TriStars

Why Triathlon?

By Julian Nagi (Gymnasium Physiologist)

With Triathlon rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the world at the moment you might be asking yourself …why do people feel compelled to take up the challenge of triathlon whether it be a sprint distance or Ironman event? I guess for me it's the challenge of being good across 3 events, which is hard enough in itself, but I also, think it is about questioning my boundaries and limitations as a human being. Pushing myself further than I have ever gone before and ultimately going into the unknown.

For me this is summed up perfectly in the sentence below: "Unless you test yourself, you stagnate. Unless you try to go way beyond what you've been able to do before, you won't develop and grow. When you go for it 100%, when you don't have the fear of 'what if I fail,' that's when you learn. That's when you're really living."

This is a quote taken from Mark Allen's - Total Triathlete, 6 time Hawaiian Ironman world champion, 5 times winner of the Nice world championships, regarded by many as the King of triathlons and arguably one of the fittest men that has ever lived. As for me personally, it is people like Jane Tomlinson that first inspired me to take up triathlon. I sat there in amazement as I read about her taking on challenge after challenge whilst being in terminally ill with cancer. This made me seriously consider what I was capable of achieving and what my limitations were. It also inspired me to get of my backside and do something about it. I haven't looked back since.

Some of you might have seen the recent documentary in which Jane took on her final challenge of completing the world's toughest endurance test - The Florida Ironman. This is a 2.4mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a full marathon -26.2 miles. Whilst in considerable pain and also going through chemotherapy, she managed to complete it in 15.5 hours. She's one tough cookie.

For me this is what life is all about, challenging myself in as many ways as possible and achieving your dreams. No matter how big or small, the challenge is relative to you. Who wants to look back when it's too late and think, what might have been?

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Triathlon: the start, the middle & the end

by Donna Baker (Member)

Sometime, way back in 2004, I found myself agreeing to do a triathlon. My personal trainer, Julian Nagi, was in training for one himself - and his enthusiasm was infectious. I had been working out 5/6 days a week for the last couple of years and was in need of a new goal. A triathlon seemed like the very thing….

At the time, I remember thinking "the training will be great - can't actually see myself doing the triathlon - too scary - but will be good to have a goal". Little did I know.

Before long, Julian had recruited two more potential triathletes - Justine and Carolyn. Suddenly, we were a team and suddenly it all felt a bit more real. Julian devised 4 or 6 week individual training schedules for each of us. The training was to give us variety with stamina and interval training. Over a period of time it pushed our physical fitness to a level we could never has expected. The initial training schedule was gym based, making good use of the outdoor pool and running track. I was surprised at how quickly I achieved goals I would never have expected of myself.

Our first goal was to be the first Park Club Triathlon - organised by Julian. It would be a good training run (he said...) for the 'big one' at Hampton on March 28th. It all seemed so far away back in the winter of 2004. Our winter training started in earnest. First stop - dust down my bike. On closer inspection it became apparent that I would be wise to invest in a new one - it was getting on for 20 years old and I thought the child carrier on the back might not be too aero dynamic.

My first cycle ride around Richmond Park was to be my first true test of self motivation. At 8.30am on a bitterly cold winter's morning, I was in Richmond Park; layer upon layer of clothing did nothing to keep the icy winds at bay. I set off on my first lap - closely followed by my 'support vehicle' (my husband and four year old cheering me on...). On reflection, I probably would have made it up the first big hill if I had been in the right gear. Instead, I got halfway up and started going backwards - fast. It was not without some humiliation that I got off my bike and pushed it up the hill (even that was difficult!).

Thankfully I didn't have too much of an audience - watched only by several hundred bemused deer. Mercifully, the second lap was somewhat easier (in the right gear.)

The scheduled 15 minute run after the bike was nothing short of hysterical. With frozen feet - I 'ran' with snow falling and gale winds blowing - I felt a surge of euphoria as I 'overtook' an elderly couple out walking their equally elderly dog. (Sadly they were to lap me later on...)

The training sessions improved as the weather did. Swimming sessions in the outdoor pool became a regular part of the schedule. I naively thought that an hour's session in the pool with Julian would be a welcome break from the gruelling hour he would subject me to in the gym. I had no idea that swimming could be used as a form of torture.

Triathlon 1 - The Park Club The day of the Park Club Triathlon came - there was a great turnout, with members of all abilities - from regular die-hard gym goers to last minute entrants who just fancied giving it a go.

The atmosphere was pretty tense down by the pool. All entrants were given competitor numbers on their arms and legs written on in pen; I'm not sure if it was meant to be permanent ink, but it raised a few eyebrows in the restaurant that evening!

Once the swim was underway, the nerves started to settle. From our finishing time in the pool we were given 10 minutes to change/stretch/get to the gym.

Up in the gym the atmosphere was buzzing! The bikes had been positioned in front of the windows. Precision planning and timing meant there was a bike waiting for each person - along with towels and refreshments. From our vantage points on the seats we could see the competitors in front starting out on their 5k run outside. The conditions were excellent and the gym staff kept motivation very high with their encouragement.

It was a great success. I spoke to a lot of competitors afterwards and everyone got a huge buzz from taking part and all felt that they had in some way pushed themselves further than they though possible. Many of them have said they will definitely do another.

Back to training with a vengeance! Personally, I realised I had a few areas that needed working on before the next triathlon. So back to training with a vengeance - only 2 weeks to go.

One of the hardest things in the run up to the triathlon is staying germ free. So of course, inevitably, Carolyn, Justine and myself all came down with some kind of bug in the weeks running up to the event. In the week before the event, our training eased off (depending on your definition of 'easing off' I suppose...). Diet became our main topic of conversation - pasta, pasta and more pasta mostly. The day before the event - Easter Sunday - was not to be a gastronomic feast. No alcohol, fruit, meat or even chocolate egg… The night before was spent organising outfit, bike, drinks etc. Everything was to go in a box ready to be taken to the 'transition point' at Hampton pool. I would suspect the average triathlete has the following in their box: cycle helmet, gloves, trainers, swim hat, goggles, running number, and drink. I had all the above - but being a first timer - and a Virgo - I had much much more - spare everything (goggles, laces - everything), bananas, hairbrush…... a book (well, just in case there was a lot of hanging around…….). Needless to say, if there had been a prize for the biggest box - I would have won hands down.

Triathlon 2: the BIG one at Hampton! The day arrived - too early for my liking. At 4.30am I was up and eating my porridge. Down to Hampton Pool by 6am. The sun was rising over the pool - steam rising - it was going to be a stunning day. Already there was quite a crowd. Bikes and helmets were checked and numbers written on. Why do they use permanent ink???! - it was three days before number 85 faded! A pre race meeting took place by the pool - and it was really encouraging to see a real mix of triathletes. From first timers to some of the most experienced and frankly, quite awesome athletes - but they all had one thing in common - everybody, without exception was incredibly friendly, encouraging and helpful.

Competitors were set off in waves every 15 seconds according to their projected times. So the three of us were to set off fairly close together. Waiting in line to get into the pool was very chilly. Thankfully, we were able to stand in the very warm baby pool to keep us from getting hypothermia.

The swim seemed to go by in a flash (although sadly, took marginally longer to actually do it...!). With dozens of people thrashing around, the etiquette for overtaking is to tap the person in front's foot then overtake on the next turn. This generally works - and I'm sure that normally altercations in the pool are rare ….. Justine.

The 'Transition phase' where you change into your cycle/run gear - for me, was pretty scary. Putting on socks, shoes, running number, jacket, helmet, gloves, and glasses - whilst still soaking wet, freezing cold, nervous beyond belief - was quite a challenge. We had practised this transition at the Park Club pool - but nothing had prepared me for how shaky my hands would be. A marshal looked on at me in undisguised sympathy as I frantically struggled to get my gloves on. I would have given her my life savings if she could be allowed to help me. A short run to the bike then onto the road - bliss. Over 13 miles on the road - this was my favourite part - my nerves finally started to settle slightly.

Then it was the final transition - putting away the bike, helmet off and onto the run. I had nightmares about this transition; apparently, a common first time mistake is forgetting to take off your helmet before you start the run. Apart from this mistake, the transition was flawless for me!!

Final stage - the run. I can only describe this as running with someone else's legs. It's the most bizarre sensation. At this point, you know you are only 20-30 minutes from finishing - and it does drive you on…. that and having a good crowd of supporters waiting for you.

Two circuits of Bushy Park felt considerably more than 5k. It felt like the longest 5k of my life. I puffed my way round like a steam train. At last the finish line was in sight. I felt elated until a marshall helpfully yelled an encouraging "well done - only 800 metres to go." 800 METRES!! That felt like a very long way to me. I was trying to remember my school personal best when thankfully I crossed the line. Two words - utter relief.

Within minutes (and I can admit this now - not at the time) - euphoria kicked in - and stayed for a long time to come. The high that followed in the next few hours was worth the training alone.

All three of us finished with very respectable times - and all three of us felt we had given it our best shot and achieved a significant goal. For me, the triathlon training has been huge learning curve. It has taken my training to a completely different level. I now have a better understanding of my own fitness, how far I can push myself and when I need to back down. Following a strict regime has been challenging but supremely rewarding. The opportunity to work on area in which I had always been weak (swimming) was fantastic and I will continue to work on it. I can see why its one of the fastest growing events. It appeals to a huge age range - you don't need to be super-fit or young. It can be as easy or a difficult as you make it - you set your own goals. If you are the last one to cross the finish line - you will still have the same massively enthusiastic reception that the winner got. The fact is, you got out there and did it. Will I ever do another one? Well, as I crossed the finish line I swore that was my one and only triathlon. My application has gone off for the next event. Must be something in the water. ............................................................................................................................................................

Triathlons come to TPC

By Julian Nagi (Gymnasium Physiologist)

On Saturday March 12th, the Park Club played host to its first ever sprint distance triathlon - 400m swim, 8-mile bike, 5km run. For many it was the culmination of months of hard work and preparation. It would be this day that many of those nagging questions would be finally answered; is it beyond my limits; will it be a step too far; have I trained and prepared enough for this?

These are some of the million and one questions that race through your mind in the build up to such an event. Why? because its 3 challenging events , back to back , each one forming a barrier to the ultimate goal of crossing that finish line. Everyone has a weakness, but this is part of the challenge. Can I conquer my biggest fear? For those who do the rewards are ultimately worth it. In the build up to the event, many a competitor had expressed their fears and concerns to me, but this is to be expected - this is no easy challenge. Looking back I didn't sleep properly for 2 weeks prior to my first triathlon and was limited to about 3 hours sleep the night before the event! We couldn't have asked for a better start to the day in question, as the club was bathed in glorious sunshine. Pretty impressive for mid March!

The Swim The first event was the 400m swim - most entrants the biggest challenge. As each nervous looking competitor arrived, they were marked on their arms and legs with their race number before being called through to the outdoor swimming pool for the start. …no going back now. The swim was structured so that 4 people were set off every 20mins to swim the 16 lengths. There were some fantastic performances on the day , most notably Teresa Walton-Smith for the ladies with a very fast time of 7mins 45 seconds. For the men it was Ian Williams with his usual strong performance in a time of 6mins 36 secs. Anant Patel should also be mentioned for his courageous effort, well done Anant. It is credit to all those involved that nobody failed to finish the swim.

The Bike With the atmosphere really starting to heat up in the gym, it was onto the gym bikes for the 8-mile bike ride. This is where mental focus comes into play. The legs are burning, the heart is pumping but the key is to stay focused and not go too hard before the 5km run. Notable performances on the day were from Justine Randall's with a stunning 20mins 05 seconds and Eamonn Connery 18mins 49 secs.

The Run Now the fun really starts. You have to run 5km when your legs feel like blocks of lead. If you've practised it regularly in training it's easier, if not, it's going to hurt. With the newly extended running track providing a tough challenge, even the best of runners, this is definitely the part when you have to be mentally strongest. If you can make it through the first 5 tortuous minutes there is no doubt that you won't finish the run. There were some truly superb performances from everyone involved. I had chance to see a great battle in the men's race between Dan White and Eamonn Connery who were pushing each other to their limits lap after lap. It was Eamon Connery who took the honours for the men is a time of 21.39 and Claire Levi who took the honours for the ladies with a time of 26.50. It was Dan White who clocked the fastest run of the day with a very impressive 20.53.

There were some truly gutsy performances by our members. With times ranging anywhere from 48mins up to 83 mins, the joy on their faces was for all to see as each person managed to cross the finish line. This is the point where suffering turns into elation as the realisation of what they have just achieved finally hits home.

As for the eventual winners, there were two athletes that managed to excel themselves above all others to be crowned the first ever Park Club champions. For the women this was Clare Levi and the men Eamonn Connery. Congratulations to both of you on such stunning performances.

What was so rewarding for me to see, both during and after the event was the huge smiles on peoples faces around the club. You could really sense there was an overwhelming sense of personal achievement felt by our competitors. What was also so good to see was the diverse range of entrants who took part in the event; whether young, old, fit or unfit, everyone was just as willing to take up the gauntlet and give it a go. Amazingly enough most of those who entered have already come up to me to ask me when the next one is going to be held! Congratulations to all of you on some truly outstanding performances, you are all winners for just being able to cross that finish line. Hopefully you all enjoyed your first triathlon experience.

Are you ready to take up the challenge? Look out for our next Park Club Triathlon. I look forward to motivating YOU!