· When did you first start competing in triathlons?
At NorthCross Intermediate School, Auckland in year 7 after watching the Athens Olympics. I must have been about 10 years old.
· What’s one highlight of your triathlon journey so far that stands out to you?
The camaraderie at the Hibiscus Coast triathlon club when I was a junior. I haven’t raced in triathlon since I was 16… now 31, but I still remember the good vibes of getting out to train with a like-minded group of people.
· What’s your ‘day job’ of triathlon, and how do you balance it with your training and racing goals?
Hydrogeologist – groundwater scientist/ engineer. I balance it with great difficulty! It’s probably not all that balanced to be honest… I commute daily by cycling or running and sometimes sneak out for a lunchtime run. I go about my triathlon life with a degree of equanimity – at the end of the day it’s a hobby for me, and there are always hiccups along the way, so I am really only about enjoying the sport and not worrying too much if I miss sessions because ‘life’ gets in the way.
· What is your favourite race that you’ve competed in?
The Tour of Southland, 2011. It’s road cycling, but that’s part of triathlon – and it was epic. Wind, snow, sleet, amazing scenery and full-gas racing. I learned a lot that week.
· Can you share a piece of wisdom that you’ve gained from your triathlon journey?
The reality of the sport is that it is mostly about the countless hours you spend working hard behind the scenes where no one sees you; it’s going outside to train when it’s cold and dark and doing the hard yards day in, day out. The podium on race day is a fleeting moment. Learn to love the hard graft and the results will follow.
