Triathlon goal 10 years in the making
Wed 01 November 2006
Jenny Meager, Journalism
For one Noosa Triathlon competitor the dream to compete, and complete the race, had been 10 years in the making and training.
Janean Proctor competed at this year’s triathlon alongside 5000 other competitors in the heart of Noosa on Sunday, October 29.
Mrs Proctor, 52, said it was her personal goal to eventually make the Noosa Triathlon to help keep her fitness up and motivated.
“When my first husband died I took up physical fitness so I didn’t have to rely on prescription medication to get through that difficult time,” Mrs Proctor said.
“I started swimming because my children were learning to swim and it was the most convenient sport to take up.”
“Then some friends and I formed a tight-knit group and we progressed into swimming and eventually some of us into cycling.
“We first entered triathlons in the team events. We started with Golden Beach, Twin Waters and Bribie Island. I got the bug after that and wanted to start competing individually.”
Mrs Proctor said the Noosa Triathlon was the group’s ultimate goal, but it took her up to 10 years to work up to it.
She said the challenge eventually became one she wanted to complete on her own.
“It turned from a fun, social group of girls competing for the love of sport and turned into my own, personal goal,” she said.
Mrs Proctor said her nerves were overwhelming at this year’s event, but subsided once the race began.
“I had pre-race jitters before this year’s triathlon and was a bit overwhelmed, but once I began the nerves were overcome by the will to finish and achieve my goal once more, after competing in 2004,” Mrs Proctor said.
“The swim was very rough with many better swimmers struggling to find space to pass the slower ones. The marker buoys were hard to see above the choppy water and it was difficult to stay on course.“
Mrs Proctor said it was a relief to finally see the crowds on the beach after the swim and the flags that marked the exit.
“The adrenalin was rushing while running up the sand to the transition area and finding your bike amongst the 2500 racked and waiting to be dismounted,” she said.
Mrs Proctor said the cycle leg was her best, despite the heavy winds and the better cyclists rushing past in packs.
“The biggest challenge was the 3.5 kilometre climb followed soon after by the descent where elite competitors reach speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour and the ambulance sits at the bottom at the ready if any accident happens.
“The run was better than expected. The highlight was the locals who had their hoses going to cool us down.”
“It is hard to describe the feeling of elation as the finish line approaches. Tears of joy begin to well in your eyes and relief.
“The best part is the slow walk through the cold showers and the chat to fellow competitors as your relive the previous three hours.
Mrs Proctor said one highlight at this year’s event was competing alongside her brother, which kept her motivated. Mrs Proctor’s nephew also competed this year for his first Noosa Triathlon.
Image(s) designed by Jenny Meager