AGE GROUP PROFILE
Roy McBeth
IT’S AFTER MIDNIGHT on a muggy summer night in the Fraser Valley, B.C., and the stench of manure from the blueberry fields sticks to the air like Velcro. You cruise partly lit streets and sidewalks on a mountain bike and come across a drug deal in progress. You present your badge, stop the transaction and, as you and your partner await a cruiser to pick up the offenders, you ask yourself, “Is this really the best type of cross-training for a half-Ironman?” Welcome to one of the many chapters in Roy McBeth’s revolving story. McBeth excelled at most sports in his hometown of Prince George, B.C., but it wasn’t until he was coaxed into joining the rowing team at the University of Victoria that he discovered his big aerobic engine and willingness to suffer. Unfortunately, McBeth also had something else with which to suffer – polycystic kidney disease. After completing university, McBeth began his career as a correctional officer. Like many of his co-workers, McBeth trained like a bodybuilder. At 6' 1", he topped out at a lean but imposing 225 pounds before he developed other athletic interests. At the age of 30, McBeth discovered his passion for cycling and participated in freeriding, cross-country and criterium racing. McBeth excelled in all disciplines and, at that time, the only setback from his kidney disease was an evergrowing abdomen.
After suffering some serious crashes, his wife, Anne, suggested he find a sport that could honour his passion for cycling, but was safer. This was the start of a new chapter in his life.
Crash Course in Triathlon
In 2009, McBeth and his family went to Penticton to watch Ironman Canada. While spectating, he quipped to his wife, “That doesn’t look so hard.” He upped the braggadocio, pledging that if he could swim to a buoy 50 m offshore and back again, he would sign up for next year’s Ironman. He managed to back up his dare, and the next day followed through. The next 12 months were an accelerated introduction to the sport as McBeth enrolled in masters swimming lessons, completed his first triathlon in March, did his first half-distance race in June, and completed his first Ironman in August, in just over 11 hours.
Around this time, McBeth’s kidney disease began to cause serious problems.
“I was beginning to experience effects of reduced kidney function,” he says. “I lost my ability to filter toxins, which created numerous issues: high blood pressure, nausea, terrible headaches, muscle aches, cramping and a metallic taste in my mouth.”
You would think these ailments would push him into a rocking chair rather than onto a mountain bike seat, but even in his compromised state, he continued to compete successfully. In 2012, McBeth qualified for his first of three Xterra World Championships.
Eventually, McBeth’s health deteriorated to the point that he required medication. The side effects were significant, especially in hot conditions and, on occasion, instead of going to the awards ceremony after a race, he went to the hospital. By 2014, his kidney function was down to 20 per cent and the writing was on the wall – he would need to either commit to a life of dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Before making those crucial decisions, McBeth competed in more Xterra events and was able to qualify for the world championships.
A New Lease on Life
In October 2014, McBeth and his family made the decision: he would go for a kidney transplant. The complicated process to find a suitable donor began. Fortunately, it wasn’t a long search. On a rainy morning in January 2015, McBeth said goodbye to 13 pounds of defective kidneys and hello to a new life, thanks to his kidney donor, fellow Abbotsford Police Department supervisor, Kevin Wright. And, just like his speedy transition from cyclist to triathlete, his transition from patient to athlete was quick. Recovery was swift. In August 2015, he competed in a relay with Wright and his wife, Elly, at Challenge Penticton to promote organ donation.
Despite McBeth’s successful recovery from kidney disease and his return to high-performance athletics, he is required to take medications to prevent his immune system from fighting his new kidney. This has made living through COVID problematic, and McBeth must be extra careful. Despite this year’s complications, he has made the best of it by focusing on his run.
The time investment is paying dividends. His consistent performances in the Ironman VR series over the summer and fall have qualified him for the 2021 Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Into the Future
Like all Canadian triathletes, McBeth’s 2021 race schedule is shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing that is rock-solid for McBeth is his social support. As one of the original Wattie Ink ambassadors, he has made lasting connections with other high-performing athletes across the continent. Any time he races, it’s like a reunion – an even stronger support team for McBeth is his family. His wife, Anne, is also a triathlete. Their son, Connor, is also a key member of “Team McBeth,” sweating along with them during their basement Zwift sessions and with them on running trails in his role as helper and cheerleader. As McBeth puts it, “The family that trains together, stays together.” As for McBeth’s future plans, although it is highly doubtful you’ll see him busting bad guys on the midnight prowl in Abbotsford anytime soon, you can be sure he’ll be on his bike promoting organ donation and inspiring other organ recipients to make the most of their new lives.