Q & As

Some Questions Answered::

Q:: How often do you train?

I generally do 14 sessions a week. This means that there will be some days where I do 3 training sessions and some where I only do one. This will change in the lead up to a race when training becomes more intensive. See my training diary for more details.

Q:: What's your best discipline?

Definitely the run where I normally unleash! My best time in a half ironman is a 1.13 and in an ironman is 2.56.

Q:: What do you eat when training?

I eat a lot, but I eat healthily. There are times when I get back from a long ride when I feel as though I can't eat enough. There was a little road side cafe in Australia on my favourite ride called the Wiseman's Ferry ride that I used to do with friends Phil Dove and John and Richard Mergler when living in Sydney where I would stop for the best peanut butter and bacon sandwich. Sounds disgusting to some, but I can't tell you how good it was during a long ride!

Q:: What do you think about during an Ironman?

I go through so many different emotions. At the start, I'm rarely nervous, just looking forward to getting going. I always think I'm not doing particularly well in the swim but am often pleasantly surprised when I exit the water.
On the bike, I concentrate on trying not to lose too much ground to the leaders and on my nutrition. There are definitlely times when I think why am I doing this?
The run is my favourite up until 30km. It is at this point when it really starts to hurt and it is a case of survival of the fittest. The finish is great and about 10 minutes after I've finished, the hunger kicks in.... there's nothing better than a big greasy pizza at the end of an Ironman.

Q:: Where's your favourite place to train?

The French Alps. The rides are long and hard, the roads are relatively empty and the scenery is spectacular.

Q:: What's your favourite race?

So far, Ironman Canada. The whole town gets behind the race and they have pizza at the end!

Q:: What race haven't you done, but would love to do?

Hawaii, obviously. Also, the race in Embrun, France, which is Ironman distance and reputedly the hardest race in the world - mountains and altitude - deadly.

Q:: If you weren't an Ironman, what would you do?

I'd be a pilot.

Q:: What do you do when not training?

I love the French Alps, particularly Serre Chevalier and I've recently learnt to ski. I enjoy playing golf too. I basically do all the things I don't have time to do when training.

Q:: If you could be a professional in any other sport, what would it be?

A professional surfer. Love the lifestyle.