State: Tasmania
Sport: Triathlon
Sporting Accomplishment: Competing at Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
How did you get into your sport: By chance. I moved away from team sports and I took up endurance running (half marathon and marathon distance) when I started University as a way to keep fit. I always liked the idea of competing in triathlon, as I had been a good swimmer in my younger years, but as a financially struggling university student, the expense of getting a bike, wetsuit and all the other gear required to compete in triathlon (especially in Tasmania) seemed out of reach. Whilst on holiday with family in New Zealand, I stumbled across a “one-day-only” pop-up triathlon gear sale in Auckland CBD. I was able to get some gear for next to nothing and the rest is history! I have loved being involved in the sport ever since.
Hardest thing about your sport: What does your regular training week consists of: Training for three disciplines whilst juggling family and a career (and surviving Tasmanian winters!). A regular training week for me consists of 2-3 swims sessions (approx. 10-12km per week), 4-5 bike sessions (150-350km per week depending on the event I am preparing for and the phase of training) and 4-5 run sessions (40-80km per week – again, depending on the event I am preparing for and the phase of training).
How do you keep motivated: By scheduling another event to look forward to! I also have a great bunch of training partners. The “Team Edge” Saturday morning rides are something else….
Goals (Future Plans and Career expectations): To have a strong 2017-18 season and to qualify for the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France and hopefully get back to Hawaii in 2020. Importantly, to also be a good husband and father.
Best piece of advice you have been given: Enjoy the moments and don’t stress over the results.