CATRIONA MORRISON
Wow, what a champion, Catriona Morrison has an amazing race resume.
Catriona obviously enjoys the challenging races and has won both the Texas and Lazerote Ironman. It’s not only the IM distance that she excels at but has been the World Duathlon Champion 4 times and in 2011 became the 70.3 North American Champion.
Catriona shares some great tips for helping you with your triathlon racing and offers great, encouraging advice.
Country: Scotland Preferred Distance: Ironman and half Ironman
Best Race Result: 2010 IM Lanzarote Champion 2011 IM Texas Champion. 2* European Duathlon Champion; 4* World Duathlon Champion (see www.catmorrison.com for all results)
How long have you been doing triathlon? Since 2000
Additional Information: I live in a climate challenged country!! Scotland!!
Are you able to train full time or do you need to work?: I can train full time – a mix of race winnings, sponsor backing and my husband allow me to live this wonderful life.
Learn more about Catriona: www.catmorrison.com @cat__morrison
Sponsors: saucony, powerbar, blueseventy, fuelbelt, louis garneau, Xlab, West Lothian Leisure, Meridian Foods, computrainer, Oakley, shimano
TRAINING AND RACING TIPS
How did you start in triathlon? I was running at university and suffered a knee injury. A
friend was selling a bike and I started to get back into the pool for rehab. I put everything together and did my first tri 10 weeks after my surgery – walk jogging the run as the rehab on the knee was still ongoing!
Favourite Training Session? Anything that involves a large deserved meal at the end!! I love long bike rides in beautiful countryside and I love the way I feel so satisfied after the run off at the end. It must be that I know there’s a good post workout feed coming my way!
What is your favourite part of a triathlon? The finish line 
Seriously. It’ that one moment when all
the hard work and effort come into fruition – whether you are first or 31st it doesn’t matter. The effort has been repaid.
Where would you like to improve? I would like to be more consistent in my swim, break 3hrs in the marathon and also to work on my self belief and confidence.
Do you have tips for other women?If you can meet other people for training. You will be more motivated, more competitive and more likely to get out the door.
What tips do you have to stay motivated and what keeps you motivated? I remind myself that all my competitors are out there training too. I remind myself that I am one lucky girl to have the opportunity to do what I do and I remind myself to make the most of it.
How important is confidence in your racing performance? Very! It’s something I struggle with and an area that always needs work.
Any tips for improving swimming? Invest in finding a swim coach that you can communicate with. Swimming is not intuitive for many and having good technique feedback is a surefire way that you will improve.
Any training tips to improve cycling? Cycle with people of a similar or slightly better standard. Be challenged. If you are techy minded consider getting a power meter and learning how to use it. Training to power is a great way to improve.
Any training tips to improve running? Again, challenge yourself. Run with a group or do regular test sessions where you can monitor your progress. Consider having a physio screening to show areas where you may need to work on your technique and core strength. Being physically strong and injury resistant will help you in all disciplines.
Any tips about racing? Develop a personal race plan and try not to be influenced by those around you. Remember that a triathlon is a long day at the office. Things may not go according to plan but stick at it. DON’T try anything new on race day – stick to what you know.
Would you like to share any of your goals with Miss Triathlon? My main and driving goal is to be the best that I can be. I want to fulfil my potential in triathlon and this is what drives me on.
Why should more women participate in Triathlon? For the same reasons that they could participate in all forms of physical activity: for fun, self fulfilment, enjoyment, challenge and for health. Most of all for yourself.
Any other comments for women triathletes? Encourage your sisters, mothers and daughters to get out there and tri!
