Paying it Forward

Today was a very satisfying day.

No, I didn't bike 100km.  I didn't swim 4km.  I didn't run a half marathon. 

I did bike about 20km ... which took about an hour.  And I did run about 2.5km ... which took about 20 minutes.

So it was a slack day training-wise, but it didn't matter.  And it didn't matter because I was asked to help out at the Christchurch running of the Contact TriWoman Series, out at Pegasus.  What a fantastic opportunity, and Pete and I were delighted to be involved.

The series holds a special place in my heart.  Back in 2003 it was called the Special K Womens' Triathlon and comprised a 300m swim, 10km bike and 3km run or walk, held out at Sumner Beach in Christchurch.  It was the first triathlon I tried and it started me out on my running career and, more importantly, my journey to ironman.  The event was designed to give women an opportunity to try triathlon and to encourage participation in being active and having fun at the same time.  It was hugely encouraging and tailored specifically for the first timers, no matter their age, size or ability.

I had entered as a way of getting into running.  Over the previous few years I had got on top of my weight, losing 30kg through a combination of Weight Watchers and power walking.  However I recognised that power walking wasn't going to cut the mustard for much longer.  I needed a new challenge so I started looking at running and the Special K event.

It seemed pretty achievable - I had a mountain bike and loved cycling.  I could probably fluff my way through a 300m swim.  The challenge for me would be the run.  And so I entered and my goal for the event was to simply get through the run leg without walking.  That was all I wanted to achieve.  It therefore gave me a reason to start running and I did the event and had a ball.  And didn't walk the run leg!

Since then I've gone on to do more Special K Tri's, plus the Contours Triathlon series and then half marathons, long bike events, marathons, half ironman and finally ironman this year.  My turning point, then, in terms of embracing exercise as part of my lifestyle can be pinpointed to the Special K Triathlon. 

So, back to today, and it was great to be able to go out to Pegasus and support the ladies taking on the challenge of a swim/bike/run (or run/bike/run).  Pete got involved with guiding people around the transition area and then helping with the marshalling at the start and finish of the bike leg.  Meanwhile I did duty on the bike, leading the ladies out on the duathlon and then following the last person back into transition before heading out as tail end charlie on the bike course.  Once everyone had finished their bike leg Pete and I then did an impromptu jog around the run course making sure everyone was safely across the finish line.

The weather played ball and provided a perfect day and I hope all the ladies had a great experience and are inspired to achieve all that they want to.