July Athlete of the Month
Well Reddog AOTM who do you feel about that?
A bit speechless, but excited and embarrassed at the same time. Excited cause it is such a great award and it carries with it some responsibility to honour the ideals of a Reddog. But a little embarrassed as I haven't yet done a tri, In fact I haven't begun training the run leg yet. I have been working on the swim leg for 4 years and picked up the bike again this winter. Hey some things take time ...
You are definitely a newcomer to tri-athlon then. So what attracted you to this sport?
Two things really, first I probably have been secretly interested for many years but knew I couldn't swim. That's not a problem now as Trent has greatly improved that aspect disproving the adage you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Secondly, I often miss the club swim session if the pressure is on at work and since Reddog sessions started straight after I would jump in with them.... Everyone was great, they were positive, competitive and friendly and so passionate about their sport, so I thought I would like to be part of this.
When can we expect to see you racing with a nicko number on your arm and wearing the Reddog kit?
I'm doing the Noosa bike leg with team mate Dave Frizzel, who is swimming and running. I'm sure I will learn a lot from that experience so the next event I will have no excuse to do the whole thing.
How much training do you do per week at this stage?
At the moment I am doing 3 swims, 3-4 rides and 1 (walk/)run. I plan to add more runs as I learn to cope with this level of training. So later on 9-10 sessions a week.
What sort of training have you experienced in the past?
Rowing, single scull, average 20 hrs a week, 5 on-water and the rest strength and cycling.
What's your favourite Motivation Quote?
I have two for this occasion ... The fight [race] is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights... Muhammad Ali
If you are going to do this set properly drag out the barrel of pain, dig down deep and scoop up the biggest handful you can... Reddog
What advise would you give other Reddogs who would like to be AOTM?
Don't think about AOTM, just commit to the challenge of your own personal goals and enjoy the process.
From your experience as a rowing coach can you give any advice in relation to racing and training to other Reddogs?
Sure, there was a topic about nerves that came up in the Reddog interesting reading recently. I'd like to add this ... Pre-race nerves is excitement. It's physiologically the same thing. You are really stoked to be there and this feeling helps raise your pain threshold and sharpen your attention on your race plan. Use this excitement to your advantage by keeping a lid on it before the start maintaining a calm exterior but ready to unleash your excitement as required during the race.
If you ever go out, what's your drinking preference ?
Haha very funny, but you are right i don't go out much but if and when, then guinness is preferred.
What's the secret?
Secret? There is no secret.