Women's duathlon keeps it real

BY NICOLA WILLIAMS

If the thought of taking part in a duathlon prompts scary images of lycra-clad athletes, fear not.

The REAL women’s duathlon is designed to be achievable for women of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

Beachlands resident Faye Clark has taken part in Sparc events for the past three years.

She completed three events last year and is planning on doing five this year.

"It’s about completing not competing, it’s about getting fit and active and having fun," the retired GP says.

"Women often feel anxious about going into something with cute young things in lycra but anyone can do this and not feel like they stick out and everyone’s watching them."

The duathlons, held in 10 locations throughout the country, are designed to encourage women to experience the benefits of active lives.

"We are more than a duathlon – we are a way of life," event director Jane Patterson says.

"One of the features that makes the REAL duathlons so popular is their welcoming, ‘we’re all women in this together’ atmosphere.

"We say to women: Do it for yourself, whatever your age, level of fitness or personal challenges.

"Because women are naturally encouraging of others, we know the personal benefits they experience will rub off on their partners, families and friends," Ms Patterson says.

The course is achievable for most levels of fitness and women can choose whether they walk, jog, run or do a combination for the on-foot sections.

They can complete the whole 15km course by themselves or in a relay team sharing the three legs of a 3.5km walk/run, 10km bike, and final 1.5km walk/run.

Dr Clark says while working as a GP in south Auckland she helped people get active and believe they were capable of doing things they didn’t think they could.

She is now feeling the benefits of improving her own lifestyle.

"I have lost considerable weight. That’s also through healthy eating. I’m doing what I told my patients to do."

She has done many tracks including the Milford Sound which she says she couldn’t have done five years ago.

Dr Clark says it’s "delightful" to see men and children on the sidelines cheering on the women.

She was also heartened to see women in the same family doing it together, in some cases represented by three generations.

The Manukau event is at Ambury Park on May 2.

For other venues and dates, registrations and training tips go to www.realduathlon.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News