Maria Edwards has taken the plunge and is competing in this year's Wahine Try in Dannevirke.
And while pedalling had been a challenge to conquer, Mrs Edwards said she was out of her depth in the swimming pool.
"I'm no good at swimming. I'd drown if I had to swim.Mind you, I'd probably dive right in if the pool was filled with wine. Instead, I'm just going to walk in the pool, not swim," she said.
Mrs Edwards has taken on the Wahine Try to get healthy and fit once again.
"We have such a lot to live for these days," she said. "I used to be fit, but lately I haven't had any time for me. This is the first step and I don't care what I look like when I'm biking because I feel better already."
Mrs Edwards gave up smoking more than 26 years ago but, these days, because she's on her own, she often takes the easy option when preparing a meal and it is not always a healthy choice.
"I know a lot of woman are like me. Their children have left home and they're cooking just for themselves. You tend to grab something quick and easy and probably not good for you," she said.
Ashleigh Ahipene, one of the organisers of the Wahine Try for Rangitane O Tamaki Nui a Rua, said more than 40 women had signed up for the 12-week challenge, which culminates in the triathlon on April 28.
"We have training every Tuesday and, last week, 30 turned out for the walk/run session," Ms Ahipene said. "At the start of the 12-week challenge, we take body measurements and record each participant's weight and blood pressure. We do the same again at the end of the 12 weeks before the triathlon."
While the triathlon is the final stage of the Wahine Try, Mrs Edwards said putting a spring into her step and feeling good about herself meant she was a winner already. "When I first hopped on the bike, my cousin said, 'well, I've seen everything'. It just goes to show no matter how unfit you are, you can give it a go," she said.
