After coming last in the 2009 Contact Tri Series 393 event in Rotorua, Mathew Fiskin could’ve easily thrown in the towel.
Instead, he decided to hit the training beat hard during winter and is now poised to put himself to the test once again.
Only this time around he’s stepped up to the standard distance which involves a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run.
Still in just his second season of triathlon, Mathew is confident he now has the fitness behind him to put in a proud effort.
"I knew I had to be able to do better than last year’s race. I was so unfit - I only had a two week build-up and it was my first triathlon,” he says.
"I found out after the 393 that I really couldn't swim, so learning that was first challenge.”
Mathew has been training hard with his girlfriend Nicky, who also enjoys competing in triathlons.
They joined their local triathlon club (Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport) and have been attending sessions several times a week.
"I’m still a bit underdone due to work (as a vet at the Rotorua Vet Club) given it’s the busy period but I’m catching up.
"This year’s Rotorua Contact Tri should be a good challenge. I’m using it as a build up to the Rotorua half ironman.
"The standard distance will be the longest triathlon I’ve ever done. Swimming in the Blue Lake in November can be a bit chilly but we’ll see how I go!”
"I love the shared pain the race. It’s not just competing against other people but also against yourself.
"You get out on race day what you put into training.”
