Andy Dines (aka Ironman Andy)
1. How did you get into Triathlon?
I actually had a go at triathlon training when I was in my early 30’s but never plucked up the courage to do my first real event. I got as far selecting Marbury park but bottled it. I’ve always been a good swimmer and have learned to love cycling with a passion. Running came to me later in life when after putting on a few pounds, when my kids were young; I needed something to sort me out both physically and mentally.
2. What training do you enjoy and what do you hate?
Sorry guys, I really love the swim training. It feels so natural to me. I hate Thursday mornings after the swim training because my eyes, throat and nose usually feel pretty rough.
3. Give us an insight into your day dreams when you are out training on your own?
I have this reoccurring day dream, that I win the lottery and spend even more time training and get to spend stupendous amounts of money on kit. The dream usually involves me going into Royles and saying I’ll have Cervelo P4 and Assos everything.(Never going to happen) My other dream is being plucked from obscurity by Dave Brailsford and the Sky cycling team to be a wild card entry into this years Tour de France team.(Never going to happen)
4. Give us one top training tip?
Forget gyms and get outside. There’s nothing like it. The worse the weather the more the training seems to lift the spirits.
5. Talk us through your best and worst tri events to date?
My worst Triathlon experience has to be Bala Olympic 2009, when stood in transition 10 minutes before the swim start; I realised that there was a large slither of glass sticking out of my rear tyre. A frenzy of activity ensued, which meant by the time I had fitted a new inner tube and got to the swim start my heart rate already measured 160bpm.
My best has to be last years Bolton Ironman. Five years in the planning came down to a 12 hour total emotional and physical rollercoaster. Hearing those immortal words at the finish ,can only be beaten by wedding days and the birth of your children.
6. If you were doing (or thinking of doing) a triathlon for the first time, which one piece of advice would you give?
I think you have to remember that it’s a journey both physically and mentally. If your going long then Nutrition and Pacing is the key.(This can also have benefits in other activities)
7. What’s your ultimate triathlon dream (e.g. win a race, complete an Ironman)?
I guess my ultimate Triathlon dream has to be taking part in Kona i.e. Ironman Hawaii. Second best would be me watching my kids doing a triathlon and seeing them enjoying the experience and the journey as much as I have.
8. What’s your favourite piece of tri kit/gadget that you own?
It’s a toss up between my KTC tri suit which, because I am so confident in my own sexuality (wife and two kids) I have no problem with the pink and so choose to wear it at every opportunity. Or its my white bike helmet and sunglasses which ,because they obscure so much of my head and face, you could almost believe I was 25, OK maybe 45.
9. What’s your post race indulgence (food and drink)?
It has been known for me to polish off a whole half dozen packet of hot cross buns when I come back, ravenous after a hard bike ride. Not the ideal Tri diet I know. Drink wise I’m starting to really enjoy protein drinks,but only if there infused with chocolate.
10. Finally, who from KTC would you most like to pip on the finish line?
Can’t possibly say, but you know who you are! Every clubs got one of these guys.
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