Have you ever had family members or ‘non-tri-friends’ look at you like you’re actually just stupid. I mean, “Why would you WANT to do all this training?” or “Why would you want to get up at 4am every day just to swim/cycle/run?” and “why go to all that effort?”
Well, YES, we have all had THAT look.
Well, YES, we have all had THAT look.
So WHY they ask? The answer is simple:
The Coach, The People and The Progress
 | The coach is the backbone of any team. She is the one who decides the dynamics of the team and the people involved. In our team, we have a coach like no other. Not only has she won many races in her years as a professional athlete, she has inspired so many and taken a multitude of athletes from zero to hero. Lucie Zelenkova always goes the extra mile for her athletes. She takes the time to customize each person’s program according to their ability and goals. She is at every training session and event (even when she’s as sick as a dog) and shouts encouragements and criticisms at us. Luc has an incredible eye for technique and is great at “fixing” ours. Every person who has had the privilege of training under Lucie will agree that they have soared under her guidance. The best thing about our coach is that she trains with us. She always keeps an eye on our efforts and is quick to notice when something is “off”. She knows when we need to be pushed and when we just need a day to recover from life. |
I am a firm believer that any team is only as good as its coach, and the happy family that we have become is privy to this.
The people that make up our team come from a very wide scope. From first timers, to ‘shuffle-alongers’, to the world champs…we are one team. There is respect for your fellow teammate and whether you’re a podium achiever or the first loser, we are all treated with the same veneration. Whether you know it or not, every person has a goal; whether it’s to conquer an open water swim, complete a marathon or achieve the ultimate race in Kona.
The people that make up our team come from a very wide scope. From first timers, to ‘shuffle-alongers’, to the world champs…we are one team. There is respect for your fellow teammate and whether you’re a podium achiever or the first loser, we are all treated with the same veneration. Whether you know it or not, every person has a goal; whether it’s to conquer an open water swim, complete a marathon or achieve the ultimate race in Kona.
 | have some really special people that make up our team. Kim Dovey achieved first place this year in the short course world championships in Mexico. Yes, number one…IN THE WORLD!!! Desi Dickinson went to KONA for the second year in a row. I mean, which normal (non-pro) athlete can actually say that? She came 7th in her age-group…IN THE WORLD!!! These two ladies are absolute power women and they inspire so many of us with their humility and support for their mates! The respect we have for them has been earned. |
| Then there’s Chantelle. In one year alone, this superhero did IM70.3 Buffalo city, Two Oceans 56km, Comrades, IM70.3 Durban, Soweto Marathon and many in-between. Seriously? She has done 2 Full IM’s and doing it again next year. Always smiling and willing to help out where she can. You inspire so many Chantsy! We’re all in awe of you and what you continue to achieve! At Ironman P.E. this year, Garron Mosley was the fastest AG home! He is a loyal and consistent athlete and his hard work teaches us all a lesson in dedication. |  |
 | Our boys are all wonderful gentlemen. Always hanging slightly back to look after the ladies, help with puncture repairs and moral support - each one special in their own way. From John who cares enough to cycle with the ladies from home to the cradle, to Craig who knows what ‘bacon’ means and Rory who always gets us the best deals. Then there’s Johnny who supplies the serious notes in the team and Eugene who helps with sunburn prevention. GQ always has a kind word and Ty is constantly encouraging us to be better. Aubs and Darian are our techies and are ever so ready to assist us. There are many more, and you all make a positive impact on us gals. Thanks! |  |
The ladies are true friends. Often when a bunch of “chicks” are together, things tend to go slightly haywire! And even though our ladies LOVE ‘chicking’ the guys, it’s all fun and games with a hint of seriousness. We can always laugh at ourselves and just get on with it. Jess is the sweetest and most caring person ever. Willing to help in any way she can and her group of athletes have huge respect for her
 |  LB and Estie are our mountain biking experts and always ready to assist those of us who are ninnies. We are just a fun bunch and love spending time together. The fact of the matter is that we all need each other to maintain and improve ourselves. Being an athlete (and I specifically say ‘athlete’ because we have everything from triathletes to off-roadies to runners to decathletes) is hard work but we wouldn’t change it for the world! |
Then, of course, we have the BEST SUPPORTERS ever!!! Most of us would never be where we are today if it wasn’t for the understanding and support we receive from our families and friends. Family functions are only allowed to be held on Sunday afternoons – after our long ride or long run. We also have strict bed times, so we need to be home by latest 8PM so we can get enough rest before our next training session in the morning. We are grumpy when we are forced to skip a training session and grumpy if we are tired. We are grumpy before a race (blamed only on nerves) and we are grumpy leading up to a race too because we are tired.
  | BUT AFTER THE RACE, we are the best people to be around! Kim Voller you stand out as being one of our favourite supporters! Always ready with your go-pro to capture our moments! Grant, our days would not be the same without you! Nobody is better at putting smiles on our faces! And I have to mention my own personal crew. My dad and hubby win the prize for best supporters this year at the IM70.3 Durban race. My dad with his go-pro attached to his helmet riding his bike and Chris sitting backwards with my camera. Haha, people were asking me why the heck I was getting all this media attention??? Above right is Kim’s super support team, her sister one of her biggest admirers! |  |
To sum up this year, I’d say we did it team! We made it through another year of training hard and living life to the fullest! We survived all our challenges and made it to the finish line. It wasn’t easy, it never is; but is it worth it they ask…? HELL YES!
Let’s do it all again next year guys. New challenges, new goals, new experiences and more progress! Let’s do it. Let’s make history!
Let’s do it all again next year guys. New challenges, new goals, new experiences and more progress! Let’s do it. Let’s make history!
TRIFACTRI – the team to beat!
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