"I consider myself one of the lucky ones in that I’m happy with my career choice. I’ve come from a sporting background, with my previous highest accomplishment being the captain for the Tasmanian Age Representative Softball Team. Upon moving to Melbourne in 2002 to pursue a softball career, I injured my back, which kept me out of any competitive sport for 5 years. Devastated, and told that I probably wouldn’t be able to run again, I was determined to learn how to look after my body properly. This is when I decided to pursue a career in personal training in 2003, so that I could also help others with their health and lifestyle decisions. My personal experience with injuries, while at the time were heart breaking, have been invaluable to me as a personal trainer. It allows me to assess clients and provide them with the best and safest possible advice. During my back rehabilitation I stumbled across the sport of triathlon. In April 2007, I managed my first run in years. 6 months later, I was ecstatic to be awarded the winner of the 2007 Victorian Duathlon Series in my category. Now, I’m in the middle of my first season as a triathlete. I competed at a few qualifying Olympic Distance Races around Australia, and in February 2008 I qualified for the Australian Age Group team to compete in Vancouver in the World Championships in June 2008. My long term goal is to compete in Ironman races, my first will be in 2009, with the ultimate being the Hawaiian Ironman." Stef Hanson
QUALIFICATIONS
Cert III & IV (standard personal training quals)
Accredited Triathlon Coach
Pilates Instructor Currently involved in attaining a running accreditation
Follow Stef's progress as she competes in the Gatorade Sprint Series and National Olympic Distance Triathlon series making her way to the World Championships in Vancouver this June. Below are photos of Stef taken at various races during the 2007 / 2008 triathlon season.
Stef chronicals her race day experiences in reports following each event. Read Stef's personal account as she competes in the challenging sport of triathlon.
13th Jan 08 - Gatorade Sprint Series - Sandringham Triathlon
"In the words of George Costanza, “The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to return soup at a deli!” I took one look at the water and saw the white horses cantering across the ocean. My heart rate jumped several beats as I made my way down to the beach."
"Well, bashed a few jelly fish in the swim, killed it on the bike, but all I wanted to do on the run was vomit. My stomach unfortunately didn't want to play. I've got no idea what my time was because my watch stopped working. Ah well, bring on Hobart in 2 weeks. BIG learning curve!"
"Home Sweet Home… Welcome to sunny Hobart! Thursday 14th I landed in Hobart (Happy Valentine’s Day, and Happy Birthday Mumsy). My home turf, the place I was raised. Would I have a home ground advantage after living in Melbourne for close to 6 years? Well, before physically going over the course, I knew there’d be a few hills on the bike, a fairly grotty swim in the port, and a relatively flat run around the wharf area."
16th Mar 08 - Gatorade Sprint Series - Brighton Triathlon
"Melbourne in March, who would’ve thought it would pan out to be a cool 40degrees!! Luckily it didn’t quite reach this peak at 8am when we begun our race. I toiled with the decision to wear my wetsuit. In the end I decided to wriggle myself into it, purely because I knew I needed the practice for Vancouver in June."
30th Mar 08 - Mooloolaba Olympic DistanceTriathlon
"Triathlons... A world of smooth legs, expensive toys and tan lines. Personal grooming and fancy bikes aside, triathlon is also a fun and exciting world. A world with plenty of supporters, a great atmosphere and a fantastic day out for anyone involved. I mean who wouldn't be vibed when you're out in the fresh air under the Queensland sun? In saying that, this race was the first time I had competed without any of my own cheer squad spurring me on."
After completing the Hobart Olympic DistanceTriathlon in February, Stef had placed well enough in preceeding races to qualify for the Australian age-group team in the Vancouver Triathlon World Campionships. The World Championships is taking place from June 5th to June 8th, 2008. To find out more visit their official website: www.triathlonvancouver.com
