Name: Paul Statchuk
 
Age: 25
 
Exercise/Sport: Running, Hockey, Golf
 
Living and breathing sports since he was old enough to participate, this week’s ExerciseToronto.Com Athlete of the Week was born with a passion for sports and fitness that goes beyond that of the everyday exerciser. 
 
Growing up just north of Toronto, 25 year-old Paul Statchuk, is a true inspiration to the Toronto athletic community, with years of involvement in organized sports and an ever-evolving drive to succeed.
 
The always modest Statchuk says he views himself as “a pretty decorated athlete for not having achieved much in my career.” We disagree.
 
Just take a look at his track record and it speaks for itself.  Statchuk has experienced success at all ages and levels of competition, below are some of the major highlights:
 
- Competitive minor league hockey player, Aurora Tigers AA (1991 – 2002)
 
- 14th at the Royal Canadian Golf Association, Junior Golf Championship, 76-72-70-71=289 (2002)
 
- Cardinal Carter High School Athlete of the Year (2002)
 
- Cardinal Carter High School Ultimate Frisbee Team, OFFSAA Champions (2003)
 
- Sprint Triathlon Competitor and Finisher (2009)
 
- Half Marathon Competitor and Finisher (2009)
 
Today, Statchuk works as a proven sales professional and semi-pro poker player who uses exercise and competition as a way to relax and enhance his concentration.
 
Finishing his first half marathon and sprint triathlon in 2009, Statchuk gained a new sense of determination, outlining a set of goals he is working diligently to achieve.
 
“Right now I have my sights set on improving my race times from last year,” says Statchuk.  “But moving forward I plan on running both a full marathon and triathlon during the 2011 season.  Beyond that my ultimate goal would be to qualify for the Boston Marathon by 2014.”
 
Setting goals is the only way to improve and Statchuk understands qualifying for the Boston Marathon is not something that will happen overnight.  Taking the time to truly understand the human body, he’s practicing and preparing for his shot at this elite competition.
 
“I believe a variety of exercises are paramount to performing at my highest level” says Statchuk.  “I split my workouts 50/50 between endurance training and strength conditioning in order to have my body working at 100% for race time.”
 
In addition to physical training, an advanced, long distance runner must also be prepared mentally.  Looking to his past, Statchuk sees the ultimate motivation in one of his childhood idols.
 
“One person who inspires me each time I train is Dean Karnazes,” says Statchuk.  “Here is a guy that ran fifty marathons in fifty days. If he can run fifty in fifty, I figure I can run one in my lifetime.”
 
With committed and focused goals to drive him through the rest of his 20’s,  there is no telling what Statchuk will look to achieve in his 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.  We do know, however, that for as long as Statchuk can compete, he will be pushing himself to the limit.
 
“I strive for constant improvement,” says Statchuk. “I want to run faster than the last time I ran. I want to shoot a better score than the last time I was on the course. I want to play a better game than the last time I was on the ice. I want to be the best.”
 
 
ExerciseToronto.Com Staff