ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – FEBRUARY 2019
MEL NEWTON
Congratulations to Mel Newton, AOTM for February 2019.
Mel wins the award for winning her age group at Geelong 70.3 and qualifying for Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Nice. Well done!!!
A big thank you to our sponsors the Brow Bar, RHP Physiotherapy, Yeronga Pool, Darling & Co and Endura for donating this month’s prizes.
1. Red Dog AOTM, how do you feel about that?
HONOURED. Icing on the cake this month. A last minute decision to race Geelong on little running has turned out to be a good decision.
2. What attracted you to the club?
I started swimming with Trent over 10 years ago as an injured runner. I could barely swim 50m and he made me do one arm – I was laughing at myself underwater. The club has grown so much since then but there has always been a friendly mix of people of all ages and abilities. There are plenty of sessions on offer to help keep the balance. And the coach tells it to you how it is – no BS!
3. How much training do you do at the moment?
On a good week – 3-4 swims/4-5 bike sessions/3 runs /pilates.
4. Least favourite session and why?
TRACK & CRIT TRACK – circles do my head in – prefer to go places and see things.
5. If you had one wish, what would it be?
Live long and physically able.
6. Favourite motivational quote?
Last year it was ‘Fall down 7 times stand up 8’… but everyone knows it takes me a while to get in the pool so my all-time go to is ‘You never regret a swim’ – post it notes on my desk, in my car, on the door – everywhere (especially in winter – just nikko it on your arm).
7. The one bit of advice I’d give to a newbie is …
Keep the balance. Pick your ‘A’ Race and commit to the training block leading into it . Around that keep fit but put social, work and family first.
8. My next race is …
Fingers crossed for a financial windfall so I can do the 70.3 World Championships in Nice France. I’ll be on the Noosa start line as long as I am alive and kicking.
9. I couldn’t do without …
MASSAGE! Ha no - its a cliché’ but FAMILY. At the end of the day that’s what you come home to. They put up with me, and help keep life in perspective.
10. What do you do outside of triathlons?
Work two jobs and mum of two boys 4 & 8yrs – my life is very full. I wish I had more time for photography.
11. What’s your one guilty pleasure?
ONE :0 Shopping, chocolate, hot chips, cheap sweet wine and the list goes on. Life’s too short for just one!
A list of all AOTM recipients can be found here