Today we are spotlighting the mulit-talented KEN PAGE. Ken is an athlete, coach, and official. Intelligent, kind and always supportive, let’s learn more about Ken’s very inspiring triathlon journey.
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
2018
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
2012
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY My journey in triathlons has had plenty of obstacles and setbacks! It all began with volunteering at IRONMAN Texas and taking on the challenge of participating. My running group decided to try a triathlon. Despite my initial lack of experience in cycling and swimming, I enthusiastically embraced the learning curve. The commitment to finding shorter races to build up to the full IRONMAN event was our strategic approach to tackling IRONMAN Texas. Even though my first full-distance race ended prematurely, my passion didn’t wane; instead, it fueled my desire to continue and conquer the triathlon journey. I came back the following year and finished IRONMAN Texas.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
The local Cypress Triathlon, where it all started for me, was one of the first races I participated in. It always has a strong presence from local triathlon clubs and a fun atmosphere.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT
In early April 2014, while training in open water for a swim, I began feeling short of breath and my feet and hands went numb. I managed to get back to shore, but I was utterly exhausted and couldn’t stop coughing, showing classic signs of pulmonary edema. Luckily, my friend, who is a cardiologist, was there that day and asked me to come to his office the next day for some tests. It turns out that my ejection fraction had dropped to 30, and my friend recommended that I get an Implantable Defibrillator. This news was quite shocking, especially considering my previous marathon time was under 4 hours.
The surgery for the Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator was scheduled for the following week, on April 14, 2014. Before the surgery, I was required to have an angiogram, as it was a new procedure and my insurance company needed it to be done first. However, the weekend before the scheduled surgery, the insurance company called to inform me that the procedure would not be approved. This was the device I had chosen, as it was the latest technology. Despite the setback, I decided to proceed with the angiogram and to address the issue of the S-ICD later.
During the angiogram procedure, I hoped they would find something. While lying on the table and under twilight medication, I watched the monitor. Next thing I knew, I was back in my room and my wife told me that my left front artery had been 90% blocked and that the cardiologist had deployed a stent. This explained why my ejection fraction dropped and what happened during the swim practice. Now that the blockage has been resolved, I feel significantly better. I returned to training and completed IRONMAN Texas 2014.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Part of my triathlon journey has included some episodes with SIPE (Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema). All my episodes have been wetsuit events, and I truly never know when the event will happen. I pushed through the first few times it happened, not knowing what it was. I have educated myself to better understand how to manage it, and I have not had any issues in several years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Spicy Mexican or Indian food and Dr Pepper. I am primarily vegetarian, so I usually skip most post-race food.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
I grew up in Fort Worth and met my wife in 1988 at a happy hour. We will have been married for 35 years come November 2024. My wife, Elaine, has a daughter who is a practicing attorney in McKinney, Texas. My mother lives in Marquette, MI, and I have a sister in Fort Worth. Unfortunately, my other younger sister passed away from cancer in December 2021, such a devastating disease.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
Transitioning from a career at Chevron Products to retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, it opened up opportunities to get more involved with triathlons, both as a participant and a coach. Achieving certifications from IRONMAN U and TriDot Triathlon Training, and becoming a USAT Course official, I got more involvement in the sport and the community. Balancing this with my contract work in aviation has been rewarding. Despite some challenges of caring for an aging family member, my dedication to triathlon and the ability to enjoy some travel has been a fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I was a disc jockey in the early 1980s, playing disco music at a popular nightclub in Fort Worth.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
The social aspect of the team and the support at most local races.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Christopher McDougall-Born to Run
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
Byblos Mediterranean, located in Fort Worth
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
I grew up playing tennis, and I tried to emulate Bjorn Borg on the court.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
We own two Marriott timeshare weeks in Hawaii, so we typically plan two weeks at different resorts from the inventory. Being retired adds flexibility to making last-minute impulse trips.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
My journey as a TriDot coach has been an exciting adventure of continuous learning and growth. I am genuinely excited about the prospect of learning from the expertise of others. This will serve as a powerful source of inspiration and a catalyst for positive change within my coaching circle.
