One Woman, Three Disciplines: My Aberfeldy Triathlon Experience
We were lucky enough recently to speak to Sam Weir who has completed Aberfeldy Triathlon three times as a solo competitor and once as part of a relay team. She was happy to share her experience of our triathlon.
Sam’s First Triathlon
Sam went straight in at the deep end, so to speak, as Aberfeldy Triathlon was her very first triathlon! She came to the idea of doing a triathlon later in life and, as Aberfeldy Triathlon was on her doorstep, she thought she would give it a go. She had about 12 weeks to train for it. As a sports therapist, with a good overall level of fitness and some running experience, she had to pick up on the cycling and open water swimming quickly as she had no previous experience of those.
Having bought an entry level wetsuit and a hybrid bike, Sam completed her first Aberfeldy Triathlon in 7 hours and 50 minutes. She was instantly hooked and remembers her first experience very fondly. Her overriding impression was one of a well -run event.
The split transitions can make things a little tricky, but all the race logistics were spot on, she says, and her kit from Transition 1 was seamlessly transported to Transition 2 so there was never any worry about where her wetsuit was.
Inclusive was another word that came up in our conversation. She never felt that she wasn’t entitled to be there. She was made to feel welcome by other competitors, marshals and spectators alike.
Other Races
Since that first triathlon, Sam has gone onto to do other triathlons including Ironman Cork, the Starman Night Triathlon and the Royal Marines Challenge Triathlon – an iron distance triathlon in Dartmoor. This year, she is training for the legendary Celtman Tri in Wester Ross on 14th June 2025 – respect! She hopes to be back at Aberfeldy Tri this year too if she recovers well from Celtman.
Women in Triathlon
One of the reasons we spoke to Sam was to explore what we could do to encourage more women to take part in Aberfeldy Tri. Sam said there’s no getting away from the fact that it is a middle-distance triathlon with a hilly bike leg which makes it a little tough. However, with the right training and preparation, the race is very “doable.” Sam says there are no real barriers to entry and the sense of achievement at the end of the event is immense. The benefits of training and taking part in a triathlon rolls onto your everyday life and your health. Sam says it brings her mental clarity as well as good fitness.
In common with every athlete on the start line of the swim, there is always a sense of apprehension on the start line but that’s also the buzz of competing – of overcoming those nerves and pushing through until the finish line is in sight.
Sam has since reduced her initial time at Aberfeldy Triathlon by a massive 1 hour and 10 minutes! Her message to anyone, male or female, if they are considering taking part, is not to hesitate. The event is extremely well run and inclusive, and she has only ever had positive experiences at Aberfeldy Triathlon. Be consistent with your training and you will have prepared as best you can.
Good luck Sam with your Celtman, and we hope to see you back with us on 17th August 2025!