Tamara Forrest

If it were up to Tamara Forrest, duathlon events would be bike-run-bike. The 27-year-old registered nurse is an avid mountain biker who competes at many Ontario Cup races, so it is easy to see why she would prefer such a switch in the order of events. Tamara decided to try the sport of duathlon because it looked challenging. Perfectly fitting in with her preference for mountain biking, she did her first duathlon at the Fanshawe Lake Off-road Dirty Duathlon on June 3, 2006. “This is one of my favourite races to date because I really enjoy mountain biking and liked the challenge of trail running, said Tamara, “It was such a relief to finish!

The 2007 season was a breakthrough year for Tamara as she won the Duathlon Series Championship for Females 20-29, but as with all top athletes, she still aspires to make improvements to increase her speed. “I want to improve my run and bike times. I have never been a fast runner and find this leg to be very challenging, especially the second run.

Since she works long hours, her training regimen varies, being flexible and creative in fitting in training time whenever she can. “I teach fitness classes in the evenings and also train to do mountain bike races. I don't have a concrete schedule - it varies depending on what race is coming up and what I feel like doing. I try to ride my mountain bike 1-2 times per week, my road bike 1-2 times per week and run 1-2 times per week. 

During a race, Tamara enjoys munching on Jelly Belly Sport Beans or Cliff Bars, and drinking E-Load. However, post-race she indulges her chocolate craving by rewarding herself with chocolate milk and a Snickers bar.

Tamara advises to newcomers to the sport that they just go out and have fun. This feeling of fun is what hooked her to the sport and the HSBC Series. “Everyone is very friendly, and the races are very organized, Forrest adds, “My favorite races are the Fanshawe Lake Dirty Du (although this one isn't offered anymore), the Gravenhurst International Duathlon, and CFB Borden Duathlon.

If all goes according to plan, we should see a faster Tamara Forrest this season as she looks to have a stellar race at the Gravenhurst International Duathlon, and defend her Series Championship.