LAURA BARRY
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Triathletes Name: Laura Barry Age Group: 27 Country: England
Favourite Distance: Sprint, have done a 70.3 this year and aiming to do some Olympic distance in 2012 Time in Sport: since Sept 2009
Hours per week: In a basic week 7hours but my training is very much based on what races I have coming up
Best Results: 7th Female (Aquathlon) Am yet to place in a race but have been improving my times over the year and hope to get more off them next year
Additional Information: Work Full time, some weeks long shifts and a lot of hours, I also have crohns which can sometimes get in the way
How did you get started in Triathlon? My sister’s boyfriend signed her up for a super
sprint distance so I did it with her for support, and then just carried on entering more races
Learn more about Laura: twitter – @lauraboo84 I also use dailymile. All my Dailymile updates go on there
TRAINING AND RACING TIPS
Favourite Training Session: Swimming, any of the sessions, feel at home and
comfortable in the water. Although quite like my clubs weekly tempo run
Favourite part of a triathlon: Once I find my rhythm in the swim, and I know there’s then no going back, also getting on to the run, knowing that I have 5k to push through and being nearer to completing another race. Social wise having club members, friends and family’s support all the way round, I have never been happier to see my mum as when I was running down the finishing straight at Ironman Ireland 70.3
What would you like to improve? I really need to improve my bike times, and build on the strength in my legs. Could probably be quicker in getting my wetsuit off, always some kind of drama
Tips to stay motivated: I do a lot of my training with my local triathlon club, without them I wouldn’t get anything done. Joining a club is a great way to meet people who share the same goals and people of the same ability who could become training partners. My Sister, friends and coaches keep my motivated, but knowing that I make my mum proud pushes me to try my best.
How important is confidence in your racing performance? Very!!! I have to feel like I can do it otherwise I know I won’t do well, also knowing that my friends and family have confidence in my performance will always push me that little bit extra.
Time saving tips:Remember its quality not quantity, prioritise your weaknesses, set yourself a realistic training plan and be flexible with it!
Tips for improving:Find a local Triathlon club, and take advantage of the knowledge of the coaches, you’ll get more out of a coached session then trying to do it yourself
Racing Tips: Make a mental note of where your bike is, I’ve got caught out one to many times loosing time because I’ve lost my bike. Relax and try to have fun at the end of the day isn’t that why a lot of us do it?
Future Goals: I would love to finish an Ironman distance, but am realistic that, that might take a few years to get to, so for next year I’ll be doing the run and part of a relay team, which will be my first marathon. To do another 70.3 and finally do my first Olympic distance triathlon
Why should women participate in Triathlon? Why not? It’s fun, you can meet some amazing people, and you can surprise yourself in what your body can actually do both physically and mentally. It’s great for keeping fit and active and is just amazing!
Other comments: Just make sure you enjoy yourself!
