The Outlaw "Full" has been a stop off point for many TriBB members, and plenty of others have completed Outlaw’s other half-distance events too.

One of our members James Hunt- winner of TriBB’s Most Improved Male 2021- took on the event after a low key build-up and wowed us all with great result on the day. Here’s James’ take in his own words.

How did you happen upon TriBB?

James- I was recommended to TriBB by a work colleague who is also a member, I decided to start along side entering my first Triathlon.

Your Background/ Youth Sport history/ Career etc.

James- I played club rugby as a teenager as well as athletics, I was a member of Blaydon Harriers. My dad is a keen fell runner and I ended up competing in some road, then fell races with him.  I completed first marathon in Berlin 2014, I then had a hiatus in sport with changing careers and having a young family.

How did competing in Triathlons start for you? 

James- Triathlon has been on my radar as something I really wanted to do since watching one on one episode of neighbours in 2000. Joel did so well!

I entered my first triathlon in 2019 to compete in 2020 (Salford), it was cancelled quite late on and I had thrown the kitchen sink into training for it including training with a broken collarbone. I took a punt at outlaw X still being a goer later in the year. So Outlaw X 2020 ended up being my first Tri.

Describe TriBB as a club, its members and how it has helped you progress?

James- I couldn’t have started triathlon without being in a club like TriBB, when I started I couldn’t reliably swim 50m. The calm, inclusive and insightful coaching were vital for me making progress in the pool.

First Triathlon completed- reflections?

James- I was pretty tired and cold after outlaw X, it was a half iron distance and a big distance for a first Tri.  I loved the race and felt a massive sense of accomplishment.

How did it progress from there- next steps?

James- It really wasn’t long between outlaw X and registrations for next season. I went back to Tri BB sessions after 3 weeks rest and got on the turbo!

When did the thought cross your mind to do an Ironman/ Full Distance Tri? What motivated you to do it?

James- I was going to take it easy and do a couple of Standard Distance Tri’s in 2021.  I was going to do Leeds but it clashed with my wedding anniversary.  Then I got an email from the organisers at outlaw advertising the full, then I got drunk...

The race passes through the village my grandparents lived in and the swim takes place in a nearby rowing lake where I used to spend some long summers days with them.  I decided to raise money for Alzheimer’s research in memory of my grandad and great aunt.

Thoughts/ Reflections/ Cock-ups/ Funny stories from the race/ training for it?

James- Race week was a nightmare. My wife was taken to hospital the Wednesday before the race, then I was in a car accident the Friday before, sadly my car was written off. My parents were amazing at helping me get to the start line.  The race itself was great fun. I had a cracking headache for the last half of the bike which turned out to be caffeine withdrawal. The rest, it was nice to be doing something fun after a nightmare of a week.

Back at the hotel, I couldn’t walk from the car, I had to lean on my dad to get to the hot tub where I was revived with noodles and high5

Later that night we had a few whiskys and watched Alex Yee earn his silver in Tokyo.

2020 and 2021 have been tough for everyone- did completing the IM race being part of that wider training group help get you through the challenges of the Pandemic?

James- On top of the pandemic, I had some other personal problems, and I can say with confidence say that training made sure I didn’t lose my sense of self during the last couple of years.

Would you do another one?

James- IMUK 2023!

Having completed the challenge- what do you hope your story/ experience/example says to others who wish to take on that goal?

James- There are lots of different people who want to complete an IM distance for different reasons.  From experience I can now say that it's possible to fit the training in even when living a busy life.

Goals into 2022 and beyond in Triathlon, other Sporting Challenges and Life in general?

James- I’m wanting to try something a bit different within Tri, I have my eye on Redcar sprint as I want to try a sea swim and experience draft legal.  I also want to dust off my fell running shoes and give Helvellyn a shot.  Leeds too, I really want to race in Leeds.  But right now I’m sitting in bed with Covid so we’ll see!