Maddie from the Mooloolaba Triathlon asks:
Q: Hi Emma, I was just wondering how many trainings you would do a week and if sometimes when you are training you are really tired and want to stop and if you are over your sickness. Thanks from your no.1 fan!
A: Hi Maddie!
Great to hear from you! I mix up my training each week but generally I get up to train every day at 5.30am, go swim training, have breakfast, have a nap, go for a ride, have lunch, have another nap or catch up on emails, go for a run, and then I have dinner before going to sleep. When I get tired, I always tell myself that the pain is temporary. If you stop, then the pain will go away but you’ll be disappointed with yourself after. My coach once told me you should chase the pain because it will help you become stronger but don’t dwell on it! You learn to deal with it! But it’s also important to take some time off and to listen to your body, so you stay healthy and injury-free. I didn’t listen to my body which is why I’ve been injured and got a virus in 2009 that I’ve only now just recovering from. I’m much better now and my plan is to be competing again in June.
Thanks for asking!
Hilary asks:
Q: Hi Emma. First of all, I would like to say your positive attitude to your sport and life is an inspiration to me and I really enjoy watching you race. I was also wondering if you could answer some questions for me on some factors which may affect your performance for a PDJPE assignment.
1. In the lead up to a competition, do you participate in carbohydrate loading?
No, I am a high protein person to begin with but in the lead up to a competition, I try and follow a similar diet to what I have during training. I try not to change too much.
2. Prior to an event what types of meals would you eat?
It depends on the time of the event which can vary from a 6am to 3pm start. I usually go for fairly simple foods that are easily digested- i.e. a banana or toast - not too foreign. Basically the same things I experiment with in training. I know how my body will react to it so there are no surprises.
3. How long after racing do you eat?
I assess this on a case by case basis; It can depend on the water I have swum in (pollution) or the lactic in my stomach. Ideally I would eat as soon as possible. Fluids are the easiest to get down immediately following a race so I would start with that. But anything high in calories and protein is ideal as I need to replenish quickly.
4. Do you eat and drink during the race at all?
Once again it depends on the time of day of the race. However I always have some electrolytes on hand in a bottle as well as water and I have a gel strapped to my bike.
6. How often do you break from training and competing?
Definitely, once a year I have a big break at the end of the season - a minimum 4-6 weeks. It is really important to rest not only your body but also your mind. It can be a long, tough season if you're mentally fatigued.
Gertrude asks:
Q: Hi Emma, you are my hero. I aspire to be a famous athlete just like you. Can you please give me some tips on how to reach that goal. Love your number one fan, Gertrude.
A: Hi Gertude! Great to hear from you!
It’s so great that you have set yourself a goal. It’s so important to know what you want to do, and work to be the best that you can be. As long as you love what you’re doing, you’ll always go far – it’s about having the passion and love for what you do. Being a triathlete is definitely not easy! But it is a lot of fun. Some days, I just want to cuddle up in bed, but you have to just grit your teeth and get out there; you’ll feel great afterwards!
Good luck!