Find out what keeps Thomas motivated to consistently train to conquer triathlons and adventure races besides looking great in Pink!
Why triathlon and adventure races?
I’ve been seeing my dad race for 15 years and my brother started a few years back, so I just had to give it a go. I think there is something about endurance sports and liking to push myself further and seeing where the limit is.
What was your first tri? And how did your performance compare to now?
An Olympic Distance at Eaton Dorney, UK a bit like Western Sydney at the Olympic rowing venue. I think I’m a better swimmer and cyclist now…I think I ran better back then.
How was the Red Bull Defiance?
It was the hardest race I’ve ever done. The weird thing is you can’t really race it. It’s such a long effort that you just have to brace yourself for two very long days and let the fatigue come to you. As you’re in a team of two it’s also about making sure you keep both of you motivated to keep going. It was great doing it with my brother. We trained separately but to race together was certainly a fun experience!
The great thing is the setting makes that race! Any time you feel tired all you need to do is look up and it will give you the boost you need to pick up the pace. For a sporting perspective, it’s all up and down hills/mountains when you’re not in the kayak. If it gets too steep on the bike you end up pushing it up the hill which you do a lot of and the running is more like very long steep hikes.
It’s very different from triathlon and the training doesn’t really translate. For my first long endurance race I’ve learned a lot about myself and the importance of mindset. Maybe that carries over into a Full Ironman! I’ll have to do one to find out!
What’s your next goal race?
I’m thinking Sunshine Coast 70.3 could be the next big one with some sprints in between.
What was your best race?
I haven’t done that many but certainly Western Sydney. Everything went my way that day and to do it under 5hrs was the objective. It was my first 70.3 so I was really proud to achieve that.
What do you put this significant improvement down to?
I genuinely like training so consistency and making sure I turn up even if I’m tired was certainly key.
Lessons learnt?
I look great in Pink! But more seriously consistent hard work pays off. The little gains that you get from turning up to a session and doing what you can even if you’re tired will get you there.
What’s your favourite meal pre-race?
Bananas and porridge.
What are your nutrition tips during a race?
Coke will keep you going on the run ?.
How do you keep motivated to get up at 430 am for training?
A good coffee and avocado feta after a morning ride and the banter. I keep writing checks I can’t cash but it forces me to get out of bed most of the time!
What is your favourite ride?
I’ve only done it once but the ride to Sublime is pretty amazing and the view at the end is great.
Have you had to overcome any injuries and how did you do it?:
I’ve been pretty lucky on that front, touch wood. Moods are a pretty good indicator of how tired I am. When I start throwing hissy fits and Niki looks at me like I’m crazy I’ll miss a session because I need the extra sleep. I do have to remind myself that I will never be a pro Athlete!
Memorable motivational quote/catchphrase:
Statistics mean nothing to the individual… I’ve always liked that saying. I always understood it to mean that individuals have the capacity to defy the odds if they are determined.
Why do you like training with Danny / Moore Performance squad?
I’ve always needed sport to keep me sane and I prefer doing it in a social group which is why team sports was my main focus when I was younger. With Moore Performance you keep the team feel but you train for individual events which suits everyone’s busy life.
It’s competitive yet super friendly. Everyone is rooting for each other. The sessions cater for every level but then we all get together which is great.
What did you do before triathlon?
I played rugby for a very long time but that became more difficult when I started working.
Which athletes inspire you?
Watching the Tour de France growing up I loved Laurent Jalabert and his epic break always over the climbs to get the polka dot jersey.
What to do post-race celebrations?
A good drink and celebrate with all the other competitors!
What’s your ideal weekend?
I like a nice mix of chill and sporty.
So a nice early cycle on Saturday followed by a nice breakfast and laying on the beach or just in the shade for a nap. I love napping in a hammock. Dinner with friends in the evening with nice Mediterranean food and some wine.
On Sunday I love a lie in. Although it doesn’t mean the 11 am that it used to be, now it’s more 8.30! Again, a stroll to a breakfast place and then go to a beach if it’s sunny or a movie on the couch. Sometimes I like a long run late in the afternoon on a Sunday, I just find it sets me up nicely for the week.
I just realised that’s probably a pretty boring weekend!
If you could be anywhere right now in the world where would that be?
I’d love to go back to NZ and cycle around the South Island for three weeks.
What’s something about you we didn’t know before?
I’m going to regret this one!
When I was five or six my mum took me to ballet…let’s just say with three brothers I must have figured out it wasn’t in my best interest to continue!
