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Balancing a Career and Representing Your Country: Experiences of an East Yorkshire Great Britain Duathlete.

How Did I Become a GB Age Group Duathlete?

In my late 30s, over a couple of years, I competed in local duathlons and a handful of triathlons. A duathlon is a multi-sport endurance event in which competitors complete a running stage, a cycling stage, and a final running stage. It is similar to a triathlon, but without the swimming stage. My plan at the time was to qualify for Great Britain; however, redundancy and subsequently securing a new job in Leeds put an end to my racing days for the time being. 

Following a 10-year break from the sport, as I approached a significant milestone - my 50^th birthday - I decided that I wanted a challenge, so I entered an event called the Sandman Duathlon. It was the toughest event I had ever competed in, but it gave me the motivation to get back into racing. After coming second, a friend suggested that I try to qualify for the European and World Duathlon Championships, representing Great Britain.

It took a lot of discipline and hard work to train for the events. Thankfully, my efforts paid off, and I qualified for both the European and World Duathlon Championships, representing Great Britain for two consecutive years, in 2023 and again this year, in 2024. This year, at the European Championships, I won bronze, and at the recent World Championships, I was 6^th in my age group and the 1^st Great Britain athlete.

Getting There Has Been a Big Learning Curve

Getting there has been tough. I had to balance my training with my 40+ hour working week as an engineer. Managing my health has been one of the most difficult challenges, both mentally and physically. I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have no idea when it will flare up.

It’s also been a big learning curve. I’ve had to consider my nutrition leading up to and during a race, along with arranging the logistics of transporting my bike to competitions abroad. The qualification races were all in the UK, but the World Championships were in Townsville, Australia. I had always been concerned that my bike wouldn’t follow me when competing abroad, and with two stopovers between Manchester and Townsville, it was even more of a concern. I purchased an AirTag tracking device for my bike. I’m pleased I did, as unfortunately, my bike didn’t follow me. When we arrived in Townsville, my AirTag told me my bike was still in Brisbane! A little stressful, but it did eventually arrive in time for my race.

Balancing My Training and My Career

I have found that the best way for me to train is around my work. Most days, I start at 7am and finish at 4.30pm. I have 30 minutes for lunch, so unfortunately, I am unable to train during my lunch break. For this reason, I train after work and follow a monthly training plan set by an instructor. This really helps, as at the end of a busy working day I am mentally too tired to think about what training I should be doing. My plan consists of three weeks of solid training and the fourth week as a recovery week. I also train on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which means I am up early seven days a week – a routine I do find tough. By the fourth week, I am so ready for the recovery week! This is the time when I try to catch up with friends, and if my partner and I want to go away for a couple of days, we tend to plan it during this period. To be honest, there are days when I really don’t want to train, and I have to force myself to do so. If I go on holiday before a race, I have to be disciplined and stick to my training plan. I find this extremely difficult; in the past, my holidays have never included exercise. Holidays, to me, are about having quality time with my partner, forgetting about work, and having time to relax and unwind. 

A Brief Insight Into My World Championships

I’d completed my warm-up and had everything set up in the transition area. I checked that I hadn’t forgotten anything, and most importantly, I remembered exactly where my bike was (there are hundreds!). Now on the start line, the athlete next to me was limbering up. I remember thinking, “I wish I could do half the things she is doing!” The countdown started, and we were off, taking on four laps of an undulating course. The scenery was amazing, and the cheers from the crowd kept me going. With the first run stage completed, it was onto the two-lap bike route. I made sure to keep my 10-metre distance from the rider in front, as no drafting is allowed, and competitors only have a few seconds to overtake. Then it was onto the last run stage. It was very warm by now; I made sure to take on fluids at the stations and poured the lovely cold water over myself. Finally, the finish line was in sight. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, but I was glad to finish!

Inspiration for the Future

I am so thankful that I have been able to experience such an amazing opportunity and visit the countries in which I have competed. I have encountered so many inspirational athletes along the way - people who are still competing in their 80s, as well as athletes who are competing in five or even six events. One is enough for me!

Do I need to make improvements? Yes, there are things that I know I could improve. Will I do it again? Yes, 100%!