Females In Training (FIT) offers a triathlon training program for women looking to compete in triathlons in a friendly and encouraging environment. The Women’s Triathlon Training Program (WTTP) is a training program run by Females in Training (FIT) as an introduction into the sport of triathlon. The program offers training sessions in each of the three triathlon disciplines (swimming, cycling and running). The WTTP is open to all women aged 18 and over.

If you have ever thought about doing a triathlon and then the next thought started with ‘but…’ then the WTTP is right for you. Our mission is to give you the confidence to complete your first triathlon and have a great time doing it.

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN ON JUSTGO FOR THE SPRING 2022 WTTP.

Note: you must join both FIT and Triathlon Australia (TA) to participate in the WTTP, and select the “TA Standard Membership” to gain the appropriate personal liability insurance to train and compete. You will be redirected to Triathlon Australia’s membership system to do so. Please see our membership page for more details.

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

The WTTP commences Thursday 13 October 2022 and an information session (all welcome) will be held on Monday, 12 September 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm online via Zoom. To register your for the information session and obtain the meeting invite please email wttp@fitact.org.au

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Your registration will include:

• Training sessions every week in swimming, cycling and running for triathlon;

• Weekly updates, with lots of information about training and triathlon tips;

• Special information sessions on swimming for triathlon, clothing, nutrition, stretching and

• Bike maintenance;

• Lake familiarisation swims;

• A mini triathlon to prepare you for the Canberra Try-a-Tri event; and

• FIT merchandise.

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PROGRAM COSTS:

Note that if you chose a Basic membership this does not include racing insurance so if you’re planning to race in sanctioned events you’ll need to purchase a One Day Licence with your event registrations or consider upgrading to a Standard membership.

A Standard membership of Triathlon Australia will give you the appropriate level of personal injury insurance cover. For more details about FIT membership, please see our membership page.

If you have any other enquiries, please contact wttp@fitact.org.au

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WTTP SCHOLARSHIP 2022

Have you thought about giving triathlon a “tri”? Do you find the cost of triathlon prevents you from “tri”-ing?

This year FIT is offering two scholarships for women who would like to participate in the WTTP but may find it hard to cover the costs.

The scholarship includes the training program, 2022-2023 membership to both FIT and Triathlon ACT and entry fee for the Canberra Try-a-Tri. We even have some bikes to borrow if you need one too!

If you find the cost of triathlon to be a barrier but are interested in participating with an inclusive and supportive group of women while looking to build your fitness and friendships please consider applying for the scholarship.

Applications for scholarships will open soon.

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FAQS

What is a triathlon?

Triathlon combines swimming, cycling, and running in one event. More information on the sport of triathlon can be found on the Triathlon Australia website here.

Do I need any special equipment?

You need a roadworthy bike of any type and a helmet that meets the Australian Standards (look for the red sticker on the inside), plus swimmers and running shoes.

What do I wear in a triathlon?

It all comes down to personal preference. Some WTTP participants have used tri-suits (which are available to purchase through FIT), while others have opted for combinations of swimmers, running shorts, tri shorts, and t-shirts/singlets.

If you decide to get serious about triathlons then you may also want to consider a wetsuit and/or a tri-suit. FIT has a range of OutFIT options including tri-suits that you can purchase. We will show you all the options during the program.

How many training sessions per week do I need to attend?

We recommend you do at least one training session for each discipline – swimming, cycling and running – each week. The program has one designated session for each triathlon discipline every week, equating to three training sessions per week. We offer extra training sessions if you wish to participate.

If you can’t make a particular session we encourage you to join one of the other FIT training sessions that are listed on the WTTP calendar and FIT website.

Is the WTTP like a 12 week body transformation?

No. Your body is great just the way it is. Although you will probably start to feel transformed because you are exercising regularly with great people.

Where are the training sessions located?

• Monday night swimming is held at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Empire Circuit, Deakin, 7.30 – 8.30pm

• Thursday morning running starts at Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla, 6.30 – 7.30 am

• Friday morning cycling starts at Treasury car park, Langton Crescent, Parkes, 6.00 – 7.30 am

• There will also be brick sessions that combine the cycling and running disciplines at Stromlo Forest Park Criterium Circuit

I’m not a really good swimmer, can I still do the program?

Yes! FIT realises there will be many different abilities among participants. The swimming sessions are structured to help you improve your stroke, build more confidence, and still have energy to use on the bike and run.

At your first session we encourage you to choose a swim lane based on what you think your skill level is and we will take it from there.

I’m not very confident on a bike, can I still do the program?

Yes! FIT realises there will be many different abilities among participants. The cycling sessions are structured to help you improve your cycling skills, understand road safety and build your confidence to ride on the road.

At your first session the coaches will sort participants into groups according to the type of bike you own (or have borrowed) and your self-nominated skill level.

Watch this YouTube video for more information on the cycling sessions.

I can’t really run, can I still do the program?

Yes! FIT realises there will be many different abilities among participants. The running sessions are structured to help you improve your running technique and speed.

At your first session we will run two time trials. One over 3km for the more confident and seasoned runners and one over 1km for those who have not done a lot of running or prefer the shorter distance.

Do you swim in the lake? Really?

Yes! Don’t worry, most WTTP participants feel hesitant about swimming in the lake for the first time, but many actually enjoy it! There will be a number of ‘lake familiarisation sessions’ before your first triathlon, and you’ll be supported by experienced coaches.

The National Capital Authority (NCA) regularly monitors the environmental status of Lake Burley Griffin throughout the summer recreational season. Each week the NCA advises users of changes in water quality conditions in relation to bacteria, blue green algae and other hazardous conditions. If the levels are considered too high for safe swimming (primary contact) then the swim leg will be changed to a run leg and the triathlon will still be held. More about the NCA’s water quality testing can be found here.

What is the average temperature of Lake Burley Griffin?

Based on last year’s testing results undertaken by the National Capital Authority, the water temperature could be around 16 degrees for the first Lake familiarisation swim, and up to 19 degrees by the time you compete in the November triathlon.

Which triathlons should I sign up for?

The WTTP culminates with a celebration of you completing your first triathlon, the Canberra Tri-a-Tri held on 4 December 2022 at the Stromlo Leisure Centre.

Following on from the WTTP, the 2022-22 will have only just started and there are many other great events that you may like to consider entering. Find the Triathlon ACT events calendar here for more details of local events.

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TESTIMONIALS

I completed the WTTP in 2017. The coaches and helpers are incredibly encouraging, ensuring that no matter what your fitness level is that the program is suitable to your fitness level. I found it a supportive environment, with other women who were also seeking to challenge themselves. I was worried that I was going to be too slow throughout the program but that was never the case. At the end of the program I completed the Canberra Club Tri and now I have now completed a couple more Tris. WTTP was a great program that I can only explain as life changing, it helped me improve my fitness, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and give a fun sport a go. The friendships that I have built through FIT have also been great, encouraging each other as we participate in tris and other events. Gaby, 2017 Participant.

FIT’s Women’s Triathlon Training Program (WTTP) has been a life changer. After having kids, I realised that I needed to do something about my fitness because I just couldn’t keep up. A friend at work told me about FIT and WTTP and encouraged me to sign up. Problem was – I’d only just started running, I could barely swim 50m and I hadn’t ridden a bike in almost 20 years. But after speaking with Jing at the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Expo I decided to give it a go.

What I found in my fellow participants was a group of amazing women that came from a variety of backgrounds and age groups, but had the same goal. We constantly supported one another during every session, and encouraged those of us who thought about giving up to keep going.

Thanks to the wonderful (and incredibly patient) coaches, I can swim up to 1km without stopping…in Lake Burley Griffin; I learned to ride a bike, on the road, as part of a bunch; and I can run better than I have before. Even though our program came to an end, our friendships have continued to grow. Sam, 2017 participant.

The WTTP was truly amazing. I thought the early wake ups would be hell-ish but I ended up loving the early mornings. Exercising is such a great way to start the day and even though I ended up having less sleep, I felt far more energised and able to face the day. It actually made it much easier to work and care for my young kids. My fitness has improved remarkably, I have toned up and lost a whole lot of podge I put on after having two babies. I have also learned some great skills in each of the disciplines, from how to breathe properly when swimming to pacing myself when running and what to yell out when riding in a ‘peloton’. I’ve made some lovely new friends too who I continue to train with. Kate, 2018 participant