Spirit of togetherness at Ambury
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Our Ambury Park duathletes in Manukau on Sunday showed just how fantastic women are at supporting each other during our non-competitive events. Many times throughout the morning women stopped to help others along the way – often complete strangers. These Good Samaritans demonstrated the spirit of cooperation that our REAL duathlons foster – that feeling that we’re all here to exercise together and encourage each other.
At Ambury, we were impressed by the mums who had just given birth and used the duathlon as an incentive to get back in shape. There were other inspirational women who had injuries or disabilities and who used the duathlon and training for the event as their means of regaining their strength and sense of purpose in life.
We also love to receive duathletes’ emails later in the day as they return home and reflect on their event. Felicia is a good example. Ambury was her first duathlon and, before training for the event, she hadn’t ridden a bike for 15 years. This mum of five started running for fitness less than a year ago and is now a group fitness instructor. “I was an overweight child and an obese adult, so I can appreciate the struggle that women have in taking the first steps forward to becoming healthy and active because I have been there,” she says. “Today's event was my first ever duathlon but definitely not the last! It was such a fun event - amazing friendly participants, encouraging marshals and awesome goodies! The organisation from the info evening to the event has been incredible! Thank you for thinking of everything and for making us girls feel so special! “In my 'other life', I am a mother of five so time is always an issue. Needless to say, your on-line training programs make training 'do-able', even for me. “After the event I would quite happily have come home to have a nap but there was dinner to be cooked, bruises to kiss, washing to be turned on, reading to be listened to. And as I type this e-mail there are lunch boxes to be packed, uniforms to be ironed and homework to be signed. No different to any other day really but today is different. Today I am completing all of these chores basking in the after-glow of having become a Duathlete!!! “Thank you again for a great event!” Felicia says.
The atmosphere after everyone had crossed the finish line was like being at a party. Everyone cheered for those who won the spot prizes. Adding to the party spirit were the women who “dressed up” for the occasion. They looked great and will have some memorable photos from our event photographers to look back on.
Don’t forget that we will be back at Ambury Park for the finale to our 2010 season on May 2. We look forward to meeting everyone and hope to see many women returning to repeat their fantastic exercise experience. Kind regards Jane Patterson Event Director |
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