Who are we?
I spent 20 years working in the corporate world, my days revolving around late nights, unhealthy food and drinking. By the time I was in my early thirties I was unhealthy and in desperate need of a change.
In 2017, I took my first step towards a healthier lifestyle by running the London Marathon. This achievement ignited a passion for running, and over the next few years, I began to train more seriously, running over 20 marathons. By 2021, I had overhauled my lifestyle and was looking for a new challenge.
I decided to try a local sprint triathlon with zero knowledge of the sport other than having done a bit of a cycling during the pandemic on an old hybrid bike I bought for £100 on eBay. With primary school swimming skills, I felt completely out of place when I arrived among a sea of seasoned athletes! Despite finishing last, I was instantly hooked and I set my sights on completing an Ironman.
Over the next three years, I learned to swim in open water, upgraded to a road bike, learning to ride clipped in. I was too intimidated to join a triathlon club, as they seemed to be dominated by professional, athletic men with no beginner women I could relate to. So, I trained alone, relying on YouTube videos to learn techniques. I completed the Ironman in September 2024 in Poland, one of the proudest days of my whole life.
Just before my Ironman, I met a couple of women at a local triathlon who I could really relate to. We bonded over our nerves, and it struck me how many women might be deterred from triathlons due to intimidation. This realization saddened me and sparked the idea for Tri Legends.
Tri Legends was born out of a desire to create an inclusive, supportive environment where women of all levels could realize their triathlon potential. I wanted to ensure that no woman would feel too intimidated to give triathlon a try.
Our Women's Only Beginner's Triathlon Group is designed to introduce local women to the exciting world of triathlon in a supportive and inclusive environment. We understand that many women may feel intimidated by existing clubs or believe they need to look a certain way to participate in this sport. Our club aims to break down these barriers and make triathlon accessible to all women, regardless of their background or fitness level.
Why This Club?
Triathlon is a rapidly growing sport that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. However, it can often seem daunting to those who have never tried it before. We have identified a need for a welcoming and non-judgmental space where women can explore this sport without feeling pressured or out of place. Our club is dedicated to the everyday, ordinary woman who dreams of achieving something extraordinary, rather than focusing on accomplished athletes.
Our Approach
To help women get active and build confidence, we offer beginner-friendly sessions three times a week, including one swim, one bike, and one run. These sessions are not just about physical activity; they are also about fostering friendships, building connections, and creating a strong sense of community among women. We believe that through mutual support and encouragement, our members will realize they are capable of achieving more than they ever thought possible.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Tri Legends needs help to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of our initiative. Any funding we receive will be instrumental in several key areas:
Marketing and Outreach: Enable us to reach a wider audience, attracting more women to join our club. Effective marketing will help spread the word about our inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging more local women to give triathlon a try.
Investment in Coached Pool Sessions: With more money, we can invest in professional coaching for our swimming sessions. This will provide our members with high-quality training, helping them build confidence and improve their skills in a safe and structured setting.
Future Security: Financial support will give us the security to plan for the future. It will ensure that our club can continue to operate and grow, providing a stable and ongoing resource for women in our community.
Support for Women from Lower Socio-Economic Backgrounds: We are committed to making triathlon accessible to all women, regardless of their financial situation. Financial support will allow us to provide funding for essential equipment, such as bikes, swimsuits, and running shoes, ensuring that women from lower socio-economic backgrounds have the opportunity to participate fully in our triathlon sessions.
Tri Legends is not just a short-term project; it is a long-term commitment to changing women's lives through the power of triathlon. By focusing on sustainable growth and long-term goals, we aim to create lasting positive impacts on the health, confidence, and community connections of our members
How we’ll spend the money raised
Any money raised for Tri Legends will be strategically invested to maximize our impact and support our mission of making triathlon accessible to all women. The funds will be used in the following ways:
Supporting Women from Lower Socio-Economic Backgrounds: A portion of the funds will be dedicated to providing financial assistance for women who may not have the means to afford the necessary equipment and fees to enter their first triathlon. This includes purchasing bikes, swimsuits, running shoes, and other essential gear, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from participating.
Professionally Coached Swimming Sessions: We will invest in hiring professional swimming coaches to lead our sessions. This will ensure that our members receive high-quality instruction, helping them build confidence and improve their skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Professional Triathlon Coaching: To further enhance our training program, we will allocate funds to undergo training in professional triathlon coaching. This professional level training from British Triathlon will allow us to provide our members with comprehensive training plans, personalized guidance, and support to achieve their triathlon goals.
By focusing on these key areas, we aim to create a sustainable and inclusive triathlon club that empowers women to achieve their full potential and foster a strong sense of community
Community impact
The Tri Legends project will bring numerous benefits to the community:
Promoting Health and Wellness: By encouraging women to participate in triathlon, we promote physical fitness and mental well-being, alongside all the other well known benefits of regular outdoor exercise. B
Building Community Connections: Our club fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among members. By creating a supportive network, we help women build lasting friendships and strengthen community ties.
Empowering Women: Tri Legends empowers women by providing them with the confidence and skills to achieve their goals. This empowerment can have a ripple effect, inspiring others in the community to pursue their own goals.
Inclusivity and Diversity: By making triathlon accessible to women of all backgrounds, we promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. This helps create a more cohesive and understanding community.
Economic Benefits: Increased participation in triathlon can boost local businesses, such as sports shops, fitness centres, and event organisers. This can contribute to the local economy and create new opportunities.
Role Models and Inspiration: Women who join Tri Legends can become role models for others, demonstrating that anyone can achieve extraordinary things with the right support and determination. This can inspire a culture of perseverance and ambition within the community.
By addressing these areas, Tri Legends aims to create a positive and lasting impact on the community, enhancing the quality of life for all its members.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!