Tomorrow Taylor will be among a field of about 60 athletes who will take part in the Warrnambool Tri Club’s Killarney Triathlon.

This will be 32-year-old Taylor’s second full triathlon and he is hoping for a top-10 finish in what will be a high-quality field.

Taylor has come a long way in 12 months. His first foray into triathlons was in the same event last year when he took part in the Come and Tri section.

He successfully navigated that shortened course and is now back to take on its bigger brother.

The course includes a 500m swim, 16km bike ride and 4.4km run course.

The Come and Tri course is a 250m swim, 8km bike ride and 2.2km run with both events starting at 10am. There is also a junior triathlon which is to be held this afternoon from 4pm with all events beginning at the main beach at Killarney.

For Taylor, training for and competing in triathlons is playing a big part in a new and improved lifestyle.

“I decided last year that I wanted to get fit and start looking after myself a bit more,” Taylor said.

“I was smoking and drinking too much and I thought triathlons would be a good way to get fit and doing the Come and Tri last year was a great way to get into it.

“When I was younger I had done a fair bit of swimming, so that was a good base to build on.

“I think I am pretty consistent in all three parts now. I put in a fair bit of work into the running and bike riding.”

Taylor said being part of the Warrnambool Tri Club had helped motivate him to achieve the best times he could.

He said club members had been very supportive and had handed out tips and advice to help him improve. “I don’t have any big ambitions but I do want to keep on improving and it would be great to finish in the top 10.

“They are a really good group of people at the tri club. Everyone is competitive but also willing to help each other out.”

Warrnambool Tri Club president Claire Farrer said the Come and Tri event had been a good introduction to the sport for many people.

She said the shorter course gives people the chance to try their hand before making a bigger commitment.

“We started the Come and Tri a few years ago and it has been a successful initiative,” Farrer said.

“Entry is free for the Come and Tri and we encourage people to come along and have a go.”

Registrations for the triathlon can be done online before 4pm today at http://www.warrnambooltriclub.com