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TPT MEMBERS ARTICLES

JENNIFER JONES is 43. She is a nurse and has two grown up children and one daughter of 11. She started training with TPT's mainly for the exercise and to improve her freestyle swimming technique. She finally plucked up the courage to compete in her first triathlon and here is her story......

 I had been swimming with the TPT's (Three Peaks Triathletes) for about four years. I used to overhear other members chatting about their weekend events and thought that I could never do a triathlon. I liked cycling - but had never tried running, so I thought it was out of the question for me.

Then one day at the club I borrowed a book for beginner triathletes - and had a read. According to this book, because I was already a swimmer, the rest would be straightforward. I started to run regularly with a local jogging group and I tried to cycle as often as I could on my old mountain bike.

The Stonehaven winter series was coming up so I applied and paid my fee.

On the day of the event I was nervous to say the least. I nearly didn't go - I was sure I wasn't fit enough. But I told myself - I have to do it or I would just be putting off the inevitable for next time. I knew in my mind I had to go through with it. I wrote a list of everything I needed for each event. I went over and over it - making sure I hadn't forgotten anything.

It was an early start - so, I got up in time to have a hearty breakfast and to drink plenty of fluids - I didn't want to run out of energy. I hoisted my bike onto my Fiesta and off I went.

When I arrived in Stonehaven I recognised two people I knew. That was a help as they kept me calm and showed me around. Bike, helmet and water bottle in position, I then made my way to the changing rooms. I placed my home clothes in a locker and headed to the briefing area.

The event was a 3k run, 8m cycle and a 400m swim. My costume was underneath my cycling clothes and my goggles were around my neck at the ready. No turning back now! I was anxious but the other competitors looked so relaxed. No one really noticed me or was aware that this was my first time. So I just went with the flow, munching on a banana and chewing Jelly Babies in the hope of doing well !!

When the starter went off I just ran - no big deal! Then on to my bike and I just kept going until the end. I then had to strip down to my bathers in the open air - which I found strange. Someone told me to GO and then they kindly scooped up my clothes and shoes and tidied my bike away for me. I grabbed my swim cap and swam as fast as I could.

Hey Presto! I had done it! It didn't matter how long it had taken me. I was just glad it was over - I felt so good!

That was a year ago and I have since done two more. I have recently inherited a really good road bike - with thin tyres (which I am told will make me go faster). I am now in training for the same event and with my new bike and the experience of last year - I will aim to improve my times.

The thing I like about triathlons is that you can do your own thing. You can train at a pace that suits your lifestyle and once you've got started you'll want to keep it up. I love the challenges of it, the variety and getting out in the open air.

If you would like to try - join a local group who will give you all the info you need - GO FOR IT !!