CHI TRI members story – Paivi
21 November 2024
When did you join CHI TRI?
February 2024
Any race / nick names?
Not yet.
How did your triathlon journey begin – and where are you now on that journey?
In the spirit of trying new things I signed up to do the Arundel and Chichester sprint triathlons in 2023 and realised that my swimming and bike to run transition need improvement. When my husband suggested that we do the the Swim the Arctic Circle event as our honeymoon in July 2024, I knew I had to do something about my swimming technique, so I joined Chi Tri. Learning to swim front crawl has been like learning a new language. Thanks to the wonderful coaching at Chi Tri swimming sessions I completed the river Arun (3.8 km) and Adur (5km) as well as the honeymoon time travellling, mid-night sun arctic circle swim from Finland to Sweden (3 km) in 2024. I also entered two triathlons in 2024 – Arundel and Soutwater team relays and truly enjoyed these events.
I have just entered the Cotswolds middle distance triathlon in June 2025 and I have started training for the 24 km Downhill Swim event, which takes place in July 2025 in Finland.
What was your best event/experience and your worst event/experience – and what were the learnings?
BEST:
Swimming can be a very solitary activity, so I really enjoyed taking part in the Southwater Triathlon team relays in September 2024. This was coordinated by Chi Tri. The event was so well organised and it was wonderful to be part of a team and meet lots of people from different walks of life who just love doing triathlons. At first I hesitated about signing up, as it was the first team event for me, but I am so glad I did!
WORST:
River Arun swim was my first and worst long distance swim. During this challenge I realised that long distance swims are leg cramp triggers for me. I have learned to manage these by making sure I have plenty of water and electrolytes before swmming and being careful with my kicking particularly after stopping. I also had not appreciated what mass starts are like. It was quite scary to be in a river surrounded by lots of fast splasly swimmers at the start of the race. I now know that the swim will spread out and calm down eventually and I just need focus on my own pace.
What are your triathlon goals for this year?
My 2025 goal is to enjoy completing the Cotswolds middle distance triathlon and the 24km Downhill Swim. I now have a road bike and during 2025 I aim to learn to use it like a real triathlete with pedals clips. I have yet to try these pedals and will be joining the CHI TRI cycling sessions to get more cycling training.
Favourite CHI TRI session?
I love the swimming sessions. The coaches are really patient with beginner swimmers and during 2024 I have learned to enjoy swimming thanks to the great coaching I have received. I know I still have so much to learn, but at this point I am really pleased with the improvements and the new gained joy and confidence I have developed during the last 10 months by taking part in the Chi Tri swimming sessions. I am sure the cycling sessions will be a great addition to my training schedule and I have lots to learn on that front too.
What 3 tips would you give?
- Say yes to learning new things.
- Embrace the feedback.
- Practice what you have learned outside the Chi Tri sessions.
What would be your 15 tracks listing for a SPIN bike or run session?
Not sure. I will need to come up with one when I join more cycling sessions soon.
If you would like to find more about becoming a member of CHI TRI click here, or go big and join today…
Chichester Triathlon Club
To train. To race. Together.