What is your history with sports and athletics?
I was not very sporty at school [I was very short-sighted] and it was only after I returned to Omagh after university and now married that I got caught up initially with the running craze in the early eighties, [I ended up doing 4 x marathons all under 3:30 in 1982-84].
Then I heard of triathlon. The only problem was that I could not swim … so I joined a local Swimming Club of young kids and in 6 months I had learnt a stroke of sorts.
In those days triathlon in Ireland was a very embryonic sport, distances were not specific, most races were pool based and if outdoor swims, they were in Speedos only as wetsuits were not allowed [ water temperature is not very warm in Ireland ,even in summer].
I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge for the next 2 years entering many races in Ireland but after 2 years I became very busy with work [Dentistry] and family and my “sporting life ” came to an end. Apart from an annual skiing holiday and an occasional pool swim I did very little formal exercise or training.
By 2010 and after a skiing holiday that ended badly , I could hardly walk with a very sore back, scans of which were not good in that I was told I may need surgery. So instead I went to the gym ,slowly got stronger until 2011 when I saw a flyer for a local Sprint Triathlon and the seed was sown. I had to give it one more try.
I practiced my open water swimming for 2 weeks, got a loan of a bike the night before the race [I had never used cleats before in my life] and turned up not knowing what to expect.
The race was not uneventful in that I nearly quit in the first 100m as I had never swam in a mass start before but I settled down eventually, then onto my strange bike all was good until I got stuck in one gear but undeterred I eventually finished … not in a very fast time, but I was hooked.
The next couple of years I dabbled at it around work doing Sprint and Olympic races all over Ireland and was even lucky enough to qualify for Ireland at the European Age Group Championships in Austria in 2014. I thought this had to be the zenith of my “sporting career.”
But at the back of my mind was the lure of the longer distances, so in 2015 I decided that as time was not on my side so in the space of 3 months I did my first Double Olympic race, then a 70.3 [half Ironman distance ] and finally my first Full Distance Ironman in Copenhagen [aged 62] in just under 12:30. As I crossed that line I was elated but all I could say was, “never ever again.”
Not very long after I got home I realized I was missing the training and so I made the impetuous decision to quit my work and enjoy the next few years [ not like my father who died young and my recently deceased younger brother] and spend the next phase of my life doing something I really enjoyed.
I decided I needed the help of a coach so I approached a friend for help with my training and looking for a nice “easy Ironman” to do. All he said was “let’s make it big & scary.” So I knuckled down to a consistent training regime [not only swim/bike/run but strength work in the gym, Pilates, yoga, regular massage and as important as anything a good diet and plenty of sleep].
This resulted in me doing 4 x Ironman races in Lanzarote and Wales in both 2017 and 2018. Anyone who knows of these races will know they are in the top 10 of the hardest Ironman races. I had qualified for the 70.3 World Championships as well in South Africa in 2018 as well. In fact I did this 70.3 race in Port Elizabeth on 2nd September only to return home to Ireland, then over to Tenby, Wales within 24 hours to complete Ironman Wales the following Sunday [9th September] and I had won my Age Group. My goal was finally achieved.
I had qualified for Kona in 2019.
Again for those that know, this is as good as it gets for any long distance AG triathlete. My goal was to go there and just enjoy the experience, which I did. It’s a very special place for sure as the island fills with 2,400 athletes especially in the days leading up to race day.
In some ways Kona is not as tough as Lanzarote/Wales but mentally I had to dig very deep to cross that line [what makes it so hard is the humidity, wind and heat especially for this very pale Irishman]. My goal was to finish in the top 10, and this was achieved by finishing 8th in my AG.
I am afraid it can only be downhill from here……..
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I just love the challenge and without doubt I have met and have friends through triathlon at home and all over the world now. It gives me a purpose to get up every day to the point there is hardly a day I don’t do some training. I need my endorphin hit every day.
Without doubt my proudest moments were in Wales qualifying for Kona and then crossing that line in Kona and Mike Reilly calling out “Gerard, You are an Ironman.”
What is your favorite gear or training equipment?
I have recently finished my new “Pain Cave” … where I can now go and do my own thing in peace … love it ..and I can even display my medals, etc. that were previously hidden away in boxes. The motivation that I need!!
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
Like us all, in 2020 our biggest challenge has been and still is Covid-19. I had planned to do Ironman Austria in July 2020 but as the pandemic got worse, this was cancelled so I consoled myself by making this a fallow year to allow some recovery as I had worked very hard for 3 full years. I reduced my training load somewhat but unfortunately mid summer 2020 my heel became sore. This has turned out to be my first ever chronic long term injury, I have plantar fasciopathy. After many frustrating months this is now slowly improving and my goal is to be racing again in the latter part of 2021 [I plan to race at Challenge Roth in September].
What is your “why?”
“Why do I do it” …. I often ask myself that. The hardest part are those first steps out of bed when the alarm goes on a dark cold winter’s morning.
After my session is over I know why!!
It’s doing something I love and I am so grateful every day that I am able to do it.
Long may it continue.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
As I was leaving Kona, I looked out of the plane window thinking I will never be back. But I would love to race there again. This would mean qualifying again but here’s hoping my body is as willing as my head.
My target is 2023/24. Triathletes are always excited to enter a new age group. I will be 70 in 2023.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Regards to triathlon or for that matter any realistic goal [small or big] you set yourself, nothing is impossible. Start with small steps. Enjoy the process. Join a club for the company and the advice so many are willing to share.
And remember BIG AND SCARY challenge yourself!!
That decision to retire was one of the best decisions in my life!
P.S. I never had that back surgery!
A favourite word of mine from Kona is Ohana [Family] …. all my triathlon friends.
Triathlon is Ohana to me.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE