Club News

As well as racing 4  Super Series races,  Rachel did some epic cycling ( Mizen to Malin, Ras ns Mban) and some super duathlons in 2015

What is your sporting background?

I have been playing organised sport since I was four. I played soccer from four to sixteen and basketball from seven to 26. I played basketball internationally (over 100 caps) and professionally. I did a variety of other sports recreationally as well (skiiing, tennis, camogie, etc.).

How long have you been doing triathlon and how did you get into it?

I started triathlon in February 2012. Quite simply, my parents bought me Ger Hartmann’s autobiography for Christmas and it inspired me to buy a bike. I had been playing basketball at a high level for a very long time so I was looking for something new and triathlon seemed to be it.

What’s your favorite discipline?

My favourite discipline is cycling.

Which is your favorite race and why?

Hell of the West is my favourite race. I like the challenge and the atmosphere.

Highlight of 2015 season:

My best race this year was definitely TriAthy, making that my highlight. My swim and bike are always quite consistent but I had a great run at TriAthy. Finishing Ras na Mban last week was a highlight as well, though it’s not triathlon-specific.

Low of 2015 season:

I wouldn’t say I really had a “low” this season because I finish most races with the result I deserve. If pushed, I’d say DCT because the weather was awful, there was almost no support (which is no one’s fault… just an outcome of the rain and schedule) and my run was a struggle.

What is your preferred pre-race food?

My preferred pre-race food is porridge. If it’s a late-ish start, I’ll have poached eggs and brown toast as well.

And post-race treat?

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love chocolate… so that’s normally the first food-item on my mind after a race. : )

If you had the time or could roll back the clock what other sport would you like to pursue?

As swimming is by far my weakest discipline, I should say I’d like to have swam competitively as a child. However, I don’t like the idea of double sessions, with the first at 5am. To be honest, I did every sport I wanted as a child. My parents were very supportive and encouraging and I lived in two countries (Ireland and Canada), meaning I was exposed to a lot.

What is your best buy (training aid/gadget/kit) you would recommend to another triathlete

My Garmin 920xt is my favourite gadget. It’s so functional and easy-to-use. I had the 910xt before and the 920xt is definitely a step up. It actually looks like a watch too, rather than a calculator. It does everything you need on the swim, cycle, run. It also makes sharing training records/data with my coach very simple.