In the Spotlight: Mike Higgins

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Triathlon is a great sport for keeping active, and by taking on the three elements of swimming, cycling and running you can train in a fun and varied way. A lot of our members are also taking part in triathlon events as there are numerous opportunities for all ages to take part at whatever level they choose. Meet Mike who loves both training and taking part in triathlon events!

Name: Mike Higgins
Club: Welland Valley Triathlon Club (WVTRI)
Role: Regular Racer

When and how did you get into triathlon?

My first triathlon was in 2013. I was a good cyclist before I took up triathlon and had done some running in the past. I’d done the cycling leg as part of a relay team at the Property Triathlon at Eton Dorney for many years and had always wondered what it would be like to do the whole race but I had no background in swimming.  I was sat watching the Brownlees at London 2012 whilst on holiday and I thought, this year I’ll do the whole thing. Triathlon can be my new challenge.  I immediately got a coach and set about learning to swim and doing triathlon.  I remember at my first swimming lesson my Coach likened me to a ‘drowning rat’ but I made progress in the pool and then in open water which was daunting at first. I can still remember my first open water swim. My first triathlon race was the Property Triathlon at Eton Dorney in 2013. I did the swim, got two punctures on the bike, which I fixed, and then did the run.  I loved it but I wasn’t happy with my time due to the punctures, so I went back the next weekend and did another event on the same course and achieved a great time. 

About how many events do you take part in each year?

In 2017, I raced five Duathlons including the European Championships in Soria, the National Championships at Bedford, and some ETU Qualifiers. I raced six triathlons in 2017 including Leeds WTS and some ETU Qualifers, including Bala.

What’s the best thing about participating in triathlon?

For me triathlon offers the chance to set challenging goals, develop plans to achieve those goals and then put those plans into action. For some people the goals can be to go ‘longer’ but for me I want to go ‘faster’ during a race. I love racing. There’s always something to work on. It’s great finding improvements across swim, bike and run, as well as transitions and mental preparation.  I find it fairly easy to fit all the training in.  I’ve developed a good knowledge base on triathlon but there’s always something new to learn as well. I am motivated by accomplishing goals, enjoying racing and developing myself as a triathlete.   

Which event will be your next event and how will you prepare for the event?

My 2018 season will hopefully include the ETU Standard Distance Triathlon Champs in Tartu, Estonia so I will have gone from a non-swimmer to an Age-Group triathlete in a few years. My first races in 2018 will be duathlon qualifers in Spring 2018 and the National Champs at Bedford. I will then do some triathlons including Leeds 2018 which I’ve done for the last two years.

Preparation will follow a training plan developed by me and my coach to achieve my main goals.  I love endurance training, and I’m having big push on developing my triathlon skills for 2018 with Team Triumph at Loughborough, as there’s still so much to learn and improve from a technical point of view.

Do you have any special routines on race day?

Loads, but the main pre-race routine is to write a race plan a few days in advance which covers everything from all the kit I will need, the weather, timings for the day, through to pacing and my racing goals. 

What’s your top tip for triathletes to stay healthy and injury free?

Three tips. Do what’s right for you and don’t just follow what others are doing. Take care of your body from your nutrition through to getting a regular sports massage.  Don’t train or race through any illness or niggling injury, it’s madness, take the time to recover.
 

 

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