ATHLETE OF THE MONTH – DECEMBER 2019
BEN PETRIE
Congratulations to Ben Petrie, AOTM for December 2019.
Ben stepped up to the “Rumble” as his first ever triathlon on a borrowed road bike after a bit of banter during squad. Ben's “have a go” attitude is what we love at Red Dog!!! It resulted in him dominating his match up and leaves him looking for a bigger fish to fry in 2020. Well done!
A big thank you to our sponsors for donating this month’s prizes.
1. Red Dog AOTM, how do you feel about that?
I am really thrilled about it and inspired to work harder in 2020. The training has really changed my life. I’m probably fitter than I have been in a long time (or ever). I’ve dropped 11kgs since this time last year.
2. What attracted you to the club?
I would swim in the public lanes at the Valley Pool at lunch time. Trent and I would nod at each other as I passed him on the pool deck. The squad scared me and I never thought it possible to keep up. One day Trent suggested I jump into the ‘rapidly improving lane’ so I did. I made a promise to myself to keep turning up.
What continues to attract me to the club is the supportive group. Trailing in the wake of Raleigh, Laurence, Brendan, Byron and Fiona is my ritual. If I can tickle their toes, it’s a bonus.
3. How much training do you do at the moment?
Around 10hrs a week. (4 hours of Swim, 5 hours of casual riding and working on running)
4. Least favourite session and why?
Any session after taking a break. It hurts more than anything.
5. If you had one wish, what would it be?
Being able to conquer tumble turns.
6. Favou
“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything”; Marty McFly (Back to the Future)
7. The one bit of advice I’d give to a newbie is…
Keep turning up and having a long term goal of making training habitual.
8. My next race is…
Thinking about Mooloolaba Triathlon….
Cooly Classic 5km Ocean Swim
9. I couldn’t do what I do without…
A 2-pack coat of sunscreen prior to valley lunch sessions. Firstly a dry priming coat with a wet top coat.
10. What do you do outside of triathlons?
For work, I’m an Engineer across the road from the valley pool. So, working out how to design and build stuff.
Family - My Wife (Carla) and two kids (Ernest 9 & Minnie 7)
Really like travelling when time permits. I love Peru!
11. What’s your one guilty pleasure?
Netflix Binging with these ice creams from Aldi called ‘Choc Coats’…they are killer
A list of all AOTM recipients can be found here