It’s an unexplainable feeling, crossing the finish line. But over 100 ladies did so at Barrhead’s fourth annual Queen of Hearts Triathlon Sept. 21.
For Baukje Strawson, she can only describe that final moment as a wave of relief combined with pride of accomplishment.
This was the third Queen of Hearts for the 32-year-old Barrhead resident, who said she took part because it was a wonderful goal to work towards, and a great way to stay fit.
“It is always a great time,” said Strawson. “You meet new and wonderful people every year.”
The experience of training and participating in triathlons has been more rewarding for Neerlandian Simone Tuininga than she could ever have hoped for.
Besides the obvious benefits of losing weight, toning up, and getting into shape, 33-year-old Tuininga said she has more energy, patience with her four children, and confidence to take on the day instead of just surviving it.
“I think too often us moms feel like we are in a position where we can’t do anything for ourselves because our lives are centred around our kids, husband, house etc,” she said. “But I discovered that by getting active, it benefited everyone.”
Most of the time during a race, Tuininga said she is often telling herself it was a mistake to enter, she didn’t train hard enough, it’s too hard to continue.
Why on earth did she sign up to do his?
“But as soon as you cross the finish line, there is a real rush and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment,” said Tuininga. “Within minutes I’m ready to sign up for another one.”
Once she finished the race, Tuininga also found joy in watching others meet the same accomplishment.
The crowd cheered for every woman who came in, said Tuininga. It didn’t matter if they knew the person arriving, the cheering was loud regardless.
“Everyone is so proud of every women crossing that finish line. It’s such a great atmosphere,” she said. “I think that is one thing that keeps people coming back. The atmosphere at the finish line.”
For 58-year-old Margaret Osborne from Barrhead, it wasn’t only a sense of personal accomplishment waiting for her at the end of the race.
“This year I had a special surprise at the finish line – two of my three grandkids where cheering me on, ‘Go, Grammy, Go!’” said Osborne. “What a wonderful surprise. I hope I can be a role model for them to be active throughout their lives.”
In the last four years Osborne has completed eight triathlons, four of those being the Queen of Hearts.
Osborne said she thinks it’s great to have a local triathlon, and important as Barrhead is a very active community. From Women on Wheels to the Barrhead Kinsman Aquatic Centre, she said there are many ways for women to improve their fitness.
“Most important to me, however, is I have made many friends with similar interests and we all are supportive and encouraging of each other,” said Osborne. “I retired from teaching in 2010 and my tri training/half marathon activities moved right into to fill my free time.”
Osborne is already looking forward to 2015, when she will be “kicking butt” in the 60+ age group.
For Barrhead resident Tonya Card, signing up for the Queen of Hearts Triathlon was, in many ways, a life-changing event.
“I never actually thought I could do it,” said Card. “My only goal was to not get hauled off by an ambulance.”
Card said she began training 15 pounds heavier, unhappy and unhealthy. Six months in she had lost eight pounds, and everything was going well.
Unfortunately, seven weeks before the race, she suffered a torn ACL injury in her left knee.
“On crutches, I hobbled to the pool and continued with my training. I couldn’t kick at all, needing a float between my legs for the whole swim,” said Card. “My physiotherapist, Murry Tuininga, got me on an exercise bike which I couldn’t even get the pedals all the way around. I was so disappointed that all my training to this point seemed to be for nothing.”
That is, until she realized she had nothing to lose. Reminding herself of her original goal, Card found herself determined to finish the race.
Although it wasn’t the fastest time, she achieved her goals against the odds.
Card continued with her training, and did three races the next season. The following December she had ACL reconstruction surgery, recovered, and kept training.
She has since completed 10 triathlons, and is now a community trained triathlon coach, fitness trainer, swimming coach, Queen of Hearts Triathlon Committee member, and athlete.
“I often hear people tell me that they could never do a triathlon. I said it too, but I did it,” said Card. “Anyone can, everyone can.”
