Could FIT be the right fit for you?
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Running clubs are growing in popularity and it’s easy to see why.
You have a group of other runners to keep you honest, you are outside in nature, you have a coach who helps you train, and – once you’ve finished – you have your coffee with new friends and then start your day, happy hormones circulating.
Add the fact that since COVID and the introduction of working-from-home, lots of us are missing the feeling of just hanging out with friends. Getting fit now has a whole new meaning.
One such running club in Canberra – aptly named FIT – Females in Training – offers running, as well as cycling and swimming, all in central Canberra locations. So, you can take your pick and focus on one program or do all three – and discover a love of triathlon!
“The WTTP program sparked a love for triathlon in me. I hadn’t played organised sport since leaving high school so when I moved back to Canberra, I decided to challenge myself with setting a goal outside of study/work,” says FIT participant Nithya Matthew (pictured above completing the Husky Tri after the Women’s Triathlon Training Program).
There is always time for socialising after an event!
A great way to start is with FIT’s annual Women’s Triathlon Training Program (WTTP), now open for registrations and beginning on Tuesday 8 October with a welcome event in Yarralumla.
This eight-week program will train you in running, cycling and swimming, with an end goal of the Tri 4 Fun short triathlon at Mt Stromlo on Sunday 1 December – following by the FIT Christmas party where you can celebrate your shared achievement with new friends!
Every year the WTTP welcomes women of all abilities – from complete novices to long-time athletes looking to get back into the saddle or the pool, or those keen to experience the sport that brings together swimming, cycling and running in the great outdoors.
“The Women’s Triathlon Training Program coaches are enthusiastic, incredibly supportive, and so knowledgeable. I saw and felt myself making huge leaps in both my strength and fitness, and I had so much fun while doing so,” says Nithya.
The 2023 WTTP group at Stromlo after finishing the ‘Try a Tri’ event
FIT’s current members range from age 18 to over 80, who do one, some or all of these activities. And when weight-bearing exercise is off the menu you can join water running classes at several local pools.
FIT is a unique mixture of women at all levels of ability, from beginners right up to highly skilled triathletes – 12 FIT members recently competed at the World Multisports event in Townsville – the first of its kind ever hosted in Australia. For many, it offers the chance to exercise together several times a week to catch up with friends and plan trips away. For a small club run entirely by volunteers, FIT really came into its own during COVID when sometimes going outside and exercising was the only activity we were allowed to do together.
FIT may also be the only female-based tri club in the world. No-one has yet to find another one, but they’re always on the lookout!
“There is nothing better than exercising outdoors in our beautiful city of Canberra with such a friendly group of women. I would recommend the Females in Training WTTP to anyone looking for a new challenge and a sport they can participate in for years and years,” Nithya says.
Run club. Swim Club. Cycle club. Take your pick. If you think it’s time to get your body moving, love the idea of exercising outside in our beautiful Canberra environment and meeting new people, then FIT could just be just the …er..fit for you.
If you are interested in finding out more about FIT, you can visit their website www.fitact.org.au and find out about the WTTP here.
