With just a week to go until our Give It a TRI information night for beginners, we recently sat down for a chat with novice triathlete and one of Perth Triathlon Club’s newest members, Hamidah Buang. Hamidah has a great story to tell and hopes that sharing it will inspire others to give triathlon a go as well. Here’s Hamidah’s story in her own words.
Singapore born Hamidah Buang moved to Perth in 2010 and – with a husband, four children and a high-pressure job to juggle – life was certainly busy. Two years on and the combination of work stress and her son returning to Singapore for compulsory National Service began to take its toll.
Looking for something to help her cope, Hamidah turned to a friend who was a marathon runner. Although apprehensive, Hamidah started meeting her friend regularly and, keen to stay motivated, signed up for the 4km walk event in the HBF Run for a Reason.
“Before too long we realised that I was progressing quicker than expected and my friend encouraged me to change my registration to the 12km run,” said Hamidah.
“Participating in the HBF Run that year really cemented my love of running and I’ve continued to participate in the event every year since. I always bring someone new to the event as well”.
After that, Hamidah stepped up her distances, completing the City to Surf half marathon in 2013 and her first full marathon in 2014. In the same year she also completed a 60km walk for the Weekend to End Women's Cancers.
By 2015 Hamidah was looking for a fresh challenge and turned her attention to triathlon. She set her sights on the Enticer distance at the City of Busselton Triathlon.
“On race day I was so nervous and I remember standing at the water’s edge identifying each and every one of the water safety personnel. I ended up doggie paddling from buoy to buoy and coming out of the water last”.
“Next up I was on a borrowed bike and I had no idea about the gears – I remember one of the officials yelling at me to change gears! I crashed twice, maybe even three times, and was still in last place.”
Hamidah says that the support she received from the crowd on the run leg was overwhelming.
“Complete strangers we cheering me on – it didn’t matter that I was coming last – they were amazing! The whole thing was exhilarating – scary but exhilarating – and I felt afterwards that I have to do this again!”.
Looking back on the last few years Hamidah says, “I’ve made a lot of new friends through running and triathlon. The sense of community and the support you get from other athletes is something special. And I find that by helping others and bringing them into the sport it makes me stronger again”.
This is Hamidah’s triathlon story so far. What will yours be? Getting started is as easy as coming along to our free Give it a TRI information night on November 17. Find out more and register via https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=23207.
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