FAST FIVE - march 2022 - tessa moorfield

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​Tessa Moorfield 
 Henley Beach, South Australia
 
‘Since becoming a T:Zero athlete I’m learning to be more disciplined with preparing and consuming adequate nutrition, especially during training sessions’

This month, our Fast Five feature athlete is Tessa Moorfield, who has been participating in triathlon and endurance events for the past six years and started her journey with T:Zero and Coach Rich approximately two months ago. While a ‘newbie’ to T:Zero, Tessa is a seasoned endurance athlete, having completed a host of marathons, ultras, 70.3, Ironman and long course events across Australia and the world. 

While she doesn’t have a favourite distance, Tessa is drawn to the longer events and is motivated to train, race and participate because she says she feels happier when she’s active. Her favourite training sessions are runs – long, interval … any session with her mates. In fact, her favourite thing about endurance and multisport is the friendships she has made through training and shared interests. Her least favourite? Constant goggle marks! 

Outside of triathlon, Tessa is a builder and enjoys sewing and Pilates. 
Looking forward in 2022, Tessa is currently focussed on training to complete Ultraman Australia 2022. Go get ‘em Tessa!

Favourite race? Why? 
Bootleg Busselton IM 2021.  When WA closed borders to SA a week before Busso our local triathlon community (a couple of people particularly) put a huge amount of work into delivering Bootleg Busso. Around 8 people completed Bootleg Busso IM and others the 70.3 distance, with over 100 volunteers behind us.  My favourite part of this event was the swim guideline – “if you get into trouble just stand up!” My husband provided water cover on a SUP and my daughters and mates were able to run with me. It was a very special day. 

Favourite leg and why? 
This is complicated.  My least favourite leg (the swim) is also my favourite.  I often have panic attacks early in the swim but once I’ve worked through this, I usually reach a place where I’m really happy to be swimming. 

Proudest triathlon moment? 
Geelong 70.3 2020. I’d been injured and hadn’t been able to run in the lead up.  This shifted my approach to pure enjoyment.  On a friend’s suggestion I went ‘nude’ (as in, I didn’t wear a watch!) and really enjoyed the event.

Do you have a race day mantra? Or something you think about to get you through tough periods during the race or calm your pre-race nerves? 
“Think tough”.  A friend said this to me before an event and I remind myself of it when needed. 

What’s your endurance goal for 2022/2023? 
To complete Ultraman 2022.  I’m not a strong cyclist and, while there will be numerous challenges to get across the finish line each day, completing the Day 2 280km ride in under 12 hours will be a huge accomplishment.

And one more for good measure (and a big head) …
Why do you love being part of the T:Zero Multisport team?
Training for Ultraman at the moment, I really value Richard’s race-specific advice, which I know is based on personal experience.  And his understanding of my many fears!

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