Left to right; Polly, Jill, Robyn and other members of the Australian team Rosemary and Cynthia in London, 2013
Today we’re sharing Robyn McClelland’s story about her experiences at the World Triathlon Championships. But first…
Spring is here and that means triathlon season is fast approaching! The FIT committee, WTTP committee and coaches have been busy putting plans into place for our programs this season. Here’s what’s on the schedule if you’re inspired by Robyn’s interview today:
1. The WTTP 2017! Come along to our information night (details on Facebook), or bring a friend who is interested.
2. WTTP “Step up” program; for those who aren’t novices anymore, or have preciously done the WTTP. Contact [email protected] if you are interested in this program, or come along to the information night! Some sessions may be run with this year’s WTTP.
3. The World Triathlon Championships training program, for those who are aiming to qualify for the World Triathlon Champs in 2018. Find details in the news post about this program.
And now, Robyn’s story…
How did you hear about the age group world tri champs, and find out that it was something you might be eligible for?
I think I first heard about the age group world championships from FIT contestants – I recall FIT members competing in Vancouver several years ago now.
How did you decide which races to enter to qualify?
I chose the Olympic distance as a distance to justify the expense and demands of competing in a world championship event.
What kind of training did you do to qualify, and to race at the world champs? Was it different from your usual training?
I endeavoured to do something on six out of the seven days in a week. By something, I mean a swim or a cycle or a run. I think I did this for probably at least three months leading to the event. This was more than normal.
What was your experience of racing like? Did you have to travel? Any memorable moments from the event? Would you do anything differently if you were doing it again?
I have competed in the Olympic distance at the Gold Coast in 2009 (several FIT members competed and a wonderful FIT contingent came to cheer us on) and in London in 2013 (again with several FIT entrants) and at the duathlon world championships in Adelaide in 2016. I hope to compete in the Gold Coast world championships in 2018, and will have to regain fitness to do so. My most memorable moment was breaking three hours for the 2009 event. London was a great event – beginning from Hyde Park, swimming in the Serpentine, cycling past Buckingham Palace and along the Thames. It was the triathlon course for the Olympics held in London in the previous year. I bought a new bike for the event.
What advice or encouragement would you give to other FIT women who might be thinking about the age group world champs as a goal?
Go for it! It’s great for fitness and for the ego. And it gets much easier to qualify as you get older. The camaraderie amongst the FIT contingent is a highlight.