BRIAN FOGERTY
Runner-up in last year’s 220 Age-Grouper of the Year category, Brian found time between coaching and selling insurance to share his top tips for newbies
01 INVEST IN A COACH
But not just any coach. Make sure they have experience in the race distance you’re aiming to complete. So if you’re racing Ironman make sure they’ve completed the distance themselves so they have the truest knowledge of what it takes to train and race one.
02 FOCUS ON YOU
Don’t get distracted with what other people are doing. Have your own agenda and just focus on that. If you keep improving then that’s all that matters.
03 ENJOY WHAT YOU DO
It’s very easy to forget why we do this sport, if it’s not for the pure love of it then it won’t last. Remind yourself constantly of your why.
04 TRAIN WITH OTHERS
Training can be monotonous, especially for long distance, so try and find a good group to train with. More than anything it help keep you focussed on your ultimate training goal and you’ll meet new friends with shared interests. I’ve met many of my closest friends through this sport.
05 SET SHORT- AND LONG-TERM GOALS
Be ambitious but realistic when setting your goals for the year. My target in my first Ironman was to simply finish; in my 26th my target had shifted to winning it! Patience is key when it comes to triathlon.
06 INVOLVE LOVED ONES IN YOUR JOURNEY
Ironman training takes a big commitment – the road is (sometimes literally) full of ups and downs, so you will need all the support you can get. I always race Ironman Lanzarote because not only is it a great race, but it gives me and my family an opportunity to have an amazing holiday together.
07 MIX UP DISTANCES
Racing has so many benefits so don’t be afraid to race other distances and disciplines. Standalone bike, run and swim races are a great way to test yourself and push your limits against faster, specialist athletes. Different triathlons are also a great way to practise. I always try and race a 70.3 in the build-up towards an Ironman. It gives me confidence knowing everything is going well and helps me sharpen up within the race environment.
ABOUT BRIAN
Brian describes himself as a “parttime triathlete, full-time insurance broker, hoping one day to swap.” He’s also holder of the 2019 Ironman UK title, winning with a 10-minute cushion in a time of 9:27:12. Brian started tri in 2012 after calling time on a football career, which involved playing for Burnley FC and semi-pro clubs around the northwest. He’s also now a coach for TriCentralUK.