Real women putting fitness first

An event that encourages women of all ages, shapes and sizes to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while having fun takes place in Orewa this month.

The REAL Women’s Duathlon is a series of run/walk and cycle events that take place around the country from February to April and is ideal for women who began the New Year with a resolution to improve their health and wellbeing.

Among those signed up to take part in the Orewa leg of the event on February 25 is a group of 10 Hibiscus Coast women who met at the Fun & Fitness boot camp run by Laurinda Howarth in Red Beach towards the end of last year.

The women are doing the duathlon as individuals, but training together.

Elaine MacKenzie of Red Beach says after she lost more than 20kgs last year the boot camp started her on the road to fitness. This is her first duathlon and she says the support of the other women has been invaluable.

“I’ve learned it doesn’t matter what your starting point is when it comes to fitness,” Elaine says. “A lot of it is mind over matter; you just have to believe you can do it, and have a go.”

First-time REAL Duathlon entrant Paula Whitley agrees, saying the team work and camaraderie of training together is the main reason she’s remained motivated to do the duathlon.

She says she played squash and other sports regularly but put those activities on the back burner once she had children.

“When you’ve got a family, there’s always a reason to prioritise things other than fitness,” Paula says.

This will be Linda McCaughan’s third REAL Duathlon, but will be the first time she has run the 5km instead of walking it. Linda, who lives in Stanmore Bay, says taking part in activities recharges the batteries not only physically, but also mentally.

“The sense of achievement is huge after something like the REAL Duathlon, so the benefits are more than just physical,” Linda says. “It empowers you to try other things.”

The duathlon involves a 3.5km walk or run, 10km cycle, followed by 1.5km walk or run. This year a 5km walk/run is being held alongside the duathlon at all venues.

Info: www.realseries.co.nz Entries can be made online until February 21.

Image: From left, Paula Whitley, Elaine MacKenzie and Linda McCaughan.