Audrey was looking for a fundraising challenge, found triathlon and hasn't looked back.
STOP PRESS: Since we inteveiwed Audrey for this profile, she has been named as London Region's 2017 Children's Coach of the year! Congratulations Audrey.
Name: Audrey Livingston
What’s your involvement in triathlon?
I started off as a novice competitor doing my 1st triathlon in 2006 and I am now a level 3 triathlon coach working with juniors and adults from novices to age groupers and everything in between. I am also a Regional Technical Officer and can be found at local events ensuring competitors are safe when racing. I also volunteer on Triathlon England - London Region Committee as the coach coordinator finding relevant workshops / CPD opportunities for coaches in the London Region
Favourite Discipline of Triathlon?
I dont really have a favourite as I am not brilliant at any of them. I love coaching run and swim as you can see the results more or less immediately and I like to see triathletes doing more Strength and Conditioning during their sessions and I add them to 1-2-1 training plans.
Why did you want to do triathlon?
After qualifying as a personal trainer I wanted to to something big to raise money for charity and most people seemed to focus on marathons, (which I did not fancy doing,) so on a recommendation I decided to do a triathlon. My initial thoughts were I can swim, I know how to ride a bike and anyone can run so how hard can it be doing all three together!!!
How did your journey into triathlon start?
A friend recommended doing the Crystal Palace Triathlon as it was in a pool and closed roads (ie in the park) so i joined the club that ran the event. Also the club and the event were on my doorstep and their training sessions were easy to get to.
I can swim, I know how to ride a bike and anyone can run so how hard can it be.........
What motivated you?
Apart from wanting to raise money for charity I found that the club, it's members and coaches were encouraging and friendly and they had a great social side.
What is your best moment in triathlon?
There are many 1. Getting a write up in "The Independent" and a mention in a triathlon book "triathlon made easy"; 2. Being awarded London Region Children's Coach of the Year; 3. Completing a middle distance triathlon (not necessarily in that order)
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of giving triathlon a go?
Give it a go and enjoy yourself, its full of great people (I have made a great many new friends)
If you've got a story to tell please get in touch with Jon Train email jontrain@britishtriathlon.org