Pat Smyly (68, Hout Bay) will be one of the oldest participants in the Discovery World Triathlon Cape Town, which takes place on 25 and 26 April. The ITU World Triathlon Series, which finishes in Chicago later this year, will be hosted at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town, making it the second time that this prestigious event will be hosted on the African continent.
According to Smyly, triathlon is particularly suitable for the more mature age group that have picked up injuries from years of marathon running as the three disciplines allow these injuries to heal. “I think my biggest mission has been upgrading road runners to triathlon as, because of the cross training, there is a more balanced approach to exercise and general health. Nearly all the people I approach are terrified of the swim leg but once they’ve taken the plunge and persevered for a few weeks, swimming becomes their favourite discipline.”
His personal challenge is to improve the bike leg. “I grew up on a farm breaking in wild range horses from Lesotho and riding bucking young Jersey bulls. Having to self-propel my mount is not my favourite pastime.”
For Smyly, training time is a bit of a problem as he runs a small access control business. “I believe it’s important to share free time with family, so If family members can be included in the training and even events, that’s top prize.”
He swims at least once a week at Virgin Active Constantia and at Silvermine dam on Fridays for a couple of kilometres. “We’re so blessed in Hout Bay with the beautiful surroundings, so running is an absolute pleasure. However, I do find that with the onset of the years one has to consciously slow down a bit to keep the injuries at bay.”
For him, weekly training for an Olympic distance event needs to increase to six to seven hours two months before an event to finish comfortably.
“My continuing mission will be to help anyone that is interested in getting into the wonderful sport of triathlon. A group of us meets at the Hout Bay yacht club for a pack run every Tuesday at 6pm and afterwards we discuss training for the rest of the week over a drink at the bar,” he concludes.
Newbies to triathlons say the first time out can be a bit daunting but once the bug has bitten, there is no turning back. There is no greater fulfilment than getting active and competing in three different disciplines. It’s the ultimate challenge. If you think you have what it takes, then don’t miss out. The opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best triathletes, on a global stage, doesn’t come around often.
One hundred and thirty elite triathletes from 80 countries will participate in this year’s Discovery World Triathlon Cape Town. This will be the fourth event in the ten city tour, which finishes in Chicago later this year. It is only the second time that a leg of the ITU World Triathlon Series will be hosted on the African continent, with the finish at the brand new Green Point Athletics Stadium.
Participants have the option to enter either the Sprint or Olympic distance and para-triathletes (PT2 – PT5) can enter the Sprint event. Team relays for both distances are also on the schedule and you can participate from the age of 11. The Sprint distance includes a 500m swim, a 20km cycle and a 5km run. The Olympic distance includes a 1 500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run. The minimum age for the Olympic individual is 18 and for teams, 16. Schools are also welcome to enter teams in this special category. Entries close at midnight on 14 April.
Join the action at the V & A Waterfront. For route information or to enter go to: http://www.capetown.triathlon.org/enter/.
Triathlon is for everyone. Come prove it!
