Taylor Reid, professional triathlete and former Marauder cross country runner, cycles around a track

Sports Medicine 1/4/2022 9:57:00 AM Simi Jayeoba, for Marauders.ca

TRIATHLETE TAYLOR REID CHALLENGES DISCOMFORT AND DYSLEXIA

By Simi Jayeoba (@simi.jay_writes)

Taylor Reid does difficult things.

Whether it's the mental and physical discipline backing his decorated career as a triathlete or his conviction to excel beyond the challenges of dyslexia, Reid is comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Leaving high school as a cross country athlete, Reid became drawn to the challenge of seeing just how far his body could carry him. Upon arriving at McMaster University, he carved his own path to training as a triathlete by joining both the varsity cross country and swim teams. With the support of his coaches - and a lot of grit - he juggled training nearly year round with the demands of higher education and the unique task of managing his dyslexia.

Inevitably, long seasons became his norm and in the pursuit of his five professional victories and over a dozen podium finishes, physical challenges arose for the U23 champion. Midway through his successes at McMaster, Reid experienced a micro tear in his IT band, requiring careful rehab at the David Braley Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Centre. Initial treatment allowed him to complete the season, but as he remarks, more acute and skillful attention needed to follow. Taylor Reid

"The Sports Med clinic definitely helped. It allowed me to race CIS and then, once CIS was done, we were actually able to step back figure out what the real problem was."

Out of this difficult situation arose one of Reid's most impactful professional relationships. While receiving season-saving treatment for the IT band tear, Reid met the clinic's long time Registered Massage Therapist, Phil Hendriks and the two began their ongoing 10 year connection.

Simply put, Reid remarks, "I really do trust him," when reflecting on their relationship.

Beyond direct treatment at the clinic, Reid expresses that Phil's professionalism and approach has influenced the way he seeks out new members to his team.

"I sort of knew the professionalism that I was looking for like Phil has. When you work with really, really good people you also find what those trademarks are."

At the core, what is most important to Reid was avoiding quick fixes and finding sustainable solutions. Both in his long-term work with Phil and more recently, working with Drew Korzeniowski to design custom orthotics to address the finer elements to his success, Reid's focus on longevity is highlighted.

As Reid explains, "That is a huge corner piece for me. Understanding like this person isn't just there to pick up my money - they actually want me to do better. And they're going to give me something to do on the days I don't see [them]."

Taylor Reid

The sentiment that beyond effort, all good things take time has shaped much of Reid's journey in conquering the difficult. In discussing his experiences with dyslexia, Reid is extremely open and pinpoints that delayed gratification has been his biggest learning takeaway.

"Nothing was going to come instantly…there never was any point where I felt entitled to be the best in the world, so I was always willing to work that little bit harder and understood that things come with time."

Outside of inspiring the next generation of Canadian triathletes, Reid strives to be a role model for those growing up with dyslexia.

"The more people understand about it, the more kids can sort of see that there's different paths to becoming successful."

And in his approach to competition, recovery, and learning, Reid has become that role model - a shining example of success beyond any distance or disability.

Print Friendly Version