Hiya

TriNSW used to run a race for women every year and I think it was marketed for women who had never done a tri before and wanted to have a go.

I've looked through their website but could not find anyting suggesting that they are holding it this year. Does anyone know if they still do something like this?

I'm looking for a goal to train to.... I'm off the fags and need to keep the momentum up and keep myself busy so I do not relapse

Hi theslowone

I think you're referring to the "Start the Day" women only triathlon, which is in April sometime, I think. I don't know if it still runs.

There is a also the "Women Only" series of tris - I could only find info about the Melbourne event, but I am sure they are on in all states.

Try this site - http://www.tri-bal.com.au/657.0.html

Cheers

The one in sydney was on in Early Feb I believe out at Penrith. I am sure they will run it again next year.
There is also the Mothers Day fun run which is a pretty good run (4k or 8k). It isn't just for women but there are a lot of chicks and its a very non threatening race to start with!

If you don't mind a trip to Canberra, there is an All-Women's tri normally held in November called the WAG tri (Women and Girls). Great fun, organised by Females in Training - here is their website http://www.fitact.org.au/index.htm

They run a beginner training program for the event, so lots and lots of newbie girls there. Very low key and supportive environment.

Canberra also has Tour de Femme, an all-female cycle event as well - also held in November and a women and girls fun run on 1 April (5k run).

Hi theslowone,

Muzman is right its the 'Start the Day' triathlon, here is the link:

http://www.trinsw.org.au/

You will see it on the left hand side. Apart from this one I am not sure if there are any women only ones left in NSW.

Some great newbie triathlons you could check out close to home consider these:

* Newcastle New FM: http://www.newcastletriclub.org.au/race/default.aspx
500m swim, 18k ride, 4km run

* Sparke Helmore: http://www.sparkenbntriathlon.com.au/
500m swim, 15k ride, 4km run

Whilst you have missed out on them for this year they both offer a great environment for a first triathlon.

Check out the Central Coasts Triathlon Club, I think they are based at Mingara (or somewhere near there) http://www.mingaratri.org.au/ As part of their club they have a race every month. Joining a club is also a great way to get into the sport. I am in the Newcastle Triathlon Club and my whole family gets involved.

Cheers,

Danny

This is not a women only race but it's a novice event I'm hoping to do in May. http://www.t3events.com.au/atctc/noviceTri.htm out at Penrith. 300 swim/10 ride/3 run

Thanks for the info guys. I've missed the one I wanted to try so maybe the Canberra one might be worth training for. (keep telling the OH we should move to ACT.... )

I only have a mountain bike - is that ok? I have to admit I bought it years ago and have never used it. I have this insane fear that I will be our riding somewhere and get a flat tyre. I have no idea how to fix one I've got a learning curve as well I guess with bike maintenance? Someone needs to run a course

The tri club at Mingara was something I was considering but at the moment I am still unfit and overweight so would feel really self conscious?

Mothers Day Classic sounds like a great plan and i should probably send in entry to keep myself motivated.

But still not smoking so happy happy days!!! I can breathe again!!!!

Mountain bike is fine, lots of girls just ride whatever bike they have. I borrowed my sister's hybrid bike (cross between a mountain bike and a road bike) which I had to drag out of the shed and dust the cobwebs off.

If there is a local bike shop nearby then you can take your bike in and ask them to show you how to change a tyre. Seriously, they are used to it and hopefully will be good value and take you through what you need to know. I am still petrified of flat tyres, but after a spate of them last year, I have now learned how to change them. Like most things in life, it is all just practice and confidence.

I reckon a beginner bike maintenance class would be a corker of an idea, particularly if it was targeted for women. There is so much to learn about a bike, and it improves your confidence no end being self sufficient with the bike.

You can also always carry a mobile so you can call someone if you get a flat - sure it is a bit of a cop out, but if it gets you out there riding then it is all good!

Well done for getting off the smokes - I stopped 7 years ago and it is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life - if you can break the smoking habit, then anything else will be easy compared to the determination you need to do that!! I took up exercising as a way to keep my mind off smoking, and it has worked a treat!!

Good luck

Bicycle NSW run these courses quite often, and frequently have a 'women only' theme to seminars, rides, races and workshops.

The website is http://www.bicyclensw.org.au/

If you're in other States, there is a state bicycle organisation for you, too. Just Google!

You can also find organised rides (not races) to give you confidence while riding, if you're out with a group of riders with equal aility to yours, plus an experienced ride leader. You won't even be nervous about getting a flat!