Ruth's Competing for Britain in the Triathlon

MoJ lawyer Ruth Pogonowski is due to compete for Great Britain in the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, this month. 

"It will be the first time I've competed for Great Britain, I am a mixture of really excited and really nervous. The plan is to not come last! Triathlon is one of the few sports where you can represent your country as an amateur. There are three qualifying races where you have to achieve a certain time to qualify. I qualified at the Grendon Sprint Triathlon back in May in some of the coldest water I have ever swam in, I'm just hoping the lakes in Budapest are a bit warmer!".

Ruth only took up the Triathlon 18 months ago, but made rapid progress after joining Team Dillon, coached by former Olympian Michelle Dillon. "Michelle always manages to push to me to my limits but thankfully understands that I have a life outside of Triathlon and training at all hours is not always possible". "Plus her training methods are unique, the first thing she asked me to do when I started training with her was to buy a band to tie my legs together with for swimming - It certainly attracts some puzzled looks in the pool!".

The training is still not for the faint hearted, "I train for 10 to 12 hours a week, and try to do something every day" Ruth said. "I usually get to the pool at around 6.30am so I can swim before work and then I'll either do a lunchtime session in the gym or out in St James and Green Parks or I will pop to the gym or jump on the turbo trainer in the evening. I also try to fit in one or two pilates sessions a week to help with my core stability".

The sprint Triathlon consists of a 750 metre open water swim, a 21 kilometre bike ride and a 5 kilometre run. Ruth, who is based at headquarters, said: "It's the cross-training aspect of triathlon that appeals to me most - and because I do three different sports, I don't pick up as many injuries as say I would if I just did running. I also love the inclusiveness of the sport, I know people who are well into their 60's and 70's who are still competing".

Good luck Ruth!