Special feeling comes with triathlon

Daily Post advertising representative Sharon Eyres tries out a special triathlon for herself.



Turning 40 this year was another milestone and time to take on something seriously challenging.

My girlfriend, who'd just turned 50, agreed and before we knew it, we were training for the Special K Women's Triathlon.

Neither of us had done any real exercise since leaving school. So here we were 11 weeks out from the triathlon about to start training in earnest.

I borrowed my friend's bike initially and she basically taught me how to ride again: Remember to use your back brake when going downhill. You have 21 gears - use them. But I only need one! When can I stop for a cigarette? You can't. I can't do this. Yes you can.

One night after work we went for a bike ride to Ngongotaha and the heavens opened. By halfway we were like drowned rats, riding through flooded roads, couldn't see for the rain, spray and hailstones and the bus shelter was a welcome sight. It all made for a speedy ride. The next time we were off to the Redwoods for some hill climbs and got lost. Thank goodness for the young guys, obviously experienced, who pointed us in the right direction, after two hours of riding around in circles.

Each Thursday night there was a Splash and Dash at the Aquatic Centre to teach the swim techniques required for the 300m swim and effective transitions. After trying to swim one length freestyle with several stops, we decided that maybe breaststroke, dolphin diving or backstroke might be better suited to our abilities, but no, the Special K stroke (wading) was the winner in the end.

Two weeks out from the big event we hit the wall with training. All we did was a one-hour training ride. In hindsight certainly not enough.

Special K day arrived and the knees were knocking nervously. It was a cool morning and thousands of others looked to be mostly feeling the same way.

The starter's gun fired and we were off - no time to think, just get to that yellow buoy. As a result of opting for the Special K stroke, my big toe connected with a rock - Hop-along Cassidy. Transition to the bike ride resulted in a second injury, the bike pedal connected with my ankle. That hurt even more. But off I went. Doubt set in by the time I reached the Buried Village (halfway). I asked a marshall if anyone was behind me, he said "yes, thousands". I was newly inspired.

Then the big hill to climb and along came a jerk towing a boat trying to negotiate his way through the cyclists. Here I was, nearly in tears when I spotted my four-year-old grandson holding a sign - "Go my Nanny". He gave me renewed enthusiasm and energy, along with all the other supporters cheering and waving.

Feeling vulnerable with sore toe, sore ankle, cold and dehydrating, I was encouraged by my friend along the way. She told me to drink (oh how I wish it was bubbles). I whined some more, was told to shut up and just do it. So I did.

Once I reached the lookout on my way around the lake and entered the forest I was running again.

The best feeling was hearing the cheering spectators getting closer and as I ran to the finishing line my grandson Mat was waiting for me - an emotional moment. "Nanny, you won".

The camaraderie among the competitors was awesome, the support the spectators showed for all, outstanding and the sense of victory for oneself was overwhelming.

I'd encourage any woman to give it a go. You won't be disappointed.