FAST FIVE - september 2022 - james elliot

James Elliot
Gold Coast, Queensland
 
‘Triathlon has taught me patience, it has taught me how to set long term goals and work towards them little by little, (eating an elephant one bite at a time).’ 

This month, our Fast Five feature athlete is James Elliot, who has been training with T:Zero and Coach Scotty for the past 10 months. 

James is a coronavirus convert to triathlon, falling into the sport via the “outdoor exercise” loophole during the long months of lockdown. And it seems to suit him nicely, with 16 months of triathlon now under his belt, and appearances at the Straddie Salute, Noosa Triathlon and Ironman 70.3 Cairns. 

James’s favourite distance is the 70.3, wherein it’s long enough to use nutrition and pacing strategies but short enough to be relatively spectator friendly! His favourite race to date is Ironman 70.3 Cairns which boasts (and we’d agree) - an incredibly scenic bike leg.

James can’t pick a favourite tri leg, noting that the ‘royal rumble’ in the ocean is a wild, chaotic experience, the bike leg comes easiest and is the most fun, and the run presents him with an opportunity to come face to face with what he’s truly capable of. 

Interestingly, James’s least favourite thing about triathlon and multisport ends up being his favourite - the sacrifices of time with family, early mornings, aching body, injuries, cost, the fact that it remains a relatively financially unsupported sport in Australia - are all the reasons it ultimately remains fairly pure. This said, he could deal without the exorbitant race entry fees and no refunds (here, here!). 

When he’s not swim, bike or run-training, James likes to surf, hike or do anything outdoors. His favourite motivational quote is ‘you are more than you think you are’. Ain’t that the truth. 
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Looking forward into 2023, James is going back to basics. He’s keen to work on his engine, focus on getting stronger and faster across all disciplines and has vowed to be a “different animal” in 2023. Let’s get it, James!

Why and how did you get into triathlon/endurance/multisport? 
To be honest I’m not a home body and I need to move, so during COVID there was only so much training I could do in a gym, the loophole to be outside was exercising. So, like Forest Gump, I started running and just haven’t stopped.

What’s your favourite thing about triathlon/endurance/multisport? 
I remember thinking I was an absolute fitness weapon before I did my first triathlon, I was soon humbled by SO many people. There after I was inspired by all the people in the sport who were from all different ages, genders, and body types. I love that the sport doesn’t discriminate. To this day I can’t find a consistent “type” of person who does this sport other than someone who has a goal and is out there giving it a go. People (including myself) breaking down personal walls to achieve a that goal they have been working towards. That inspires me. 

Proudest triathlon moment? 
Doing a flying mount and not eating gravel. 

Best piece of advice for someone starting out in the sport? Or best advice you’ve received?

• Start where you are
• Race your own race 
• Set long term goals with short term actions, and 
• Don’t be bamboozled by everyone with “cool” gear - use what you have and enjoy the sport. 

A quirky or interesting non-triathlon related fact or unusual habit about yourself? 
I started a hot sauce company by accident and ended up winning international awards. 

And one more for good measure (and a big head) …
 
Why do you love being part of the T:Zero Multisport team?
We are strong as individuals, but we are unstoppable as a team, and Coach Scotty has been there since day one. He really has ridden the highs and lows with me, without judgement he’s been in my corner for better or worse. I love representing T:Zero because that what it means to me - we’re family.