fast five - august 2022 - tracy tucker

Tracy Tucker
Brisbane, QLD
 
‘It’s not about the result. Give it a go, have fun and you just never know. It takes courage to be on the start line – you can do it! Set a goal, have a plan and commit. (And remember – courage is not the absence of fear)’

This month, our Fast Five feature athlete is Tracy Tucker, who has been training with Coach Scotty and T:Zero for the past eight months. Tracy’s been involved in endurance events since 2008 and completed her first full triathlon (Noosa) when she turned 40. Each “big” birthday she tries to do something out of her comfort zone. 

Over the years, Tracy has completed numerous endurance events including the Worlds Sprint, Standard Canada (2014), Worlds 70.3 Mooloolaba, Worlds Off Road – Crackenback, Worlds Sprint and Standard Cozumel, Mexico (2016), Comrades Marathon South Africa (2017), English Channel swim (2018), 24-hr MTB (2019), and Coast to Coast NZ (2019/2020). 

Although Tracy feels she’s better over shorter distance events and doesn’t see herself as a natural long-distance athlete, she loves being on her own in the trails, for a long time. She enjoys the challenge of longer distances (especially the mental aspect). Tracy also loves the amazing people she’s met along the way, and the friendships she has formed with people of similar values and style of “crazy” – getting out, living life to the full, embracing challenges and coming through the other side. 

Tracy’s favourite leg is the bike leg or endurance mountain biking as it’s her strongest discipline and she just loves getting out on her bike, especially in the bush! 

Tracy’s favourite motivational quote is from Nelson Mandela: 

‘I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave person is not the one who does not feel afraid, but one who conquers that fear’

In her own words: 

‘I love this quote as when I started triathlons I was petrified in the swim. I learnt that it was okay to be scared and learnt strategies to overcome the fear. That was also true for the 24 hr MTB ride, riding through the night in the pitch dark. And swimming in the night doing the English Channel swim’
 
Looking forward into 2023, Tracy has her sights set on completing her first full Ironman in South Africa. Go get ‘em Tracy!

Favourite race? Why? 
That’s a tough one. My favourite race would have to be Worlds 70.3, Mooloolaba – I just so enjoyed the atmosphere, had a great race and felt good after the race!

A close second would be Comrades Marathon for totally different reasons- lining up with 20 000 athletes is insane and having spectators cheering you on for almost 90km is also incredible. The camaraderie along the way was unbelievable, It was my toughest race but unbelievably gratifying crossing the finish line. (the medical tent was also an experience)

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? 
Scotty always talks about consistency, patience and layering. I believe that being consistent in training is making a big difference, I was always quite a sporadic trainer, now I head out the door most days even when I don’t feel like it and have a 100 excuses in my head! It has taken time and I’m learning to be patient. I tended to train hard , fast – get it done. I am learning to enjoy the process. 

What hobbies/activities do you have/do outside of triathlon? 
Having adult children gives us more flexibility to travel and see new places. We have bought a campervan and are really enjoying exploring new places to MTB and run. We are so fortunate to have so many diverse and beautiful places to visit in Australia. I also enjoy reading and creating photobooks of our travels.

What motivates or inspires you to train/race/participate?
I am motivated by a challenge or event that takes me outside of my comfort zone, Hence doing the English channel where I had to learn about cold water, Coast to Coast where I had to learn to kayak in rapids. I believe that you grow so much as a person when challenged. I am motivated to keep fit, strong and healthy as it enables me to enjoy doing the things I love doing (running, riding) in the outdoors.


Any funny or embarrassing race/event memories or stories you’d like to share? 
Oh my goodness, yes, years ago I left out one of the cycle laps ( it was 4 laps , I did 3!) in the Morton Bay, triathlon. To make matters worse I didn’t realise and placed 2nd and was given a medal! I contacted the organisers the next day when I realised what I had done having the fastest bike leg of everyone on the day (including men) and gave back the medal. That was before I had a Garmin :-)


And one more for good measure (and a big head) …
 
Why do you love being part of the T:Zero Multisport team?
Great to be part of a likeminded community of crazies :-)