A family that plays together, stays together and what does not tear you apart only strengthens you – that’s the motto of the Berlyn family, who took part in the Ironman 70.3.
The eight family members used the gruelling swimming, running and cycling race to bond.
Dr Peter-John Berlyn, 62, a paediatrician in Kimberley who grew up in East London, said he had competed in the event twice before and was joined this year by his two brothers Gerald and Clive; four children – Timothy, Jeremy, Amy and Mary-Ann – and son-in law Damian Esterhuizen.
“It was the first time for both my sons but Amy and Mary-Ann have done this event three times before and we all completed the full event along with Damian, who has also done it three times. My brothers opted for the team event,” he said.
He added that Ironman was a fantastic experience for a family.
“This is is an amazing event, a great challenge, a time to meet and share in the experience. The goal-setting, planning and discipline required just to get here and then take part are lessons we can all take with us,” he said.
They were not a family of extreme sport fanatics but they had already entered for next year, he added.
Peter finished first in the 60 to 64 age division.
His brother Clive said the event was great and a fun way to bring the family closer.
“We came to support Peter last year and that is when we decided that it would be fun for all us to do it this year.
“We didn’t win but we still had fun,” said Clive.
Timothy, 37, based in Los Angeles, California, said the Ironman was his first triathlon event and he would definitely do it again.
“Perhaps it is because I am a first timer but I found it gruelling.
“The swim was a bit choppy, the cycle was windy and the run was very hot – but that has not deterred me from coming back again next year, just to improve my time, and to see what the last 36km of the cycle and run have to offer,” said Timothy, adding the only negative was his sister Mary-Ann falling off her bike and hurting her hip. She has since recovered.
“It was such a bonding experience for us as a family because competing in this event is very much like life, full of ups and downs, hardships and fun.
“I am glad I got to share that with my dad, uncles and sisters,” he said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Family uses Ironman 70.3 to bond
The eight family members used the gruelling swimming, running and cycling race to bond.
Dr Peter-John Berlyn, 62, a paediatrician in Kimberley who grew up in East London, said he had competed in the event twice before and was joined this year by his two brothers Gerald and Clive; four children – Timothy, Jeremy, Amy and Mary-Ann – and son-in law Damian Esterhuizen.
“It was the first time for both my sons but Amy and Mary-Ann have done this event three times before and we all completed the full event along with Damian, who has also done it three times. My brothers opted for the team event,” he said.
He added that Ironman was a fantastic experience for a family.
“This is is an amazing event, a great challenge, a time to meet and share in the experience. The goal-setting, planning and discipline required just to get here and then take part are lessons we can all take with us,” he said.
They were not a family of extreme sport fanatics but they had already entered for next year, he added.
Peter finished first in the 60 to 64 age division.
His brother Clive said the event was great and a fun way to bring the family closer.
“We came to support Peter last year and that is when we decided that it would be fun for all us to do it this year.
“We didn’t win but we still had fun,” said Clive.
Timothy, 37, based in Los Angeles, California, said the Ironman was his first triathlon event and he would definitely do it again.
“Perhaps it is because I am a first timer but I found it gruelling.
“The swim was a bit choppy, the cycle was windy and the run was very hot – but that has not deterred me from coming back again next year, just to improve my time, and to see what the last 36km of the cycle and run have to offer,” said Timothy, adding the only negative was his sister Mary-Ann falling off her bike and hurting her hip. She has since recovered.
“It was such a bonding experience for us as a family because competing in this event is very much like life, full of ups and downs, hardships and fun.
“I am glad I got to share that with my dad, uncles and sisters,” he said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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