FORMER professional cyclist Taryn Heather continues to build her triathlon credentials, claiming the women’s only event at Allans Flat on Sunday.
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Heather recorded a personal best time of 38.20 minutes to win the 300 metre swim, 13 kilometre cycle and 3km run from a capacity field.
"I wasn't quite sure how I would go, but everything went to plan so it was good," she said.
"Whether I won or not, it didn't really matter, I was just happy with the time I'd done.
"It was just great to see so many women out there.
"To see 200 women out on that course was pretty amazing.”
Originally from Holbrook, Heather, 32, now lives in Wodonga since returning from Europe last year and retiring as a professional cyclist.
Tired of training for just one sport, she decided to focus on triathlon and enjoyed the variety it offered.
"I have the advantage for sure with my cycling but in saying that, because I have cycled so much, I don't really have any kind of running legs,” she said.
“So for me to start running again, it hurts the body a fair bit."
Heather used Sunday’s event as preparation for longer competitions in coming weeks.
The field at Allans Flat started in waves, so Heather was not sure of her placing as she competed, but said she felt good for the swim and cycle.
"It was actually a bit windy so I think the run felt harder than it should have," she said.
Nadia Mellor, who organised the day with Jo Homer, said 190 individuals and 10 teams took part in the Albury-Wodonga Triathlon Club event.
"It's actually the biggest race that the club has ever held in the 24 years of its history," she said.
"There were many, many first timers who were just prepared to come out and have a go."
Mellor said the triathlon raised more than $5000 for the Look Good Feel Better program, with participation being the main focus.
"Everybody was helping each other, there were lots of nerves, lots of anxiety,” she said.
"Everyone finished, not one person pulled out.
"The last person who came in got as big a cheer as the first."
The organisers thanked all Sunday’s participants and volunteers, pointing out the event’s growth since 35 women took part in the inaugural triathlon in 2009.
"My reason was to get women out there, in the sunlight, exercising, best stress reduction tool they could ever use," Mellor said.
