Rotorua mother of two Kerris Browne
(Photo: Triathlon NZ; click to enlarge) |
For Rotorua mother of two Kerris Browne, triathlon has become so much more than just a sport. It’s become a way of life.
After being convinced to enter a mud run through work and having a heap of fun, she decided to join the Rotorua City Athletics Club to work on her fitness following 20 years stuck behind a desk. But a knee injury kept flaring up and threatened to end her fun – that was until a few wise words from her mother.
"My mum said 'you're really going to have to get into triathlons because once the knees go the running has to fall away and the swimming and biking is so good for you'."
Kerris was pretty unsure at first but was determined to give it a go. She finished dead last in her first ever event, an aquathlon, but crossed the line with a smile on her face.
Along the way she's had to shoulder physical limitations with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and only 50% function in one lung, which sometimes leaves her struggling for air as if she has asthma.
But the one thing that motivates Kerris to battle on is that she doesn't care if she comes last.
"It's all about gradual baby steps. It's like taking a baby and saying 'here run a marathon' - forget it. But if you hold a baby up to the couch and say 'here just one step' then it becomes achievable," she says.
"Triathlon isn't what it looks like, it's actually for the beginner too and as long as you're prepared to come last everyone would love to see you. I think everyone out there should do a triathlon but it's about taking small steps to get to that point."
As a mother and CEO of an export company, time is a precious commodity for Kerris but she still manages to fit in training as an important part of her life.
She has already registered to compete in this year's Contact Tri Series 393 race in Rotorua and has plans for several others.
Kerris is a proven inspiration to many others and has even managed to immerse her family in the sport with her husband, two children and sister so far having a go.
"Part of my motivation is that I'm never going to be a pro but why not give it a go? I use that motivation to get other people that can physically do better than me to achieve their goals.
"It's really great to see people who are thinking 'no I can't do that' before an event and then watch them prove they actually can."
Kerris is the true essence of triathlon in New Zealand and has pledged to keep helping others realise their potential in the sport.
You won't see her at the front of the pack, but that doesn't matter.
Kerris will continue pouring out her heart and soul in the water, on the bike and on the road driven by pure grit and determination – all with a grin on her face.
