A little bit of information about me to begin my blog with:
I was born on 14 February 1991 and raised in Vanderbijpark, Gauteng. I matriculated at Hoërskool Driehoek in 2009.
I started with triathlon about 4 years ago. I was challenged to my first race, with no training experience in cycling. At this race, I was the normal, average Joe and didn’t really know what the sport was about or what to expect. I had some swimming and running background, but no cycling experience at all. Yes, I had a bike for some time, which I had won in a competition, but never rode it. At the start of this race, most of the competitors were wearing their trisuits and other triathlon equipment.etc. I was wearing a speedo for swimming, quickly put on a t-shirt and “tekkies” for the cycling and running legs. Honestly, I have to say, I felt out of place. Nevertheless, I was determined to give it my all. I had a good race (2nd in the Provincial Championships) and enjoyed it a lot. From that moment I was hooked. After that race, I started to train more frequently and specific for triathlon – or at least I thought I did, until I met my coach, Lindsey Parry about 2 years ago. Lindsey took me under his wing soon after the World Championships in 2008 in Vancouver – the most horrible race of my life. This was a nightmare time, but I believe everything shouldn’t be always just good – you have to experience the bad as well. Lindsey and my family helped me to stay positive through this time. He assisted with training programs, advise and the big one - motivation. For the first two months I thought he was crazy and I would never be able to train that volumes and intensity. I have to say, he opened my eyes, helped me a lot and is one of my best friends. I have always worked hard to get where I am and I believe to be friendly and honest in life. I’m giving my mind, body and soul to triathlon. My belief is to stay with the same coach for a prolonged time and not to chase “possible” quick success. This is a physically demanding sport, does test your endurance, but still a lot of fun.
I am currently based at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria, where I study and train. I study BA(Human Movement Sciences)(1st year).
My best discipline is cycling and the training for this is also the most enjoyable. My swimming is currently the worst discipline and also the least enjoyable to train.
I would love to train and participate more in off road races as well, for the sake of fun, adventure and cross training. Currently my schedule is very full, but I do this whenever possible. I also enjoy pure cycle races.
I want to project the benefits of a healthy living lifestyle to both kids and adults alike. Healthy living is also fun.
Who knows what the future will bring.....
