How did you get into Triathlon?

I’ve been running for quite a few years and have completed events ranging from 5km up to Marathon distance, which has included running London Marathon 3 times. Watching the Brownlee brothers competing in Triathlon was probably the thing that inspired me to give it a go, especially after watching them compete at the 2012 Olympics in London.

What was your first race?

I signed up for my first Triathlon in 2015, which was a local event around Sutton Park, the Birmingham Sprint Triathlon, and I loved it and have never really looked back. I hadn’t done much open water swimming so I knew a mass start would be interesting! I gave myself some room, went off at my own pace and soon started to overtake those that had gone off too fast. Out of the water and Transition 1 seemed to take forever but eventually I got out on the bike. This was a bumpy course but enjoyable, well until I got knocked off my bike by the guy following me into T2… The run was great and seeing my wife, parents and friends at the finish line was awesome.

What has been your highlight so far?

Finishing the Outlaw Half Ironman last year is definitely my highlight so far, I enjoyed it that much I’m signed up for it again this year! The swimming and running are okay for me, but my weakness is the cycle leg, so 56 miles at race pace was going to be a challenge. I finished about an hour quicker than I thought I would so it shows all the hard work in training payed off.

Is there a race you would recommend and why?

As a local event that’s fun and friendly, the Brat Lichfield Sprint Triathlon is superb. The pool swim isn’t too manic with only one other person in the lane with you. The cycle is a relatively flat course with only a few bumps along the way. The run is a fast and flat 2 lap course around the sports field. You don’t get a medal, but it’s a really well priced event.

Do you have one item of advice you wish to share?

Race Preparation is really important. Getting your kit ready a night or two before is critical, it gives you plenty of time to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything. Speak to someone who’s done a triathlon before and get some advice off them, virtually everyone has done something wrong in transition at some point so being prepared will really help.