Congratulations on your two gold medal performances in the 70-74 Cross Triathlon events at the Age Group World Championships!
What was the overall experience like at Age-Group World Championships – What was your favourite part?
This was a super well organised event and Townsville is a beautiful resort town. Critical for me was an intermediate level of difficulty in the mountain bike course as I am a beginner rider and the Townsville course was perfect. It is fabulous being part of team Canada and the team managers organise things really well. Lots of social functions and many new friendships formed. There is huge friendly “Vibe” at the event.
How did you get started in Cross Triathlons… What got you into multisport?
Funny, i spotted the 2020 world cross triathlon was in Holland and the mountain bike course was flat and grassy and ok for a total novice like me. I was getting slower in regular triathlons and thought multisport would be a fun challenge especially as race times mean nothing due to course differences. Then came Covid and I finally got to race in Ibiza last year but the course was way too difficult for me and i had to walk half of it. I decided to get a proper mountain bike and train in Squamish this year so i could try again. luckily the Townsville course was just within the level of my skills so i took my hands off the brakes and concentrated like hell.
Are you part of a club or training group?
I only train alone. I like the solitude and spontaneity
Competing in the 70-74 age category is fantastic! Can you share a bit of your training or tips that keep you in shape and healthy?
When you get to 60, training is more about staying injury free so if you feel the start of e.g. running issues then you back off and ride and swim. Thats the beauty of triathlons. I have no “healthy regime”. I have always been vegetarian. But am only 140 lbs and eat and drink what i like- always have.
Were you part of any other sports before triathlon?
I was always a 15min 5k level runner for years pushing out to 22 mins lately and not enjoying being “slower”
Do you have any big plans or goals for 2025?
I am not an especially goal driven person really but I like trying to do things I am not supposed to be good at. Maybe break dancing or skateboarding next? Ha.
Who is your sporting Idol?
I was jumping up and down when Simon Whitfield won gold in Sydney and the race in Beijing was something else when he got silver in an incredible last lap.
What is your favourite pre race, and post race meals?
I used to be careful with food before road races which were full bore. I dont worry much anymore and swimming is not too “disruptive”. Definitely no coffee -just scrambled eggs two hours before a race and anything after, with coffee of course.
What advice would you have for any athletes targeting qualification for age-group world championships?
I think this depends on age. Injuries take longer to sort out as you get older so as one ages, one needs to back off intensity. Only do fast work outs over shorter distances to avoid injury. I would avoid interval training in running as the latest research says the heart remodelling can impact later heart health. I had an ecg two years back and got sent to emergency as they said I had serious issues. The cardiologist told me to stop all training and races and he tried to put me on antihypertensive drugs. I am a medical researcher so I self researched my condition and established I was perfectly healthy. I published the work in the journal “Hearts” :if anyone is interested: Premature Cardiovascular Misdiagnosis of Senior Endurance-Trained Athletes by John k Jackson https://www.mdpi.com/2673-
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. All the best in your future events!
