FAST FIVE - SEPTEMBER - JESSY GLEESON

Jessy Glesson 
Brisbane, Queensland
 
‘Take the pressure off yourself. When I told myself I was going to have a break from tris for the rest of the year, it was huge for my mental load. Relaxing, having fun. That’s super important and I’m enjoying training more than ever. And I’m not even training!’ ​

This month, our Fast Five feature athlete is Jessy Gleeson, a high school teacher from Brisbane who’s been training with T:Zero and Coach Ash Hunter for the past six months. 

Jessy originally made his way into the sport via Coach Ash’s shout out on social media for guinea pig athletes. Jessy put his hand up, signed up and hasn’t looked back! Although he’s only been participating in triathlon for 12 months, Jessy’s already completed both Mooloolaba and Byron Bay Olympic distance triathlons as well as Straddie Salute, earlier this year. 

Jessy’s favourite thing about triathlon/endurance/multisport is going for long sessions and being “nowhere else but here”. He’s a big fan of the bike - loving the speed aspect and relishing in the satisfaction of overtaking people after a slower swim leg. 

Outside of triathlon, Jessy enjoys playing the odd video game, making sourdough bread, maintaining a veggie garden, playing spike-ball and bikepacking.

Right now, Jessy’s in the throes of training simply for fun in his “off-season” - purely riding and running for enjoyment. Looking towards 2022, his goal is to blend the ambition of winning with the enjoyment of racing for himself (which he’s predicting will require some serious Zen!). 

Favourite distance? Why? 
I’ve only done Olympic distance. Projecting though into next year I still see myself loving Olympic Distance. I’m a big fan of being present throughout my whole life, that goes in my relationships, my training, my work, and even just being still. So Olympic Distance triathlon training really allows me to be present in most aspects of my life without losing myself.

Proudest triathlon moment? 
Finishing the Byron triathlon in 2:10. 9th in my age group. I’m missing part of my right arm and love competing against able bodied people, I don’t see myself as any worse off. So when I crossed that finish line with those stats it was a powerful experience.

What motivates or inspires you to train/race/participate? 
Hmmm…In all honesty it was to receive validation from those around me that I was good/fit/strong/amazing. Or that I was beating people. I’ve been reflecting a lot and I’m still trying to answer that question. Currently what motivates me is the connection with my body and with nature I feel when on the bike / running. Yeah…

Best piece of advice for someone starting out in the sport? Or best advice you’ve received? 
Listen to your body and your mind for fatigue. It’s ok to skip a session to give your mind a rest.

Do you have any tips for athletes struggling to find some motivation or who may have temporarily lost focus? 
Have everything ready to go before you go to bed. Like truly laid out in a methodical way. It gets your mind set for the next day. Makes waking up that much easier.

And one more for good measure (and a big head) …
 
Why do you love being part of the T:Zero Multisport team?
The depth and breadth of knowledge the team has to offer. I’ve learned heaps about training load and nutrition that I wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.