2nd Ironman World Championships (25-29 AG) - 2015;
1st Ironman Port Macquarie (25-29 AG) - 2015;
10th Ironman World Championships (25-29 AG) - 2014;
1st Ironman WA (25-29 AG) - 2014;
1st Ironman Port Macquarie (25-29 AG) - 2014;
3rd Ironman 70.3 Canberra (25-29 AG) - 2013;
3rd Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie (25-29 AG) - 2013;
Enter Feature Blurb
Greatest sporting achievement:
Winning my age group in my first Ironman distance event at Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie 2014. Coming 2nd in my age group, Ironman World Championship 2015.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given:
As bad as things may seem...always look for the positive...move forward...and good things will arise. Train like no one is watching, and you will reap the rewards.
Don't be afraid to fail...always get back up! Always stay open to 'learning' no matter how developed an athlete you are. Never waste time worrying or regretting things or thinking negative, life’s too short plan ahead, and enjoy.
Favourite Endura product and why:
I actually have a few favourites - Energy Gels (Grape, Raspberry, Citrus flavours) and Rehydration Performance Fuel (Lemon/Lime) are great because they taste so good and give me sustained energy to get me through my sessions and races. The gels are also really easy to consume when training and racing. Endura Optimizer is delicious and provides me with my energy and protein needs (Chocolate's my favourite flavour), I love adding this to smoothies after training! I also love the Pro Body Bars (Deluxe Fudge flavour) as a great snack during the day.
How did you get into your chosen sport?
I came from a swimming and Surf Lifesaving background and raced at national level, but after 10 years I wanted a change. I raced a small local Triathlon and was approached by a coach (Aaron lean) who said I had potential and offered to coach me and be apart of the National Talent Identification Program for Triathlon. This was a great opportunity and my progression to now racing and winning Ironman events around Australia and internationally is a great accomplishment.
How important is diet and sports nutrition supplements to your performance?
I personally believe that nutrition is extremely important for both everyday training and racing to achieve the results and high goals I set. Monitoring my diet and using sports nutrition supplements help get me through long training sessions and play a critical part in providing me enough energy, hydration and recovery for every session. Endura supplements cover all these bases and I find the products to be of major importance for fuelling, as well as refuelling the body to repair muscles and avoid injury.
What do you normally eat and drink on a typical training day?
I always start with Endura Optimizer before my morning session. During sessions I hydrate with Rehydration Performance Fuel to give me sustained energy throughout. I also use Endura Energy Gels and Performance Bars before/during sessions, especially my long sessions. Breakfast is usually muesli or oats with fruit and yoghurt or wholegrain toast with eggs and avocado. I snack on Endura Pro-Body Bars (Deluxe Fudge flavour) throughout the day and I also like making recovery smoothies with Endura Optimizer to sip on through the day. After my midday session, lunch usually consists of a chicken salad or wrap. After lunch and a rest I head out for my afternoon session. Dinner is usually salad and vegetables with protein such as salmon or chicken. I also have another Endura Optimizer just before bed to maximise recovery ready for the next day.
Where will we find you when you are not training or competing?
If I’m not training, I’m usually at work at The Athletes Foot. If I'm not training or working, you'll find me at a local café drinking coffee, relaxing playing my guitar, at the movies or at the beach.
What is your best training tip?
If you put 100% into every session and stay consistent, the results will follow. Consistency is key!
What are your goals for the next year?
My number one goal is to win my age group and hit the top step of the podium at Kona!
Who inspires you and why?
Mirinda Carefrae is a huge inspiration because of the ‘Never give up’ attitude. I also have a few great people around me who inspire me to be the best athlete I can be, who believe in me and the high results I can achieve and to guide me along my sporting career.
How long would you normally spend training each week?
On average 25-30 hours per week.
What is your favourite 'before race' meal?
Fettuccine Bolognaise is always my pre-race meal, plus a Chocolate Optimizer shake. The morning of a race/Ironman I usually have a crumpet or toast and a coffee 2 hours before the race. An Endura Performance Bar and 250mL of Endura Optimizer. Throughout the morning I will be sipping on 600mL of Rehydration Performance fuel lemon/lime flavour, then I have an Energy Gel 5 minutes before the start.
Best nutritional advice?
Practice your nutrition plan in training first before implementing it on race day.
How do you stay motivated with training?
I don’t need to stay motivated…because I AM motivated to train. I’m doing what I love to do, so there's no reason to not be motivated, especially when I have goals I want to achieve. I love training. I love the sport. I love racing.
The thing I love the most about being an athlete is...
I love pushing and challenging my mind and body to its limits to reach high levels and goals each and every day. I love the fact that it provides me with the opportunity to travel and see the world, whilst giving me great life experiences. I love being fit and healthy.
What is a common mistake made in your sport?
Not focussing enough on nutrition during training and racing. Not fuelling the body correctly and not drinking enough fluids. Most people don’t take nutrition as seriously as they should. Nutrition should be as important as the actual physical training, if not more important. I believe you need to practice your race day nutrition during long training sessions so that the body is used to it. Over-training would be another mistake - not listening to the body can result in injury.
Staying on top of regular massage and stretching is key to injury prevention and recovery and this tends to be over-looked.
Toughest experience in your career / What have you learnt from it?
Having 5 stress fractures within 5 years in 5 different places. I have definitely learned how to manage and prevent injuries and how to really listen to my body during training. I have also learned that rest and recovery are very important phases of triathlon training.
What is going through your head the moment before you start a race?
Besides feeling sick with nerves, I’m telling myself ‘All the hard work is done’. I’m focussed on the present and clearing my mind. I usually get a song in my head to keep me as calm as possible while still thinking about my race plan.
In five years time I will be...
Ironman World Champion!
What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
Listening to my body. Get weekly massages to prevent injury. Listen to my coach and trust 100% in the program and not doing any more or less than what I’m given. Communicating with my coach constantly and giving feedback about every session is also a key factor for moving forward and succeeding.
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