Frenchwoman Patricia Bannwarth has been living in New Zealand two years now and finds triathlon the perfect way to see new places and meet new people.
She discovered the sport by chance in France, when she stumbled upon a race in Orleans (about 130km southwest of Paris) while out on a walk. Noticing the people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels taking part Patricia decided that one day one of those competitors crossing the finish line would be her.
After moving to New Zealand with her family in 2008, it was once again by chance that she found the Contact TriWoman Series and quickly registered. Patricia competed in her first triathlon in Maraetai on February 8th 2009 one week after her 51st birthday.
This season she will again compete in a handful of events, but has had to overcome some physical battles to get to where she is today.
As a former gymnastics coach, Patricia developed a serious back injury that continued to deteriorate over time and forced her to have urgent surgery.
"As a gymnastics coach you help the girls during difficult exercises and with the speed of impact it can be hard on the body,” she says.
"It began with strong back pain but it's only when I was unable to walk properly that I saw a doctor. I had a slipped disc and was operated on in emergency. It took me almost a year to walk properly and I have done a lot of cycling and walking to recover. Now my leg is just a little weaker and get tired faster.
"I'm really one of the lucky ones (some people don't recover so well) and my handicap is insignificant compared to when I see amputees finishing an ironman. I can't find any excuse for not finishing a shorter distance.”
While in New Zealand, competing in triathlon events has offered Patricia the bonus of being able to travel around the country and soak in new sights and sounds while meeting like-minded people.
In 2010/11 she will travel to Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington and Takapuna to tackle events.
"Entering races in triathlon or another sport is a good way to discover a country. You will run or cycle in beautiful places you will never visit if you are just a tourist.
"I’ve met really nice people at each race and I'm looking forward to see them again this year, I'm also in touch with some ladies via the TriWoman forum.”
Patricia has been doing a great deal of training over winter including running events in Huntly and Taupo as well as the Hamilton half marathon.
She says the secret to her exponential improvement in running comes down to a very special coach – her dog, a German pointer who is always keen for a long hard run.
"I was unable to run for more than three minutes two years ago but this year I finished my second Auckland Marathon. I’m still very slow but I managed to run the whole distance.
"It’s only because of triathlon that I began to run and now I can also join my husband and sons on races. After competing you feel alive even though you’re so tired.”
