How did you get started in triathlon?
I came from a running background and enjoyed half marathon distance, and have completed 250+ to date. I was looking for a new challenge and a friend invited me to try a club swim session.
What do you love most about the club?
The club is like having a huge extended family! The friendships and memories made will last me a lifetime. Everyone is equal regardless of ability.
What is your advice to someone thinking about starting triathlon?
Be warned, it’s addictive! Triathlon can seem daunting, but with the right advice, support and coaching from the qualified coaches at the club, it’s a great sport to be involved in, whatever your age or aspirations.
How did you get started in triathlon?
I started running after having my son 18 years ago to try and lose some baby weight! I didn’t lose the weight by running alone, but I did (eventually) develop a love of running. The mental health benefits far outweighed the physical for me. From there I decided to try a triathlon, did my first Hereford Triathlon in 2016 and ended up joining the club!
What do you enjoy most about the club?
I love that we have members from all walks of life, all ages, all different sizes and abilities. Everyone supports each other, and cheers each other on. It doesn’t matter whether you join just to keep fit or if you’re training for an Ironman. We do all like a laugh too, which helps!
What is your advice to anyone thinking about getting into triathlon?
Do it! Don’t overthink it and definitely join a club to develop confidence, keep you motivated and enjoying the training, especially through winter. There’s no way I would head out for a run on a dark, wet Wednesday evening without the club, or a long bike ride on a cold Sunday morning. The coffee and cake stop also helps! The swim coaching from the club is also invaluable.
How did you get started in triathlon?
I got into triathlons in the mid 90's after a bet over a game of pool. I wasn't particularly sporty and could barely swim (some things haven't changed). But after completing the Hereford Triathlon, I thought I could go faster than that, and 30 years later, I'm still thinking the same thing.
What do you love most about triathlon and the club?
The best thing about doing triathlon is being part of this club, I have met friends, gone to races here and abroad and of course the training together.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about getting started in triathlon?
The best advice I could give anyone thinking about doing triathlons, is to give it a go. It doesn't matter how fast or slow you go, completing the race will give you an amazing sense of achievement, but be warned they can be addictive!
How did you get started in triathlon?
I started triathlon after retiring from international rugby. I wanted to stay fit and active and enjoy a sport which would fit in with my busy job.
What do love most about the club?
That it’s for everybody - all shapes, sizes, ages, personalities. For complete beginners to age group internationals.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the club?
Do it! It may feel scary but we’re a friendly bunch who’ll help you. Most importantly, you’ll have fun.
What would be your best advice to someone thinking about starting triathlon?
Choose a race to suit you.
Ask anything - there are no stupid questions.
Use the club sessions, you’ll get great coaching, support and advice.
Have fun!
Say hello to our Graham!
Graham is a regular ‘Nifty Niners’ cycle group leader, making sure everyone stays together, we don’t get lost and no one gets dropped. He’s also very calm, very supportive and always gives great advice to those who struggle on the hills (i.e. me!)
Graham is also our newly appointed Race Director for this year’s Multisport Festival.
What is your favourite discipline and why?
Cycling, because running hurts and swimming is pants.
What do you enjoy most about the club?
The friendliness and the support from everyone.
What would be your advice to anyone thinking about taking up triathlon?
Listen to all the advice you can, and find what works for you.
How did you get started in triathlon?!
I haven't! I don't like getting my hair wet! Or face in water! I knew a few people from the club that ran, I then started cycling and wanted a group of people to enjoy cycling with! Not been near a pool yet! But never say never!
What’s your favourite discipline and why?
Cycling is my favourite!! Love going out with the club and over the last few years taking part in the TTs. Since Covid Zwift has also added another element of cycling to club members! I LOVE this computer game and allows me to depoly the 4 degree rule!! ....outdoors above 4degrees indoors below!
What do you enjoy most about the club?
I love the people! How we all come together with different strengths and disciplines and support each other as a team.
What would ve your advice to anyone thinking about getting started in triathlon?
Maybe I need advice as I have yet to do a triathlon only experience of one duathlon! Join the club even if you have currently no desire to compete in a triathlon but love one or two of the disciplines.
How did you get started in triathlon?
Weight training at Greyfriars gym where the Tri club was originally based. Ran with Wye Valley runners then decided to do a bit of bike and running together. Joined the tri club and entered 1st duathlon in 1993, progressed to triathlon and never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about the club?
Love the friends you make along the way on their Triathlon journeys. The club is one massive team of fabulous people.
What would you say to someone thinking about getting started in triathlon?
I'm living evidence that anyone can do it! Plan your path to whichever distance you want to achieve then get on the journey.
How did you get started in triathlon?
I've always been into fitness, mainly running, but also the gym and I'd dabbled in a bit of 'spin'. In 2018, I wanted more of a challenge and decided to give the clubs triathlon, held in Leominster, a go. I loved it but knew I needed help to improve my swimming so joined the club and haven't looked back.
What’s your favourite discipline?
It's always been running for me, it's where I'm most confident, but I'm learning to love swimming and cycling too (slowly!!)
What do you enjoy most about the club?
The club is an amazing place. So many people of different abilities and different goals, but it caters for everyone and all the members are so supportive of one another. There's so much knowledge in the club - someone will always answer your questions when you're just starting out and there's always someone who can fix your puncture on a group ride!
What would be your advice to something thinking about getting into triathlon?
Just go for it. Get in touch and come along to one of our sessions or sign up for our multi sport event in June. It's a great event for newbies and they'll be plenty of people on hand to guide you. You won't regret starting your triathlon journey, it's a brilliant sport to be part of.
So how did you get started in triathlon?
A friend persuaded me to enter the Hereford Triathlon 2 years ago over a glass of wine. It must have been a large glass of wine as I couldn't swim crawl, hadn't cycled a bike for 20 years and had never run 5K in my life!
What’s your favourite discipline?
Swimming - Thanks to the patience and enthusiasm of the coaches - and the laughs we have in the slow lane!
What do you enjoy most about the club?
Everyone is so friendly and supportive whether you are training for an Iron Man or just trying to keep fit enough to enjoy running 5k like me!
What would be your advice to someone thinking about taking up triathlon?
It’s never too late to try something new or take up a challenge. Whether that challenge is entering a triathlon evebt or running a 5k, everyone starts somewhere.
So how did you get started in triathlon?
I joined a tri club (up north) in 2007 because I wanted to lose weight. I didn't want to just run and you have to swim A LOT to use enough calories. I loved the sport so much that I completed my L1 Coach qualification in 2014 and my L2 in 2015.
What’s your favourite discipline?
I don't have a favourite, only a least favourite which is... running, surprise!
What do you enjoy most about the club?
Hereford Tri Club has proved to be a great way to meet new friends and get to know the area after moving here in 2021. Everyone was so friendly and helpful and we've had some great laughs.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about taking up triathlon or joining the club?
My advice to anyone wanting to try tri is to go for it! Don't worry about fancy equipment, you can enjoy the sport with just the basics. Join a club if you can to get hints and tips and coaching and you might find that you've gained a whole new family.
How did you get started in triathlon?
I chatted to a friend at a parkrun in 2019 (we used to pace each other if both there). I’d done a triathlon as a challenge to myself in 2013. She suggested I join the club and introduced me to a run leader then and there. I joined when I got home.
What’s your favourite discipline?
I’m probably best at swimming and it helps a long term ankle problem.
What do you enjoy most about the club?
A chatty Blue Group run. We run about 5km on Wednesdays at 18:15 and never leave anyone behind. I was going to put that as my favourite discipline but not sure the word “discipline” applies.
What is your advice to anyone thinking about getting into triathlon?
Don’t let fear of not being good enough put you off joining the club. My coaching interest is particularly people who don’t consider themselves athletes.
So how did you get started in triathlon?
I did my first Tri in 2016 just to see.... I'd never ridden a proper road bike before and was terrified of "clippy-in pedals." I had a strong belief that I wouldn't be able to do it, so was very surprised at how much fun I had! After that day, I was hooked!
What is your favourite discipline?
My favourite discipline is running, although outside the race environment, it's probably swimming. Open water, somewhere warm....
What do you enjoy most about the club?
HTC is a vibrant, welcoming club. I always say I'm not a joiner, so becoming part of HTC was a big step. I have made some wonderful friends, met some truly inspiring people and been encouraged by every person in the club. There is a great balance of competitiveness and fun!
What would you say to someone thinking about joining the club, or getting started in triathlon?
I would definitely recommend joining HTC whatever your tri training goals. The club offers so much support, encouragement, information and training sessions for any ability. I did my first tri, then joined. With hindsight, I would definitely have joined the club first!
HTC fills all sorts of gaps for me. I wouldn't be without it!