Liz Stephensen-Payne has attended several GO TRI events in the Leeds area and once again has her sights set on the GO TRI this year at AJ Bell 2021 World Triathlon Leeds.
“I’ve always enjoyed running, walking and swimming and I’d started cycling just after my 60th birthday. As I’m a Leeds Girls Can Ambassador trying to encourage women into being active, I was asked if I would be part of a group trying out a short training programme for women who had never done a triathlon starting in January 2019,” said Stephensen-Payne.
“As a group we swam, ran and cycled together and became a team of enthusiastic GO TRIers, we really bonded and supported each other. My personal experience was very much around the bonding and support as I wasn’t in it for a prize or personal best. My abiding memory is running towards the finish line (last) with a crowd yelling my name. It was wonderful.”
GO TRI is British Triathlon’s introductory programme of activities, with local organisers hosting GO TRI Events and Active sessions across the country to provide accessible opportunities for newcomers to give multisport a go.
“I’m doing the GO TRI as part of the Leeds series in June and I hope to take part in Leeds-based GO TRI activities when they happen,” said Stephensen-Payne.
Looking ahead to the GO TRI at AJ Bell 2021 World Triathlon Leeds, she recommends GO TRI as a great introduction to the sport, saying: “GO TRI is especially for those people who are interested but intimidated by the full triathlon. It’s also good to cross train and this is an opportunity to do that and compete at the same time.
“Definitely start with a GO TRI, even if you’re good at one activity it will give you a chance to find out what you need to improve. You can move up to sprints and full when you feel more comfortable with your weaker activity. For instance, my running and swimming are good enough for a sprint distance but my cycling isn’t, so I’m doing GO TRI this year and hopefully next year a sprint.”
When reflecting upon the last 12 months and the interruption to the multisport schedule, Stephensen-Payne said: “Funnily enough it’s helped. Apart from swimming, my cycling has improved and I’ve been able to get out either running or walking most days. I’ve put on a couple of pounds due to a comfort addiction to almond croissants.”
Entries are now closed for the GO TRI at AJ Bell 2021 World Triathlon Leeds, however you can find GO TRI events and sessions in your local area using the link below.
