New to Tri: Gráinne O’Brien – Week 1

Hi folks, I’m Gráinne O’Brien, a new member of Piranha and a beginner to triathlons. I’m from Limerick but have been living in Dublin for over five years now. In school, all those years ago, I was a major sports addict, playing basketball, badminton, swimming, and athletics both in school and in clubs. In first year of college I tried out for teams but got very distracted when passing the Stables pub in UL!!!! So four years passed with me spending most of my time with my head in a computer or in building my “networking” and “socialising” skills!!!!

Last year my cousin, Sharon, whom some of ye know, asked me to do the swim leg of the Tramore triathlon, with Sharon cycling and her brother running. Sure, what I had to lose? I just hadn’t swum in about 6 months and hadn’t actually trained for anything in maybe 10 years!!! So we entered. I didn’t drown. That was it; I was hooked and wanted more.

Read on for more…

I joined Piranha in January and jumped right in the pool and got started with making up for lost time. Thanks to Elena and Tadhg, I’m back on track and loving the swimming. The training plans are great as I travel a lot with work and now although I’ve no excuse; I might occasionally try and come up with one though 🙂

I’ve just purchased my new road bike with a group shopping exhibition to Wheelworx. I decided to go ahead and start off with the clips, don’t know if that was the best idea but sure I have the first fall out of the way already. The latest purchase of some padded shorts was the best thing ever; really what was I thinking on the first spin out!!! I can tell I’m going to enjoy cycling when I finally get over the fear of falling. 

And finally, for now, the running….. For me, it’s a disaster. You’ll recognise me easily at a run session as I resemble Phoebe from friends!! I’ve been to some of the Tuesday night sessions and I can’t look at a hill anymore without some hatred in my eyes, they are just so mean. Hopefully with time I’ll get better, I think mostly I need a kick up the *** as I think I’m just lazy. No, that’s not an invitation folks!!!!

Thanks to everyone for the great welcome to the club. I’m really looking forward to the months ahead. 

Grá