It’s a wonder how Squamish resident Julie Miller finds enough time in the day to do what she does.
Miller runs a successful business, is raising two young children and has emerged as a star in the world of triathlon, recently qualifying for the ITU World Championships in China this September.
But she says much of her support comes from her husband.
“I manage everything thanks to my biggest supporter – my husband,” she said, noting that he’s an avid mountain biker. “He helps make it work, we support each other and he’s my biggest cheerleader.”
Miller said a typical day sees her rising at 4:30 a.m. for a bike ride, getting her two young girls to daycare, and working all day, with the occasional swim during her lunch break and then go for a run in the evening.
“They’re long days, but I love it,” she said.
Weekends are more of the same with four hour plus bike rides in the morning. She trains 25 to 30 hours per week and all of that hard work is paying off for her.
A competitive rower in her younger years, Miller transitioned into the triathlon world in 2007 and hasn’t looked back.
“It’s a good sport for me because I’ve always needed intense competition in my life and it has sort of replaced rowing,” she said.
Miller’s breakthrough year in the sport came in 2013 with a second place finish in her age group at the Long Distance National Triathlon Championships. She was the top Canadian female in her age group at the event and that result sent her to China.
She also finished in the top ten in her age group at the Whistler Ironman in 2013 and has had strong results the last two years in the Test of Metal, including a 15th place finish amongst all women in this year’s race.
But it’s September and China that she’s focused on.
“I’m super excited to represent Canada and Squamish,” she said. “Especially being a mom and being able to show people you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
Miller said China will represent a significant challenge. She said she has concerns about what she can eat when she’s there due to her strict diet. She also noted just how different the environment will be in China compared to Squamish.
But she may have one distinct advantage over the rest of her competitors – her skills at sleeping.
Miller is known as Squamish’s family sleep guru and helped found the Mountain Dreams Family Sleep Consulting business. The trained sleep consultant is able to get quality shut-eye no matter where she is on the planet.
“My naturopath told me the one thing I have going for me with all on my plate is that I always have my sleep under control,” she said, laughing. “I always prioritize it, it’s super important for the body to recover and I know the value of deep sleep.”
She said her goal in China is to place in the top ten in her age group, but she would love to make it onto the podium. Above all, she said the community of Squamish helps motivate her to excel.
“I feel so blessed to live in a community like Squamish where I get so much support,” she said, adding she’s lived in Squamish for nine years. “Corsa Cycles gives me so much support and the people are so active and supportive out here.”
The 2014 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships go down in Weihai, China on Sept. 21, 2014 and Miller is fundraising for the event.
Those wanting to help Miller on her journey can do so by visiting, www.helpjuliegotoworldchamps.myevent.com.
