Leeanne – left – with another WTTP participant after their first triathlon in 2014.
Today we’re chatting to Leeanne Tennant about being part of the Womens’ Triathlon Training Program (WTTP) in 2014.
If like Leeanne you need some triathlon excitement in your life please join us for this year’s WTTP. Registration is open, so sign up, come along to our information night or learn more about the program.
How did you hear about the WTTP? What made you sign up for it?
A friend of mine asked if I’s like to do a triathlon. At first I thought maybe, but the more I thought about the swim the more I thought ‘no way’ I can’t swim that far in the lake! So I went along to the triathlon to support my friend. It was the FIT triathlon and when I saw the excitement and achievement of the women when they crossed the finish line I thought ‘I NEED some of that excitement in my life!’ So I joined FIT and did the WTTP the next year.
A friend of mine asked if I’s like to do a triathlon. At first I thought maybe, but the more I thought about the swim the more I thought ‘no way’ I can’t swim that far in the lake! So I went along to the triathlon to support my friend. It was the FIT triathlon and when I saw the excitement and achievement of the women when they crossed the finish line I thought ‘I NEED some of that excitement in my life!’ So I joined FIT and did the WTTP the next year.
What was the aspect of the program that you found the most challenging?
I found the swimming the most challenging. I had to do a lot of positive self talk and visualisations to get over my fear that I was going to drown! Getting in the water as often as I could helped with my fear. Also I decided to get a road bike with cleats…..I’m still scared of riding with cleats!! But I do it anyway.
What was the experience of the program like? How did you find participating in the triathlons?
The WTTP gave me the confidence and support to participate in the Novice Triathlon Series held by TACT that year. The following year I decided to qualify for ITU World Championships Sprint Distance being held in Cozumel Mexico in September 2016. What an experience!! Traveling overseas with a bike – having to take it apart and put it back together again by myself. And the race itself was a fantastic experience. I am now training to qualify for ITU World Championships at the Gold Coast 2018. Triathlon is now my life and I plan to be still competing in my 80’s if my health continues.