Triathlon team triumphs!
By SQNLDR Jackie Searle
The Air Force team
Following two months of dedication, hard work and enthusiasm, a group of 14 Base personnel and dependants represented the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and themselves, proudly at the recent Contact Tri-Woman event in Christchurch.
Sergeant Greg O’Connor—an experienced triathlete who has represented New Zealand on a number of occasions—stepped up to lead our training, undaunted by an all women team. He began with a session to establish a team ‘contract’, which was eventually embroidered on the team singlets worn on race day:
- Commitment—To each other and to the nine weeks of training.
- Consistency—To individual training and to attending each group session.
- Teamwork—Towards each other throughout the training sessions /programme.
- Goals—To know what it is you want to achieve, and remain focused on it.
We each had an individualised programme and attended two group sessions each week.
In the first team session we learned how to run efficiently and attempted to correct techniques which had been ingrained by years of inefficient performance. It sounds easy but took a bit of effort and must have looked hilarious for passers-by as we hopped and skipped up and down the field doing one legged running!
Happy to place
Initially, we focussed on running and swimming drills. Closer to race day, we practiced transitions—which took a bit of concentration for some of us—and mini events, which saw us biking and running around Base soaking wet in our togs and shorts!
Considering that, for many, this was our first attempt at this multi-disciplined sport, our results were awesome. Flying Officer Kirsty Calman attained a third placing out of 215 competitors, with the fastest bike and second fastest swim time. We also had seven in the top 25 places, and all completed within, or near, the one hour mark.
Our thanks go out to everyone who helped us, particularly SGT O’Connor for his unfailing support, excellent advice, his dedication to our training and willingness to take on the challenge that training a group of amateurs presents. We had a fantastic time, forged some great friendships, and had lots of laughs along the way.