Triathlon can be a bit scary … even more so if you’ve a ‘newbie’. With an endless list of perceived barriers

• “Don’t you have to be super fit?”
• “Aren’t triathlons really long distances?”
• “What if I can’t swim very well?”
• “You need an expensive bike and heaps of other equipment.”
• “I don’t you have to wear lycra?”

Triathlon Victoria, with support from VicHealth, have been working on a program which addresses all of these perceived barriers and is reshaping the perception of triathlon. Sure it can be all of the above but equally for people who want to try something new, start getting active, and like the idea of a goal to work towards it helps by starting small.

The TriActive first pilot is now complete and for six weeks, the group of eager participants met with Tim Ballantine (No Limits Endurance) completing a run/swim and bike session (each 50 minutes) in preparation for the ‘FunTri’ at race 5 of the Victorian Gatorade Series.

So why did they commit? It was everything you’d imagine – Fabian’s NYE commitment to be more active, Milly’s opportunity to tick something from her bucket list and Michelle’s willingness to support her friend (yes she was there more under sufferance!). They experienced the usual rollercoaster of emotions through the program with moments of self-doubt and anxiety; balanced in equal doses of newfound skills, fitness and confidence.  These emotions peaked as the triathlon approached but the group often used humour as the pressure release, aptly captured when Wendy said “I’m not really scared – it’s not like I am giving birth.”

Whilst all participants who ‘toe’d the starting line achieved the joy of a multisport finish line, I don’t know what is next for our first timers. Some will become regulars and make their way into our club and coach network, some will be back for an annual fix and others will tick the bucket list. Most importantly, all are now advocates for the benefits and joy of triathlon, will be part of changing community perceptions and help in “getting people to the starting line”.

Is it time for you or for someone you know to ‘toe the start line’?

TriActive is a participation program for adults of all ages focusing on encouraging, enabling and supporting adults to begin or return to regular exercise and achieve a triathlon finish.

The program provides the participants the necessary support and advice on how to prepare for the starting line and the commitment to a time and place for training (and ultimately to each other as the group bonds together).

TriActive is endorsed by Triathlon Australia and under pilot in Victoria. National rollout is expected in the 2016/17 season through the nationally accredited coaching network and commercial partners. For further information on how you or your club can be involved contact Tracy Doherty on 03 9598 8686