Training a Hawke's Bay family effort

BOOST: Vicki Berkahn and her son Oscar Berkahn Sewell are training together for their different athletic events. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR.

After being inspired by his mother a Hastings schoolboy will compete in his first triathlon this summer, what he hopes to be the first of many.

Last year, Hastings student Oscar Berkhan Sewell was inspired by helping his mother, Vicki Berkhan, train for her first half-Iron Maori event.

"Mum got right into it, and she really enjoyed it. That really inspired me to give it a go," Oscar said.

He and his mother have since been training side-by-side, as Oscar prepares for February's Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.

"We go to the local pool, and Mum and I measured out the distance I have to run for my age group in the triathlon, which is twice around the block, so that's what I'm running for my training," he said.

Training was easier with his mum.

"It helps me a lot, because I'm going through the same things that she's going through.

"I'm really just looking forward to doing the event after all the training."

When he competes, his coach and chief supporter will be cheering him on every step of the way.

Ms Berkhan said she was very proud of her son.

"I'm going to be as nervous for him on the day as I was for my own Iron-Maori, because I know that you can prepare all you want, but it's not until the day itself that you really know what it's like," she said.

The pair plan to continue their training. Ms Berkhan has a full event calendar already planned for 2017 and her son intends to compete in the TRYathlon every year.

Sanitarium's marketing manager Jessica Manihera said seeing kids like Oscar make a commitment, not just to do the TRYathlon this year, but to train and keep active, was wonderful.

- The TRYathlon, held at Frimley Park on February 15, is open to children between the ages of 7 and 15, and consists of a swim, a bike and a run. To register visit try.weetbix.co.nz.