ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – AUGUST 2013 

Congratulations to Michelle Gemmell on being selected as Reddog’s Athlete of the Month for August 2013. Well done!!! 

She wins the award for her fantastic attitude and consistent training leading up to Sunshine Coast 70.3.

A big thank you to Fusion Cycles, Aussie Tom and Sue Rigato from GMN Vegie Prepi for donating this month's prizes.

 1. Reddog AOTM, how do you feel about that?

Oh wow!  As I wipe away the tears – I’m not sure if its from crying or laughing - actually a mixture of both.  This is absolutely really blown me away for so many reasons.  I’m definitely in shock – thank you – this has made my year!

 2. What attracted you to the sport of triathlon?

My dear darling husband (Scott) - despite all protests, registered me to do the 70.3 in Mooloolaba.  My response to that can’t be repeated, however I insisted that he find me a coach who was going to nurture me using a soft and caring approach to gently guide me through utilising an achievable minimalistic training program in an understanding and empathetic way – and he replied, I know just the person!

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

I don’t think there will be too many surprises in my response here – but swim squad training would be very different!  I’m sure those personal jet propelled devices would be much more fun than a pull buoy and paddle session!  Just kidding (not) – but honestly, that is why I enjoy training because the variety and intensity is what I love the most.  If only triathalon training could incorporate ‘wine appreciation’ as well…..

4. How much training do you do at the moment?

Not as much as I would like!  At the moment only about 10-12 hours however once my husband is back from injury/surgery – the real battle begins for training time.  

 5. Least favourite session and why?

No surprises here – swimming! 

6. If you had one wish, what would it be?

To find the secret to swimming well and efficiently!  

 7. Favourite motivational quote?

Just the ones I have to repeat to myself to get me out of bed every morning when the alarm goes off ie ‘don’t you even start to think of an excuse’, ‘do not close your eyes again’, ‘don’t even look at the snooze button’, ‘you are not tired/hung over/sore’, ‘its not THAT cold’,‘c’mon you know you’ll be happier at the end of training – lets go’!

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

While Trent may not have been the ‘nurturing, soft with caring approach who gently guides me through a minimalistic training program in an understanding and empathetic way’ – he definitely knows his stuff!  Look at how many athletes he has nurtured and their success is a testament to how great his training is.  It is so much fun and the squad if full of truly amazing athletes who inspire you every training session with their dedication, abilities and experience – so don’t have to be the fastest swimmer, you don’t have to be the quickest on the bike, you don’t have to record the fastest run time – you just need to be there at training and you (with Trent and the squads help) will get out of it what you want!  

9. What are your goals?

a.  To be able to swim well and efficiently!

b.  Perform well at Mooloolaba 70.3!

c.  Do as many races as I can over this summer because training through winter and freezing my butt off every morning has got to have some advantages!

 10. Who would be your ideal training partner?

If it couldn’t be a Reddog member, it would have to be Sam Stoser ;0) 

 11. What do you do outside of triathlons?

I work part-time with my husband in our real estate business, as well as another part-time office manager role, mother to a 7 year old (Evie), I try to get a game of netball in when I can, chief house/domestic manager, enjoy time with family and friends and somewhere in there I try to find some training time and sleep.