Selwood 5 ready to take on Western Sydney Ironman 70.3 on 29 Nov
Four OCTC members will make their Half Ironman debut this Sunday, under the watchful eye of life member, coach and triathlete Tony Selwood. Trini Allen, Mark Coleman, Andrew Glastonbury and Kylie Selwood (Tony’s daughter) are all raring to go for the Western Sydney Ironman 70.3 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith, along with coach and mentor Tony. Also racing are members Bridgitte Burge and Jacob Evans (any other Piranhas out there racing this Sunday?).
The ‘Selwood 5’ have dominated lane 3 of the aquatic centre (25m and 50m) , the velodrome, and other spots around Orange to get their k’s up in preparation. They were interviewed before the race and here are some snippets:
Trini Allen: Age group 45-49
Why did I sign up for the 70.3 Western Sydney Triathlon?
After trying and competing in the world of triathlons locally with the OCTC doing Sprint distances which I found VERY challenging I was determined to improve.
I started training with Mark and Tony once a week on Sundays (or maybe sometimes it was once a fortnight). Tony has had vast experience in Triathlons and Mark and I were, and still are, like a couple of sponges wanting to know more and more. Tony signed with his daughter Kylie for the Half Ironman in Penrith and suggested we sign up too. Not only did Tony recruit myself and Mark but his running partner Andrew Glastonbury, so now we are a team of 5. OMG! We have to swim 1.9km, ride 90km and run 21km!
How do you feel a few days out?
After training for approx. 10 months under the guidance of Tony, I now find myself prepared but nervous and scared with only 4 days to go. My personal expectation is to simply just finish crossing the line under the time allowed and wish my training partners who are my friends the best of luck as well!
Mark Coleman: Age group 55-59
What’s your goal?
Hopeful times . 45/3.5/2.5. And to finish is the main goal.
Has training been hard?
Hardest point is the fitting all the training in while keeping life somewhat normal.
Andrew Glastonbury: Age group 50-55
What’s been the best about your training?
I have enjoyed the step up in intensity & distance to the 70.3 Ironman and very much enjoyed the camaraderie of training with a group of like-minded people, striving to achieve the same goal. Our swimming sets have been great and the long bike sessions in and around the hills of Orange pretty tough. I am looking forward to the challenge of my 1st 70.3 Ironman and setting a PB!! Also a little daunted by the prospect of starting at 6.30 and finishing sometime Sunday afternoon !!
Thanks to our mentor Tony Selwood who has managed to get us all to the starting line, the rest is up to us !!
Kylie Selwood: Age group 18-24
A goal for the race?
After being sick through my training I am just hoping to finish in my first long distance Triathlon race. Swimming will be my strongest leg.
Tony Selwood: Age group 50-55
And final thoughts from the coach?
Rock on Sunday, I know Kylie and my other training buddies will do well. Good luck to all the other Orange Triathlon Club members racing at Penrith. See you all at Western Sydney 70.3 Sunday. Enjoy the day.
OCTC wishes them well. For any of our members with upcoming races, race previews, interviews and results are always welcome!