Another victory came for Inverell triathlete Lisa Frost, who was chosen to represent Australia, at the World Triathlon Championships at the Gold Coast this month. But beneath the accolades and success, there was a huge amount of pain.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
She was not feeling confident in the lead-up to the event due to her collapse at the Ironman Busselton.“I started having a few tests done to find out what was going wrong,” Frost said. “I was running on empty basically with very low B12 levels and a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. Along with a foot that needs steroid injections to ease the pain I was in no way certain I would be selected , let alone make the start line in September.”
So while the other athletes were training in the lead-up to the event, Frost spent a lot of her time at the chiropractor, physio and having massages. “I also had to strengthen my body to help prevent any more injuries,” she said.
But it was more than just medications and a team of health experts that helped her defy the odds. It was also sheer willpower.
“I wanted to race so much, I did everything in my control to get there. I think that is what has made this race so rewarding. It is definitely not my best result placing wise, but easily the most satisfying,” Frost said, who was surprised that she felt “surprisingly calm” on the morning of the race. “I normally suffer very badly from nerves and pre-race anxiety.”
After all the health issues, she felt little pressure to perform and felt the support of her family and friends, her “cheer squad.”
“I was very happy to make it to the start line and to finish in the top half of my age group was a bonus. I was a lot further up the ladder after the swim and bike. I did lose quite a few places in the run leg but I always knew this would happen. I had no expectations going into this race and was just grateful to be racing at this level,” she said.
“I enjoyed everything about the race, even the very strong winds. I really didn’t want the race to end I was enjoying myself so much.”
Highlights included her participation in a march with the Aussie flag in the Parade of Nations and watching the elite females with Australian Ashley Gentle win on her home soil. “This was so inspiring, and I’m sure it lifted a lot of Aussie athletes for their race the following morning,” she said.
Frost is taking it easy for the next month. “I would really love to keep racing if my body allows so am thinking of doing Aquabike races which involve a 3km swim and 130 km bike. No run which will suit me down to the ground!”
