Going pro in any sport takes dedication – just ask Trevor and Heather Wurtele.

In a time when job security seems to be on everyone’s mind, this couple, formerly of Vernon, have closed up shop in exchange for a chance at Ironman glory.

Not only did they leave their jobs – Heather is a molecular biologist and Trevor is in finance – the couple, who both turn 30 this year, sold their Victoria condo in February and headed south in an RV to train fulltime.

After weeks of training under former Ironman Canada winner Chucky Veylupek in the Santa Barbara area, the pair hit the early-season triathlons in Southern California.

“We left our jobs and committed fully to triathlon,” said Trevor, who is spending some time in Vernon with Heather to regroup for upcoming events. “We’ve just been living in an RV as cheaply as we can.

“He (Veylupek) has helped us step it up a notch and figure out how to do it full time.”

The Wurteles, who married in October, 2006, didn’t get involved in triathlon until their mid-20s (most pros usually get started in their late teens), but the results are already starting to come.

Heather won the pro women’s division at Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) last year, and ranked third this year behind a pair of well-established Ironman pros. She shaved more than four minutes off her 2008 time for the 3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run, despite difficult conditions.

Trevor, a former member of the Canadian junior development cycling team with European touring experience, earned sixth in the men’s competition.

“She did that working fulltime,” said Trevor, of Heather’s 2008 win.

“We haven’t been involved in the sport for a long time, so there’s a lot of room for improvement. We just really wanted to see where we could take it.

“Even just these three or four short months is starting to pay off.”

Up next, Heather will ramp up her training for Ironman Hawaii in October (Coeur D’alene is a qualifier for this event), while Trevor is focussing on Penticton’s Ironman Canada, Aug. 30.

Trevor’s father, Glen, served as coach of Canada’s alpine ski team for seven years.

The Wurteles are sponsored locally by Cougar Canyon Clothing, and have other sponsorship from Blue Competition Cycles and AVIA shoes.