Inspired to . . . get on 
yer bike!

By Steven Bowron A QUOTE from American sport medicine expert PZ Pearce adorns the website of Edinburgh Triathletes Club — “If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, then triathlons must have taken Him completely by surprise.” You can see PZ’s point. Especially when you consider that on January 1, when most of the nation will be attempting to clear away Hogmanay hangovers, 350 brave souls will take part in the Edinburgh Bicycle New Year’s Day Triathlon. The triple whammy of events starts with a 400-metre swim (437 yards) followed by an 11-mile cycle then a 3.5-mile run round Arthur’s Seat. And Edinburgh nurses and complementary therapists Kathleen Wight and Valerie King won’t just be attempting the gruelling test to give themselves a bracing start to 2005. They also hope to raise £500 for our appeal. Both volunteers at Rachel House, they’ve been meaning to enter the triathlon since it started five years ago, but something always cropped up to prevent them. Divided events They’ve divided up the three events, with Valerie powering the eight lengths of the Royal Commonwealth Pool and Kathleen doing the run and cycle. “I don’t live too far from Holyrood Park and in the past I’ve always gone up to watch and cheer on the triathletes,” says Kathleen (56). “Every year I’ve vowed to do it next time. “Now that I help at Rachel House it has given me the motivation to get on my bike, so to speak! “It seemed natural for me to do the ride as I’ve always been a keen cyclist. I cycle nearly everywhere. In fact, I’m going to start cycling the eight miles to work soon — the only thing that’s stopping me at the moment is that it’s too dark when I leave in the morning.” Currently training four times a week, Kathleen says the hardest part is the 500-foot elevation of Arthur’s Seat — and seeing other riders overtaking her! “It’s manageable,” she says, somewhat doubtfully. “But the spin-off is that it’ll keep me fit over Christmas! “Valerie and I try and do as much as we can together. She comes walking with me, I go swimming with her. She’s going to be in Florida over the Christmas period, but her training will go on.” And there’s one big advantage of Valerie and Kathleen being trained reflexologists and massage therapists — they’re guaranteed a good foot-rub after the slog! Next

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