Location 1: 2013

Swim. Bike. Run

Swimming, cycling and running, three sports combine to form the ultimate test of endurance, a race that tests and pushes even the most elite athletes to their maximum ability. This race is known as a triathlon. Men and woman compete across the world achieving goals, whether it be to complete one leg of the race, the entire race or be selected for national teams the, preparation leading up to the event requires time, persistence and strength both physically and mentally. Training for a triathlon must not be taken light heartedly, in involves the ability to split ones time into three separate mentalities coming together on race day. This being said completing a triathlon is very much a battle with the mind, the body is capable of completing the race and the mind must remained focused and strong enabling to competitor to complete the set target. Capturing the lead up to the race will involve shots taken of my dad preparing for the race in all aspects from physical training to nutritional eating representing the dedication and commitment he has towards triathlons. Come race day the shots taken will illustrate the determination my dad has for this sport, where a podium finish is hopefully on the cards.

Training-

The idea of competing in triathlons as a hobby is ludicrous however it is achievable. Successfully training for three different sports can require two training sessions a day often in the very early hours of the morning. The light at this time provides the perfect lighting for my shots; the scenery is also commonly quite beautiful as my father cycles and runs through country land and national parks.

A large part of cycle training is the social aspect that comes with it, the Middle Aged Men In Lycra (MAMILS) flock to coffee stores ordering their espressos and banana bread early in the morning. While a pain to other customers as they consume to entire floor space of the cafes, this coffee culture amongst the cyclists tones down the seriousness of the race hence capturing this on film ties the documentary of a triathlon race together coming full circle from serious training, to the enjoyment associated with the lead up to the race.

Through this documentary I am hoping to also capture the nutritional training involved in preparing for a race, this involves carb loading prior to race day as well ensuring there is plenty of Gu and power bars around come race day.

Swim-

Where it all begins, each competitor is assigned an age group resulting in different wave start times. Set in Canberra is often a chilly….Degrees and hence wetsuits are required. The swim can be considered the roughest part of the race, while clawing and attacking is prohibited on the bike and run legs, the swim is not closely monitored and racing is such large groups promote quite aggressive behaviour in the swim leg, scrambling to get out in front can involve tugging and swimming on top of one another. This havoc will be represented through the vivid freeze action splashes seen through the camera and the pure exhaustion captured on the swimmers faces at the end of this leg.

Bike-

Transition from the swim to the bike has been completed, helmets have been buckled and bike shoes strapped on, the speediest part of the race is about to begin. Capturing the cyclists will be difficult however the panning or blur motion I am hoping, will further illustrate the speed at which these cyclists are travelling at.

Run-

Almost there, the final leg of the race. Transition from bike to run has been completed, helmets have been thrown aside and running shoes have been slipped on, the blisters are burning however the race must be completed. At this stage fatigue is really starting to set in, the desperation captured on my dad’s face is immense.

Conclusion-

Documenting my dad and his journey through training to race day is a fantastic way to advertise the enjoyment, achievement and strength associated with triathlons. From my photos I hope to display to the audience a well-rounded documentary on the life of a national triathlete.