10 questions with….your events Co-ordinator

Next up in our series of interviews is Judy Mahon who looks after that all important T3 – the pub and all things social. In my mind – the best part!

1 How did you get into triathlon?

After a year travelling I returned to Ireland determined to get fit. Triathlon was the obvious choice – why concentrate on one discipline when you can do three? Despite an inability to swim more than 25m I signed up to Tri-to-Beat Cancer sprint, July 2007. After floundering with the toddlers for a few weeks, Clare introduced me to Piranha’s excellent swim program. Despite excellent coaching my inaugural open water swim in Lough Ennell left a lot to be desired, After thrashing it out for an eternity, a kayaker presented their oar to which I clung and asked if I needed rescuing. Despite hyperventilation, I managed to wheeze “Have I even swam 50m?”, looking towards the shore she gently shook her head. Determination or stupidity wouldn’t let me give up. In testament to the spirit of all the marshals who give up their time to support these races, she agreed to row alongside me. With a new found confidence I began to “glide” through the water. Oblivious, I doggedly swam for about 15mins to encouraging shouts from my personal kayaker, but when she finally caught my attention I discovered that I was swimming in the wrong direction. Having missed the first buoy and not wanting to be disqualified, I made an about turn causing significant confusion and disarray as I swam into the oncoming swimmers. Eventually the kayaker, despairing of her misfortune at ever approaching me, assured me I would not be disqualified if I just turned round. Close to an hour later I rose victorious from the water….with only the bike and run to do, I was hooked!!

2. What’s your favourite discipline and why?

The fourth and most important discipline, hence my role on the committee, socialising! Piranha has always been a very open and welcoming club to all levels of triathlete. I have made great friends in the last five years and they get me to more training sessions than any real desire to stay fit!

3. How is your rehabilitation going after your cycling accident earlier this year?

Second to socialising, the bike is my preferred discipline. After recent events I’m not so sure the bike loves me and at the moment I’m not so fond of it either. I’m two weeks brace free & have been back to the pool, showing nearly as good form as my inaugural open water swim. At the moment, my main emphasis is on improving my flexibility, strength and being fit to return to work who, along with my Mother, have banned me from ever touching a bike again. Not sure how that will go but it will be a while before I clip in again! A career in aquathons beckons.

4. What’s the best advice you were ever given?

“Always take the positive from every situation”

5. What was the last book you read and was it any good?

Having had a significant amount of time on my hands recently I’ve devoured many books and could bore you with a synopsis of each. I’ve just put down “Let the Great World Spin” by Column McCann and loved it. It’s a story of interlocking lives centred round Philippe Petit’s high wire walk between the twin towers, New York. He writes an excellent chapter on Petit’s preparation for the walk, among many others. If you want a review of any of the other 20 or so books just give me a shout.

6. What’s the best thing about being on the Piranha Committee?

Being on the committee has allowed me ensure, with BOB and Petrina’s help, that events are not sidelined. I’m delighted that “Events” is very much taking care of itself as the new gang has embraced the socialising ethos with gusto. The position may be redundant – I can retire happy. Being a committee member has allowed me take an active part in decisions that affect the direction of the club, appreciate the amount of work behind the scenes & a chance to give back to a club that has given me so much.

7. Favorite karaoke song? And who would you drag on stage with you?
Frank Sinatra – “My Way” because with my voice that’s the only version I could give. Now there’s an idea, we can see how Piranha 2012 fares against the oldies, who featured in 2008’s outing. We just need ALEXI aka “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” back.

8. Relaxing on the beach or hiking in the mountains, what’s your favourite holiday?
Since I have the typical Irish skin that turns from white to red to white again, sun holidays are not my thing. Though, if you talk to Greg I’m not so sure mountain hiking is either. However, Nepal & the Ethiopian Highlands were one of my favourite destinations. As long as a holiday provides variety, people & good food, I’m happy.

9. Best & worst triathlon related moment?
I guess the worst was last April, when I lay on the ground on Howth Hill, very exacerbated at myself for once again coming off my bike. To be honest, I find it hard to pick the best. I’ve loved all the races I’ve completed for different reasons but if I was to pick one I guess it would have to be Kenmare ’09. Despite a numb foot as I headed into the run & Matt Coughlan telling me I looked sh*te, I loved every minute of that race and have great satisfaction in having completed it.

10. Any advice for anyone new to triathlon?

Join a club, Piranha obviously, and avail of the camaraderie, knowledge and experience to make sure you don’t do as I did and complete your first open water swim in a race situation. Most importantly ENJOY IT!