A group of three local women are re-defining what mums groups are all about by creating a group of mums who compete in triathlons.
“Basically we started from the Team Canowindra Cancer Walk we did and from that we thought we would try something different. We train together for a triathlon in a Tri Mums Club that is all about encouraging other Mums to get fit and healthy,” said competitor Renee Sunderland.
Over the weekend the Tri Mums Club competed in a half Ironman completing it as a relay with Margaret Duguid swimming 1.9km, Kristy Blakeley running 21km and a 90km bike ride, originally to be completed by Renee Sunderland but after an injury Scott Wallace kindly stepped in.
“This was our first long event and it went really really well!” said Renee Sunderland. The ladies have been training with ‘Barnyard Training’ a group from Orange who train as a squad with coach Dan. The fitness group encourages people of all ages, size, shape and fitness level to get in and have a go.
“Dan really helped us prepare for this event and he had 40 athletes at the event on the weekend,” said Renee Sunderland.
Canowindra was well represented in the Ironman challenge over the weekend with other locals competing. Rossanne Holmes competed in the bike event and Julie Middleton who completed the full Ironman being 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a 42km run placed third in her age group, which is a massive achievement.
The Tri Mums are now coming into their off season but they don’t look like slowing down.
They are now gearing up to complete a full half marathon individually next year. They will continue competing in shorter events throughout the year with the next one being a half marathon in June, then another in October.
“The best thing is knowing that you can actually achieve this. Everyone and anyone can achieve it if they put their mind to it. It is great being with a great bunch of mums and everyone is really supportive,” said the Tri Mums Club.
