23 Jun It’s a Triathlon Love Story
When Hannah joined MetaSport Training swim sessions in November last year, she was recovering from a running injury that had forced her to cross-train. Less than a year later, she’s now a core part of our community—and recently crossed the finish line as the overall female winner at the Ironman 5150 in Desaru. Here’s her race day recap and how MetaSport Training helped her fall in love with triathlon.
After completing my first marathon last year, an injury meant I had to take a break from pounding the pavement. That’s when I found MetaSport Training—and what began as a way to keep moving soon became a full-on obsession with triathlon.
Training with MetaSport has been nothing short of transformative. The community is filled with people from all walks of life, but we’re united by a shared drive to challenge ourselves and support each other. I’ve learned so much through the experience and guidance of my fellow MetaMates—and that encouragement has been just as valuable as the coaching itself.
The structure of my training has evolved significantly. It’s more balanced, more intentional, and I’ve learned how to really listen to my body. My biggest surprise? The progress I’ve made in swimming, all thanks to the brilliant coaching team.
And while I love the training, what makes it truly special is the community. In just a few months, I’ve formed genuine friendships with people I now see every week (often at 5am!). There’s something about those shared early mornings, long rides, and post-session pastries that creates an incredible bond.
Race Day: Desaru 5150
Race morning in Desaru was one I’ll never forget—pure magic. As we walked from transition to the swim start, the air buzzed with adrenaline. Music pumped through the speakers, colourful swim caps dotted the beach, and the sky was painted in pastel hues as the sun rose over a calm sea. I felt nervous, excited, and incredibly grateful to be there.
Once the race began, I quickly settled into a rhythm during the swim. It was chaotic at first, but familiar faces (and trisuits!) helped keep me grounded. Even underwater, I could recognise some of my training buddies. Exiting the water, I heard Coach Fiona’s unmistakable voice cheering me on. That boost of encouragement set the tone for the rest of the race.
The bike course started brutally with a steep hill, but I reminded myself it would pass—and it did. I focused on my power and for once, actually stuck to my nutrition plan. Seeing friendly faces on the out-and-back course gave me a lift, even when Tom zoomed past looking suspiciously fresh.
For the run, I paced the first 5km conservatively, then pushed in the second half. The course was rolling, but the volunteers were amazing, and I never missed a water station. The best part? High-fiving my MetaMates mid-race and cheering each other on. That final uphill before the finish was rough, but the downhill was pure joy. As I approached the end, I heard Luke yell, “You are first!” Raphael handed me the MetaSport flag, and I crossed the line—a triathlon champion!
More Than Just a Medal
Winning was amazing, but what made the day truly special was how much fun I had—and getting to celebrate it with such an incredible group of people. I couldn’t have done it without my training partners and the unwavering support from the MetaSport Training team.
Training has become a lifestyle. Getting up at 4am is so much easier when you know you’re meeting friends, chasing goals, and rewarding yourself with a buttery pastry after. This community keeps me inspired, and I can’t wait for what’s next.
