April Athlete of the Month 2011 - Tony Applin

What attracted you to the sport of triathlon?

Peer group pressure only, never had been a swimmer.

If you were Reddog coach for the week, what would you do differently?

Have everyone compete in “Wipeout Reddog”. That might sought some of the top dogs out. See if Nashy and Courts could handle the Big Balls?

Hand a robe to AOTM when they get out of the pool. It gets chilly sometimes.

Some open water training sessions at Redcliffe

Least favourite session and why?

So many to choose from, I always try to be injured for hills and I’m not happy about the increasing speed in lane one.

If you had one wish, what would it be?

If I could just touch an elite athlete and drain those of their ability how good would that be.

Favourite motivational quote?

Harden up Princess

What advice would you give to other Reddogs who would like to be AOTM?

Make your move in winter as there is a lot less competition.

What advice would you give to other Reddogs who are thinking of competing in a half or full IM?

You’re doing the training already so all you need to do is increase the time and put in a big one on the weekend. And there is the little sleep, hunger, no social life and having everyone you know say “gees you’re looking so skinny you need to look after yourself”. All worth it!

What are your goals?

Podium finish in any race, might need to travel to Longreach for a local 5k meet though.

Who would be your ideal training partner?

In a race if Felicity Adrams was in front of me she would distract me enough to forget about the pain and make me run a PB..

Tips for race day?

GO HARD…. no gloves, no socks (up to Olympic) don’t change and no toilet!!!