 Name: Lisa McLean Age: 43 Lives: Freshwater How long WTC member? 3-4 yrs Your supporters: Hubby Pete, kids Luke & Mia and our triathlon friends Why triathlon? Many reading already know that I am following in my husband’s footsteps. I figure if you can’t beat them, join them! Well I will never beat them (aka husband and his friends) but after seeing Pete race Ironman for nearly 15 years I figured I should give triathlon a go. It’s a sport that will keep me active, fit and healthy as I age. I feel fitter and healthier than I did in my 20s and that's a big plus! I also think it’s important for the kids to see both mum and dad training and racing, setting goals and achieving them. Goals for 2014/2015 season: Huski Short Course is the first goal of the year. I have only raced this distance once before, last year in Kurnell. Then the biggie is Noosa later in the year. It will be my longest tri - and just my luck they have changed it to an ocean swim! How do you juggle training & work/life: For 15 years I have been asked how do you manage being an Ironman wife! I have often said to others I don’t know how you manage two people in the house training for Ironman with kids and careers. That’s why I am sticking to short course. What I have learnt from Pete is that if you really want to achieve something you have to make it work. You may have to sacrafice some things sometimes but really thats life - you can’t do it all! I don’t think I would have been good at fitting triathlon training into life with young kids but now our kids are aged 9 and 12 they are more independent, can be left alone when we both need to do an hour of training and sometimes they even join us. As all triathletes know, training is just part of the daily timetable slotted inbetween meals, work, etc. Triathlon training is also not just about racing, it’s about keeping fit and staying healthy. It can be a stress relief, it gives you time for yourself and at other times its very social so becomes a time to spend with friends. Triathlon is a lifestyle and one we love! Most memorable tri experience to date: I have to say that at this stage it’s not the triathlons I have raced but the races that I have been supporter at for my husband and friends. There have been many. I have very fond memories of Forster Ironman races and some songs still remind me of standing at the side of Forster Lakes at dusk. We had an incredible experience at Ironman China which was ridiculously hot, no one spoke English, lots of people got sick from the food, the Chinese spectators on the day treated the age-groupers like pros and we ended up hitching a ride back to the hotel after the race in a huge truck with bikes and all the professionals - and most memorable was seeing Pete run down the finish line knowing he had his first ticket to Kona! The ultimate tri memories so far however has to be the Hawaii Ironman. It is the mecca for all triathletes. The whole week is an amazing experience and race day is something special. Everybody who is passionate about triathlon should go at least once whether you qualify to race or go as a supporter...and make sure you volunteer too! Long term tri ambitions: I really don’t have any that I am aiming for at this stage but I suppose an Ironman 70.3 would be on my bucket list. I am just not sure I can see myself going the a full Ironman but I suppose never say never! What other hobbies outside of triathlon? I started running after our kids were born and I still enjoy competing with friend in local running races. I don’t have much time to fit in other things much but when I do have time I like writing. I have a website and online social network called TriCrew which is all about about triathlon travel and supporting (www.tricrew.com.au) - which I wish I had more time for! Favourite triathlon race course/location: I haven’t raced enough courses to have a favourite course. A triathlon which has something for everyone and is a nice family weekend away has to be Huski. Of course, Hawaii is my # 1 race location and Noosa would be runner up. Busselton is pretty nice too but you need at least a week if travelling from Sydney as you want time to enjoy the Margaret River area. So many other races we still haven’t been to and I am sure are amazing! Hero/oes (sport or otherwise): My husband when it comes to triathlon. He really has made me so proud with what he has achieved in the sport he loves. John Maclean is another (no we are not related) and when I think of people outside of triathlon who inspire me (rather than who I see as a hero) it would have to be anyone who has dreamed big and then achieved that dream. In sport, business, entertainment - and especially those who raise money and awareness for people who are not as fortunate as us. Favourite Motto: I have decided my motto for 2015 is Do What Makes You Happy. Another one I remind myself often is Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff! Tips/Inspiring comments for other triathletes: I am a middle aged mum. I was never sporty and never dreamed I would be a runner let alone learn to swim or ride a bike. I built my running abilities up over time and eventually set myself a goal of running a marathon. When I achieved the goal I was so proud. Now triathlon is my new goal. I am still learning. I am not fast. I am scared at times and wonder why I bother at my age, but on the flip side as you get older you need to stay fit, you want new challenges and setting goals to achieve something you never believed you could do is good for us all. I have to not worry about what my husband is doing or friends around me when it comes to triathlon. My tip is to stay focussed on what you want to achieve and work with your abilities. Find friends to train and race with. Take it slow and eventually you will build your fitness to the point that you can achieve your goal - and when you get there you will look back and wonder why it seemed so daunting! You may even get addicted and set yourself a new goal that is bigger and more daunting. What I have learnt from Pete is that consistency and determination will get you to the start line no matter how big your goal is or what challenges you face along the way. :-)
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