Hamilton Island Fujifilm Triathlon with Lynette Bolton

Juggling a newborn baby while putting on trainers. Pushing a pram while conquering yet another hill. Stretching post training session with a toddler around your leg. Welcome to the past few weeks in the world of Lynette Bolton.

The Bolton family relaxing in their Yacht Club Villa, Hamilton Island. (L – R) Lynette, baby Piper, Siarra and Jude Bolton. Photo by Andrea Francolini.

Only 10 weeks ago, Lynette and former AFL star, Jude Bolton welcomed their second child, Piper into the world – a  beautiful little sister for two year old Siarra.

When the Hamilton Island team gave Lynette a call a month ago asking if she wanted to join former Olympic swimmer, Susie O’Neill and TV presenter, Luke Jacobz as part of our celebrity Hamilton Island Fuji Triathlon team, Lynette jumped at the opportunity.

The Hamilton Island Fujifilm Triathlon celebrity team. (L – R) Susie O’Neill, Luke Jacobz and Lynette Bolton. Photo by Andrea Francolini.

In Lynette’s opinion, “One of the hardest things to do after long leave of absence from anything is to get back on that horse and start again!” Exercise is definitely no exception. We’re sure many mums would agree that finding the motivation to get fit again post bub is a real challenge. When it came time to tackle this challenge head on, Lynette decided signing up for the Hamilton Island Fuji Triathlon was the perfect way to get back into it. 

Why enter a sporting event on Hamilton Island?

Why sign up for a triathlon you may ask?! There are plenty of reasons why our superstar mum, Lynette saw entering one of the many sporting events on Hamilton Island as a rather easy decision – for herself and the entire Bolton cheer squad. Here are just a few: 

• Run through paradise: Let’s face it, if you’re going to do your first 5km run post bub, who wouldn’t want to do so while taking in these idyllic, Whitsunday tropical island views?!
• Race ... then relax: Hamilton Island is not only a great place to race, but also the perfect location to recover. Thoughts of relaxing on the sand, by the pool or enjoying a post race massage at Spa Wumurdaylin ... chilling out on your Reef View Hotel balcony looking over Catseye beach with a refreshing drink or soaking up pure luxury at the adults only Beach Club Resort or with the whole family in one of the exclusive Hamilton Island Yacht Club Villas ... that’s got to keep you going for another few kms!  
• Keep the support crew happy: While you’re training and working up a sweat, their enjoying their waterfront accommodation, an abundance of things to do and pretty much the ultimate Whitsundays holiday. You’ll be hard pressed to find a happier support crew!   

Racing in paradise at the Hamilton Island Fujifilm Triathlon. Photo by Andrea Francolini.

When chatting to Lynette post race, here’s what she had to say about the experience:

“I was extremely excited to be asked to be a part of the Hamilton island triathlon team. I was a little nervous initially, having had a baby 10 weeks earlier and being extremely unfit, but I decided to just suck it up and get involved! Before the race I was extremely nervous but once I started running the nerves were quickly replace by the desire to throw up hah!

“It was a warmer day that I expected and the course was a little hillier than I anticipated, but it was a beautiful course and such a well organised event. I loved how friendly and supportive everyone was. At the end of the race I felt a real sense of accomplishment - I was extremely grateful to be part of the Hamilton team and I will definitely be back again next year.

“As a family we had such a wonderful time away. The yacht club villas are perfect for families. As usual we were spoilt by the service we received. We loved returning to coca chu enjoying a parent’s night leaving the little ones at the Villa. We always feel incredibly comfortable with the island sitters. We hate leaving the island every time but given it is so easy to get to and such a perfect family holiday we will be back very soon!”

Tips for getting back into exercise post baby

Lynette, Susie and Luke put in an awesome effort over the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the same time. For any mums out there, Lynette’s superstar run shows that people of all fitness levels can take part in sporting events like the Hamilton Island Fuji Triathlon. It’s all about having a go, challenging yourself and enjoying paradise at the same time.

Lynette Bolton stretching outside their Yacht Club Villa, Hamilton Island with daughter Siarra. Photo by Andrea Francolini.

If you’re thinking it’s time to dust off the trainers and start hitting the pavement post bub, here are Lynette’s top 10 getting fit post baby tips to help you get started.

1. Get your doctor's permission and don't do anything you aren't comfortable with: This is without a doubt the first thing that you need to do - especially if you are planning on starting up a fitness regime before your 6 week check.
2. Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for your exercise and weigh loss/strengthening. It took you 9 months to get to where you are now so use that as a guide with your exercise goals.
3. Work in a group: Grab your partner, friends, mothers group - anyone who will commit to working out with you. Social exercise is much more fun and also makes you accountable.
4. Include your little one: Utilise that baby looking hand weight that just happened to have appeared right at about the same time you realised that you needed to get some exercise in.
5. Incidental Exercise: Don’t take the lift - walk. Don’t drive to the shops - walk.
6. Pelvic Floor: Don't forget this super important muscle ha.
7. Variety Is the Spice of Life: Make sure you change up your routines to keep you interested and also stop your body from getting used to your routine.
8. Stick at it: Have a long term exercise plan. Don’t get disheartened too quickly!
9. Join a gym with a crèche: My local gym was a lifesaver after Siarra was born.
10. Drink lots of water: Especially if you are breastfeeding. It is super important to stay hydrated when exercising.

Set a fitness goal for 2015!

Inspired to give it a go? Check out the Hamilton Island sporting calendar for 2015. Lynette is a great example of how the first step to getting fit is to say YES to the challenge. Go on – why not register early and set yourself a goal to start working towards!