The Sovereign Tri Series heads to Canterbury this weekend, with the hosting of the second Christchurch Duathlon in the unique surroundings of Orana Wildlife Park in a twilight event, with races starting from 4:40pm on Saturday.
 Lorraine Walker in October 2014(Photo: Sovereign Tri Series; click to enlarge) |
It will be the first ever Duathlon for Christchurch mother Lorraine Walker, who’s turned her life around in the last two years. Walker has lost 20kgs since February 2014 and with the help of the team at Pumped Personal Training Studio, she’s now more active and healthier than ever.
Walker says it was her children and the greater good of her health were the motivating factors for her taking charge and leading to her considerable weight loss.
“My youngest child is now almost four and I decided I needed to make some changes. I had done all of the fad diets and ‘roller-coastered’ out of control. My thyroid was playing up and the doctor had put me on a drug to control what was happening. The drug would see me dependent on it for the rest of my days. This didn’t seem fair given I’m in my early 30’s. After losing the weight I can confidently say I no longer need the thyroid medication, I’ve taken myself off it. Every blood test I’ve had since I’ve gone off the drug my thyroid level is perfect. I have made a significant lifestyle choice which my partner and children have also endured”.
It’s been a life changing decision for Walker who is extremely proud of what she’s achieved.
“I’ve spent the last year training with the Pumped team and without the support and guidance of my PT Rachel Palmer and Kate Lugtigheid (NZ’s number one PT of 2015) I wouldn’t even consider entering these events. These ladies have pushed me, challenged me, supported me and guided me to be the best I can be. The other ladies I train with all have inspiring stories to tell which only helps me to keep on going”.
Walker initially heard about the Sovereign Christchurch Duathlon when researching running events in the city last year. Quite a few people from her studio have registered, including her personal trainer so she thought she better get involved as well. She’ll be taking part in the Duo with her partner Gary, who has also registered, albeit he was not aware of this fact at the time...
“He happened to be outside mowing the lawns when I signed us both up. He was ‘supportive’ with a ‘what on earth has she done this time’ comment! Gary recently completed in a 10km run which I entered him into as well. This Duathlon will be his first too”.
 Lorraine Walker at the 2015 Pegasus 10km(Photo: Sovereign Tri Series; click to enlarge) |
Walker hasn’t been able to do much training at all for the Christchurch Duo but she’s fairly confident she’ll be able to get the job done on an event that welcomes beginners and takes participants through and past the various animal enclosures on a wild run leg.
“I don’t even own a bike, I have borrowed one. In fact the last time I was on a bike was at home on a stationary one when I was competing in the 20 Week Catch Fitness Challenge throughout winter in 2015. I have done a little bit of running, but being on holiday at the moment certainly hasn’t helped the training regime. The adrenalin of competing and not wanting to fail, as well as the desire to kick off 2016 with a bang will see me achieve all I need to”.
Event Director Stuart Dwight says Walker will be supported every step and pedal of the way.
“This event is about people like Lorraine, what a neat and inspirational story hers is. The top end of the sport might be about lycra and elite athletes, but the Sovereign Tri Series has a strong focus on beginners and participation, encouraging people to push outside their comfort zones but do so without too much stress. Lorraine will have a lot of fun on Saturday in a unique and exciting event.”
Walker has some big goals for 2016 so the Sovereign Series Christchurch Duathlon will be a great way to start the year. Walker wants to complete two half marathons (Christchurch and Saint Clair), run a total of 400km in the year, compete again and be a finalist this time in the Catch Fitness 20 Week Challenge and she’s going to learn to swim and overcome her fear of the water.
Join Lorraine Walker and race through the Orana Wildlife Park in the Duo Christchurch on Saturday the 16th of January. There’s still plenty of time to sign up here.
