Think pink women’s triathlon.

Date: 28/07/2010

Dr Michelle Harvie from The Genesis Appeal, the only UK charity dedicated to the prevention of breast cancer took part in last year’s Pink Women’s Triathlon event. She shares her experience, along with some useful tips if you’re preparing for the next pink women’s tri on the 29th August 2010.

How does the Pink Women’s differ from other triathlons you have done?

It’s a great event, everyone is so supportive. I’ve done triathlon before and it can be very competitive and male dominated.  This is such a refreshing change, the women were looking out for (as well as racing) one another. 

You don’t have to be a tip-top triathlete to take part, although you can be. This race is for women of all ages, fitness and shapes and sizes.  Some women taking part were recovering from breast cancer it was fantastic to see such a diverse group of women.

How can women prepare for an event like this?

If you fancy having a go at the whole thing you need to be happy you can complete each of the disciplines so you’re confident putting it all together.  Alternatively if you only want to do either the swim or the run or the bike why not find two friends and make a relay team.

Get advice on what to wear as it’s important to feel comfortable i.e.  Not too hot or cold throughout the race. Check out the weather forecast to be sure you’re dressed suitably.  Changing between each section can be a bit stressful, think though what you will need in advance, make sure you have the right clothing to hand.

Not much can prepare you for how funny it feels to run after riding a bike, it really is very strange. Try to practice this before the event.

Do you have any advice for women thinking of taking part?

1. Don’t try to swim too fast to gain speed on the other racers, the swim is the shortest event but you can overheat quite easily. Save your energy for the bike ride and the run.

2. Drink plenty of water after the swim (leave this in transition) as you get very dehydrated.

3. Make sure you’ve got your clothing well organised in transition.

4. Ensure you have developed road sense on your bike, it’s important to keep safe at all times.

5. Sign up its great fun , honestly.

Who would you recommend the race to?

Anyone who fancies the challenge of the whole event. Or if you only fancy doing one of the disciplines find 2 friends and create your own relay team.

Anyone who wants to raise sponsorship to support vital breast cancer prevention research. There is no age limit; it’s really about taking on a personal challenge and a good fun rewarding day out

What can you tell us about your research with Genesis in terms of reducing the chance of developing breast cancer by doing more exercise?

We have been researching the connection between diet and exercise and reducing the chance of developing breast cancer at the Genesis Prevention Centre for many years now. We’ve found out that women who are a healthy weight and who exercise regularly are 30-40% less likely to develop breast cancer. Likewise exercise and healthy diet can help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and reduce the chance of it coming back by 30-40%.

My team at the Genesis Prevention Centre are currently working on a project called the B-AHEAD study which stands for ‘Breast Activity and Healthy Eating after Diagnoses.  We are recruiting 500 women from the Manchester and Cheshire area to take part in exercise and follow a healthy diet during their first year of breast cancer treatment. Women who live in the Manchester or Cheshire area who have had surgery for breast cancer in the past 10 weeks may be eligible to take part. Please contact   Karen.mckinlay@uhsm.nhs.uk  or 0161 291 4412 for more information we would be happy to hear from you.

Uberfit Events are proud to support Genesis in their fight to prevent breast cancer.  If you would like to join ‘Team Genesis’ taking part in the triathlon on the 29th August, please email Judi Hibbert on judi.hibbert@genesisuk.org