longer just my personal trainer, she is now my coach, and my friend.
I had a great start in late summer 2007, placing in top 10 in my age category in my first race. I have since gone on to compete in many triathlons varying in distances, including 3 Half Ironman Distance races, and Ironman. My journey in the sport has only just begun.
As a youngster at age 12 I was ranked top 10 in Junior Canadian tennis. By 16, I stopped playing tennis competitively, but I continued to teach the sport for many years.
During my teens and twenties, I faced a challenge that was greater than any I faced on the tennis court. I was diagnosed with Uni-Polar Disorder, which is most often known as depression. Clinical depression is not like the highs and lows that people face normally in life. It is a debilitating illness that, at times, makes it almost impossible to go on.
I had amazing support from family, friends, my doctor and my coach through those years. I wouldn’t be where I am today if all of those people hadn’t been there for me. They helped me to stand up to my illness. Today I’m healthy and happy, and determined to help others.
My quest is to raise funds for research and support for people who live with mental illness. I have learned a lot about mental illness, but it is the expertise of others, professionals in the field, upon whom I rely for information.
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation are the two organizations that I’ve selected to receive the funds I raise. They have both helped me in different ways, and this is my way of saying thank you.
I know that it takes courage to get up and fight for your own health. I’m doing it by following my own passion for fitness and sport. You can support me in my support of others who face the same challenges. It’s time to Battle it Out for Mental Health!