Wiwik Pujiati: The Triathlete Mom Breaking Boundaries
In a world where balancing family life with personal pursuits can feel like an endurance race in itself, Wiwik Pujiati, a dedicated triathlete hailing from Indonesia, is rewriting the playbook. With three kids and a household to manage, Wiwik has seamlessly integrated her passion for endurance sports into her daily routine, proving that where there's a will, there's always a way.
"I am a housewife with 3 kids so my daily activities are training and taking care of my children. " she shares with a warm smile.
It all began when Wiwik found solace in running back in 2014. But it wasn't until 2018 that she ventured into multisports including duathlon and triathlon. "It's more than just a hobby now, it's a big passion. Running isn’t just exercise, it’s something that opens my heart" she asserts, reflecting on her evolution from a casual runner to a fierce competitor in multi-disciplinary races.
The road to becoming a seasoned triathlete though, was not without its hurdles. Wiwik recalls grappling with numerous injuries during her early running days, prompting her to shift gears towards more diversified training regimens for endurance sports, particularly since 2021. But with each setback came a renewed sense of determination, propelling her towards greater heights.
The Pursuit of Excellence
Despite juggling family responsibilities and rigorous training schedules, Wiwik has amassed an impressive array of accolades in the racing circuit. Each year she aims for two full marathons and some shorter races.
“My big moment was when I got a chance to run in the Boston Marathon, where I qualified in Bali and Gold Coast Marathon 2022,” Wiwik shared.
Only a month before those marathons she joined her first ever IRONMAN 70.3 in Desaru where she placed 1st in her 45-49 age group. This earned her a coveted spot in the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship 70.3 in Lahti. More recently Wiwik competed in the Ironman 70.3 Bangsaen and earned herself a personal best.
Wiwik's commitment to her passion extends beyond the racecourse. As a Purpose Ambassador, she finds fulfillment in representing Team Purpose, a brand that resonates with her values of comfort and performance. "Purpose gear is comfy and has less drag at the same time," she said.
For Wiwik, triathlon represents more than just physical challenges; it’s a gateway to exploration and connection. "Triathlon is so fun and interesting, yet challenging because there are multiple disciplines, and they are not boring," she muses. As she gears up for upcoming competitions like the IRONMAN Langkawi in Malaysia as well as local marathons, Wiwik remains steadfast in her mission to inspire others to pursue their passions relentlessly.
Beyond Triathlon
Beyond the track, Wiwik finds joy in the simple pleasures of life – from indulging in family outings to dreaming of European escapades. "Winning races lets me travel, which is what I love," she enthuses, underscoring the transformative power of running as more than just exercise but as a gateway to new experiences and connections.
As Wiwik continues to defy stereotypes and push boundaries, her journey stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human endeavor. With each stride, she proves that with unwavering dedication and a dash of resilience, anything is possible.
Follow Wiwik’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/w1w1k_pujiati/
