Jill and Polly after the aquathlon in London, 2013
This week we’re talking to Jill Wisbey about her time at the World Triathlon Champs in London in 2013. Jill says that her training and racing experience was “life changing”, and that it was “…even better than the New York marathon – just!”. That’s a pretty great endorsement!
In 2018 the World Triathlon Championships will be held on the Gold Coast. If you’re thinking the world champs may be a goal for you – watch this space! FIT will be organising an “intermediate” triathlon training program for the summer season, and it’ll be a great start if you want to qualify.
Find out more about the Australian Age Group Team on the Triathlon Australia website.
This is Jill’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?
A) I saw Julianne running around in an Australian tri suite with her name on her bum.
B) Rae Wells: ‘Jill, how many people do you know who can do an Olympic distance Tri and can afford the time and money to go to London?’
Jill: ‘ Not many Rae, and I’m not one of them’ (famous last words!)
C) The seed was sown and I found the details about qualifying on the Triathlon Australia website along with info from other FIT girls.
How did you decide which races to enter to qualify?
I had my heart set on the Olympic distance – it sounded quite flash. I had no idea what it involved because I was at the novice level.
What kind of training did you do to qualify, and to race at the world champs? Was it different from your usual training?
I thought I was mad and had an overwhelming fear of failing the venture. My way of overcoming that was to get a program written and to follow it to the letter. (Another FIT girl- Linda- gave me good advice: ‘You don’t bake a cake without a recipe!’)
I did most of my training by myself almost in secrecy because I was so nervous. I now realise that was madness- it would have been much more fun doing it with other FIT girls- it was great when I teamed up with Polly. I did train harder and more consistently!
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 travelled to London. By then I’d teamed up with Polly and the other FIT girls. I had an absolutely fantastic time and like most FIT experiences – from decision to crossing the line- it was a life changing experience. All I wanted to do was cross the line, but from memory I came in the top half of my age group, so it was such a confirming and confidence building experience. I’d love to do it again. It’s one of the best things I’ve done in my life (yes- even better than the New York marathon – just!)
What advice or encouragement would you give to other FIT women who might be thinking about the age group world champs as a goal?
See it as a long term commitment- make your decision now and start training to qualify. (I’m telling myself to do that!) There is a lot of organisation in terms of qualifying and travelling and it’s not inexpensive- start saving now. Get yourself a program and be consistent consistent consistent. Get yourself a group of FIT girls to train with- such fun! Get the best bike you can afford- see Mary Anne! Get over your nerves- if I did anyone can. And have fun.