FAST FIVE - APRIL 2022 - SAM MCKENZIE

Sam McKenzie 
Brisbane, Queensland
 
‘You spend a lot more time training than racing, so make sure you enjoy the process of training each day and getting to the start line in your best possible shape’. 

This month, our Fast Five feature athlete is Sam McKenzie, who has been participating in triathlon events for the past two years, commencing his journey with T:Zero and Coach Andrew 12 months ago. 

Sam has previously completed Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast (2020 & 2021) and Moreton Bay Triathlon (2021). He’s currently training for Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie in May and then moving his focus towards the Ironman 70.3 World Championships taking place in St. George, Utah, USA later this year. 

Sam’s favourite thing about triathlon is the process of all the training and “extras” you have to do to ensure you’re in the best possible shape come race day. In his own words “everyday you wake up you have a purpose and a goal to raise the bar a little bit higher and keep improving and working towards your dream or goal”. It’s no surprise that his favourite distance is the 70.3 (half ironman) because, he feels, “it allows you to race hard and fast but it’s also a challenging distance to balance effort during the three legs to give you the best shot at executing your best race possible”. 

Sam’s partial to the bike leg – because it’s his strongest. He loves the hard strength bike session (complete with AC/DC for motivation!) or just a long ride. 

Looking forward in 2022/2023, Sam wants to keep improving and putting down a performance at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in October that he is proud of. And for 2023? His first Ironman might just be on the horizon … ! All the best, Sam! 

Why and how did you get into triathlon/endurance/multisport? 
I had been playing rugby for 10+ years and thought I was ready for a change. I grew up watching my Dad compete in Ironman triathlons and always wanted to do one someday.  

Favourite race? Why? 
Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast. It’s a scenic, fast course and only a couple of hours drive from home and also where I did my first triathlon. 

Any funny or embarrassing race/event memories or stories you’d like to share? 
My first triathlon I spent about 10 minutes in transition trying to find my bike because I forgot where it was racked!

What motivates or inspires you to train/race/participate? 
The self-improvement you can make each and every day and the process of becoming the best you can. Also, the belief that there are no limits in this sport and you can achieve anything you want if you want it bad enough and do the work required.  

Since becoming a T:Zero athlete, what is the one new belief, behaviour, habit formed or skill honed that has most improved your athletic (or everyday) performance?
Since joining T:Zero I’ve seen some really big improvements and it’s given me the belief that anything is possible in this sport if you want it enough and do the work required. 

And one more for good measure (and a big head) …
Why do you love being part of the T:Zero Multisport team?
Because everyone wants to reach their true potential and be the best they can and that my coach Andrew really cares and is on the same page of being the best we can possibly be as a coach/athlete team.