MULTISPORT
an ankle guard , which she used until just before the Ironman in September … and then the event almost didn ’ t happen ! Three weeks before the rescheduled race date of 5 September , the organisers once again announced that the event was off , for safety considerations , but there was a huge outcry from the triathlon community , and the organisers quickly changed their minds . “ The people went ballistic , and luckily it was only cancelled for eight hours before they announced it would take place after all ,” says Helé .
“ In 2018 , I did the 70.3 as the swimmer in a relay team , and I loved the amazing vibe . This year , however , there was no real vibe , because there were no supporters allowed on the route due to COVID , but it was still an amazing race . The swim was shortened to 1km due to the water conditions – I am an SA swimmer , and I still found it hectic – and then the first 45km of the bike is very hilly , so I decided not to look at my watch , just to get it done .”
“ Cycling is my weakest leg , and when I turned at halfway , I realised I was not going to make the cut-off , so I had to move my ass , but now I was cycling into the wind ! I made it , though , and even though the run was also windy , it was much better . The vibe at the water points was good , and I danced at all of them in spite of sore legs , before finishing in 7:05 . Luckily , I had no punctures or other technical issues this time … but I rode with four spare tubes , just in case !”
Ready for the Next One ?
When Helé got back to Smithfield and resumed normal life , she was a bit surprised when one of her studio members asked her when they were doing another Poenkie Triathlon . After giving it some thought , she decided , why not , let ’ s do this . “ I want a local is lekker , relaxed , fun ‘ plaas wedloop ’ atmosphere , where athletes and supporters can feel
Getting the tough bike leg of the real Ironman done
the warmth of a small Free State town , and I want people to feel the same love I felt when I did it on my own ,” she says .
However , I didn ’ t want to call it the Poenkie Triathlon , as it was so sad when Tannie Poenkie was murdered . This is a small community , where we live for each other , and I want people to feel that , so I decided to name the event after my studio , Stronger Together Fitness Studio Triathlon . But I did choose 29 January as the date , in her honour , as that would have been her birthday , and the three races that make up the event are called the Poenkie 1 , 2 and 3 .”
As word spread about the event , though , so the entries grew , and soon Helé had to start thinking bigger . “ I expected a small turn-out of just a few locals , but soon got more and more entries , including people who want to do it in teams , so I had to bring in help . I contacted Jen of Peak Timing to help me , and
Helé and her biggest supporter , husband Johan told her I have three jobs already , so I need help with this ! Meanwhile , my poor husband has been roped in to build bike racks , but he is my biggest supporter and says he doesn ’ t mind . He screamed his lungs out at both my Ironman races and didn ’ t have a voice left by the end of the day . And my father will be working on the day again , too – I have put him in charge of the sweepers to look after the athletes , because he had so much fun at the last one !”
She adds that the entry fee has been kept low , as it not about the money for her , but rather about people coming together and having fun . “ The entry fee basically covers insurance and some basics , and I am very grateful that a few sponsors have come on board , so I want to thank them in advance for helping to make this happen . I have sanction from Free State Triathlon and have organised marshals , road closures , etc , so I ’ m looking forward to people having fun and just being stronger together .”
Celebrating her Ironman medal in style
An emotional Helé reaches the 70.3 finish line in Buffalo City
Get Your Entry In Today
The Stronger Together Fitness Studio Triathlon 2022 will take place at the Smithfield Dam on 29 January 2022 , with three race distances to choose from and both individual and team entries taken :
• Poenkie 1 – 500m Swim / 20km Cycle / 5km Run
• Poenkie 2 – 1km Swim / 50km Cycle / 10km Run
• Poenkie 3 – 2km Swim / 90km Cycle / 21km Run
Entries on the day will be accepted , but Helé and her team would prefer pre-entries , so that they know what to plan for on race day . Entries can be done at https :// bit . ly / 2022Stronger
Images : Courtesy Helé Niehaus
66 ISSUE 147 DECEMBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za