ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – MARCH 2019

JOHN MARTIN

Congratulations to John Martin, AOTM for March 2019.

John wins the award for being on the winning team in Godzone Adventure Race - Pursuit, NZ, completing the course in 4 days, 22 hours and45 minutes.  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?

Ecstatic, it's better than winning any race. Except for the Rum Can Relay, which was the actual pinnacle of my lifetime athletic achievements. I actually thought it would take me another decade to be AOTM and require a significant sponsorship donation to the club.

2.            What attracted you to the club?

I love that the club is so diverse in age and ability, that everyone fits in and feels welcome. Every person I spoke to told me the same thing, join Red Dog. Something I tell everyone now.

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

Between 2 and 20 hours a week.  It tends to be all or nothing.

4.            Least favourite session and why?

Wind Trainer - I bought a wind trainer, then I gave it away in perfect condition almost brand new shortly afterwards.  It felt morally wrong to sell it; or for it to even exist.

Normally when I ride, my heart fills with joy.  On a wind trainer, I feel the life slowly ebbing out of me with each pedal stroke.

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

For Trent to accept that wide brim hats are cool. And then once he's done that to accept that legionnaires hats are even cooler.

6.            Favourite motivational quote?

When I'm Training - "the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle".

When I'm racing - "it can always get worse", this one seems the most useful as it often does.

7.            The one bit of advice I’d give to a newbie is …

Listen to Trent, but not after 9pm Fridays.

8.            My next race is …

Lots of small ones, but then I'd like to do the Talisker Transatlantic Row; I just need to learn to row.

9.           I couldn’t do without …

Orla, Chris, Tristan and Lucy who consistently help me train above and beyond myself.

Red Dog - I'd wanted to do an ironman since I was about 8yo and that only happened thanks to Trent and the club.

10.        What do you do outside of triathlons?

Sailing, freediving, kayaking, dentistry and the occasional adventure race.

11.       What’s your one guilty pleasure? 

Not Training, Bear Grylls - Man v Wild.

A list of all AOTM recipients can be found here