Member Spotlight
Meet Tanya! Tanya is an absolute weapon and, despite claiming that she hates riding her bike, recently won her age group at the Taupo 70.3 by more than an hour. She is no stranger to racing and has raced worldwide, including the 70.3 Ironman world champs in Finland. Triathlon isn't even her favourite multi-sport format, and she is now in training for two more non-triathlon world champs this year.
Check out what she has to say below.
Q. What is your favourite race format and why?
A. Favorite race format is the RATS Aquathlon because it is a backwards race. Love it. But I basically love short racing over long-distance stuff.
Q. You’re going to TWO world championships this year, can you tell us a bit about how you’re preparing?
A. I am heading first to the Aquathlon World Champs in Pontevedra, Spain, at the end of June. I have been to a few different World Champs over the years, but Aquathlon is the first time I have been, and as I'm turning "old" this year, I thought I would make it one of my "old" goals to get selected for the team. Training is just being at the pool 5 times a week and then some running, gym work, and a few bikes (well, not many bikes - hate them ). The other world Champs I am going to are the World Masters Swim Champs in Singapore in August. Again, as I am turning "old" I thought this would be another goal to set myself for the year. For these champs, it is 5 swim sessions based around pool swimmer sessions rather than "triathlete" boring sessions hehehe. Hoping to try and get some Top 10 placings in my main stroke - Butterfly.
Q. Any tips for people wanting to get into triathlon or multisport?
A. Training tips are to find a fun group to train with. This makes the session way more fun, you make new friends, and everyone can moan and groan together. If you are looking for a coach, make sure that you find one who is qualified, has good experience, and has also been a good athlete. These type of coaches, even if you are a beginner, will guide you so much better than someone who has "just done some tris/IM's".Mostly though - HAVE FUN, and keep setting challenges and goals. You will meet them, and when you do, BE PROUD! But keep striving for more. Start small and slowly move up in distance. I see so many people who have never done a triathlon go straight to IM without realising the commitment and dedication needed for 9- 12 months to complete one, then they end up hating it and never doing the sport again.
Q. Your favourite post-race or training session snack?
A. My fav training session snack is bite-sized bits of roasted kumara. After training is a Tokyo Lime Green Tea and custard square from Lime with the Saturday morning bike crew.
Q. You have been racing for a while, how has the sport changed since you started.
A. Yep, been around a while....... Some things have changed - like the cost of events is horrific, and this has meant some of the small events have gone, which is a shame as this where the growth of the sport comes from. It is great to see RATS back and growing and also that over the many, many years they have been able to keep the BLMF going. I am excited to see the club start a Youth development programme. This is a great initiative. Good job to this committee, you are doing a great job in moving the club into a new era!
We can't wait to cheer Tanya on in Spain and Singapore later this year!
