1. How did you get into Triathlon?
I have done most sports over the (many) years but after a serious Achilles rupture I focused on football, which I played competitively until 50. I had been a decent runner as a young man and when my youngest daughter, Kate, started serious running I started running again, culminating in the Edinburgh Marathon in 2010. I raised money for a charity that I have been involved in for many years and when I produced a report for their newsletter, almost as a throw-away remark I said “what next – a triathlon?” it stuck in my mind and I entered Wilmslow this year. Having not ridden a proper bike since I was about 18, I bought a mountain bike for the event and found that I did OK on it. I therefore bought a road bike and used it for the first time in the Liverpool Sprint, being 101st out of nearly 400 for the bike section. That encouraged me a lot and so far this summer I think I’ve done seven sprints and one Olympic. A few more left, including the Newbiggin age-group qualifier.
2. What training do you enjoy and what do you hate?
I enjoy everything but am sometimes embarrassed about my swimming – but watch this space and this time next year I’ll be proficient.
3. Give us an insight into your day dreams when you are out training on your own?
I sometimes listen to music when I’m running – a mix of things but Tom Petty is great to run to. I think of people – family and friends. I count – always I count. I look around and enjoy the scenery when I’m running. I solve problems in my head. I break the route into landmarks or distances to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I think of a goal I am trying to achieve – a marathon, the forthcoming age-group qualifier. I think of time running out, of wanting my kids and grandchildren to be proud of me, of crazy things that I think I can’t do and the things I thought I couldn’t do that I’ve done in the past year – marathon, Olympic triathlon, ‘A’ level Portuguese. Above all I feel lucky and privileged.
4. Give us one top training tip?
Don’t get injured, especially running – find the right trainers for you.
5. Talk us through your best and worst tri events to date?
Liverpool was great, because it was so well organised and I realised that I could compete and not disgrace myself. The bike ride was brilliant, with the roads being closed. The worst – Boundary unfortunately – I made the elementary head-down mistake at a crucial point, missed the turn for the bike lap two and did 5 extra kilometres. The most sobering was Allerthorpe Olympic, when I realised what a large step-up it is to the standard distance and I was exhausted.
6. If you were doing (or thinking of doing) a triathlon for the first time, which one piece of advice would you give?
Do a sprint, get a good level of basic fitness and talk to someone about the details of what you have to do – there’s a lot to know. Then – make sure you enjoy every second.
7. What’s your ultimate triathlon dream (e.g. win a race, complete an Ironman)?
I am definitely a dreamer but also extremely determined. I adopt what I call my Ben Nevis model – get to the next ridge and see what you can see and go for it. I did not think I could do a marathon or an Olympic triathlon. Now, I don’t think I could possibly do an Ironman and I haven’t reached the ridge from where I could contemplate it – that would be the half-ironman ridge I think! Next July maybe.
8. What’s your favourite piece of tri kit/gadget that you own?
My bike.
9. What’s your post race indulgence (food and drink)?
Bacon barm and red wine.
10. Finally, who from KTC would you most like to pip on the finish line?
I have been within a couple of minutes at Wilmslow and Macclesfield. I don’t particularly want to beat anyone, but would like the idea of another member upping their game to stop me beating them. Greg performed well at Macclesfield watched by his beautiful fiancée – best wishes for the wedding Greg – but he only just beat me on the bike (22 seconds) so he’s going to need extra training I think.
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