Page 43 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

Focus On – Army Medical Services Triathlon
Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in the UK and the success of Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee in the London 2012 Olympic triathlon has made them household names. This growth in popularity of the sport has been reflected in the Army and the Army Medical Services in particular.
Each triathlon race consists of a swim, followed by a bike leg and finishing with a run. Distances vary from Super Sprint (400m swim/20km bike/5km run) to Ironman (3.8km swim/180km bike/42.2 km run). The equipment requirements for a pool- based triathlon are basic: a swimsuit, goggles, a bike and helmet, and a pair of trainers, with a wetsuit being the only additional item needed if the swim is in open water. Whilst the demands of training in three separate sports may be a little daunting at first in terms of time, anyone reasonably fit can complete a triathlon on only a few hours of training a week.
The Army Medical Services are represented at all standards, distances and age groups. Private Kimberley Preston RAMC (16 Medical Regiment) has been leading the way, performing at the highest level in the British Super Series Elite races, with a notable 10th place at the Windsor Triathlon. Major Rob Mathews RAMC
Chairman AMS Tri photo: The Chairman at the York Sport Sprint Traithlon
(225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment) has been successful in Army Championships at age-group level, but equally important are those new to the sport who simply want to have a go, test their fitness and participate for the sheer enjoyment and camaraderie that is characteristic of every triathlon.
Thanks to the effort of WO2 (CSM) Martin Jackson RAMC (ATR Pirbright), Secretary Army Medical Services Triathlon, there is a thriving Army Medical Service Triathlon Group on Facebook which is accessible to Regular and Reserve personnel alike.
Details of the major events, which are open to all, are disseminated through this page and the chain of command. All Army Medical Services personnel interested in triathlon are encouraged to contact the Secretary for further details and also to join the Army Triathlon Association, which, for £10 per year, offers access to training plans, Army events and substantial discounts on kit and race entry. Lieutenant Colonel Phil de Rouffignac
RAMC,
Chairman Army Medical Services Triathlon
THE GAZETTE QARANC
Secretary AMS Tri photo: WO2 (CSM) Martin Jackson at the Outlaw Half Traithlon.
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