Sport
21 December, 2022
Woodford runner takes home gold
KIM Fraser from Woodford took out first place for her age group at the Ewen Maddock Dam In2Adventure 21km trail event on November 6, and is now preparing for a massive year of trail racing and triathlons.
Running off the beaten track around the Beerwah State Forest on the shore of the Ewen Maddock Damn, Kim said this event was the first of many trail-run events to come for her after having competed in many triathlons.
Kim said this was a “very special” event for her after having put in so much time and effort at training.
“Placing was just a bonus,” she said, grateful that she was able enjoy the event after it had been postponed twice this year.
Kim started her sporting journey back in the 80s when she was involved in competitive road cycling.
After training with triathlon athletes in Dubbo, Kim decided to give triathlons a go and has been competing in them since 2006.
“I started with small events and worked my way up to longer ones,” she said.
Kim said that whilst she still loves triathlons, she is now working towards competing in more trail races which involve “running in the bush”.
Next year, Kim plans to take on a number of major events including Hell of the West at Goondiwindi in March, Ironman Australia at Port Macquarie in May, which is a full distance triathlon, and the Brisbane Trail Ultra in July, whilst also working with her coach on running 50km events.
Full distance triathlons comprise of a 1.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km marathon.
Kim has previously been named the Asia Pacific Ironwoman Triathlon Champion for her age group, and also represented Australia at the World Championships in Hawaii.
She said that whilst the amount and type of training varies per event, she typically trains six days a week, approximately 15-18 hours a week.
“Less is better,” she said.
Whilst she struggled initially to develop a good work-life balance, Kim said
having a training plan and people to keep you motivated is key.
Kim encourages anyone looking to get into triathlons or trail running to get involved with a team, such as the Woodford Running Group which meets every Tuesday at 5am for a 4km run, jog or walk around town.
“It’s a beautiful supportive group,” Kim said.
