WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight: Martyn Lewis

This month we focus the spotlight on Martyn Lewis aka JabberTaff. Martyn is new to triathlon and completed Ironman Wales in 2016 in a very, very respectable time, lets see what Martyn has to say:  
 
  • What got you started in endurance/ multisport? 
    • Started running late in life (8 years ago). Did charity bike ride North to South Wales on a borrowed bike over 3 days in 2011, loved it, bought a road bike, was talked into doing Cardiff Tri in 2015 closely followed by the Cotswolds 113.  
  • How long have you been with WhittleFit?
    • Just over a year, I signed up for Ironman Wales and thought I needed a structured plan rather than volume training. 
  • Tell us about your home and work life?
    • I live in Pantmawr Cardiff, with my wife Karen, we married in 2006, have 3 children Adam, Sophie & James 26,23,20. I own & run an MOT & service centre (Celtic MOT Ltd) in Cardiff, with my brother, have been in the trade almost since birth, family business started the month I was born, have picture of me in custom made overalls age 3 covered head to toe in grease, things haven't changed much. 
  • What was your first race?
    • Run - Bupa 10k around the bay, completed in 1:58 hard work 30'c heat, huge sense of achievement.
    • Tri - Cardiff Tri 2015
  • How many races have you done?
    • Triathlons - 3: Cardiff Tri, Cotswold 113 & Ironman Wales.
    • Cardiff half marathons -  4: although one of those I collapsed 100m sort of the finish line! 
  • What advice would you give someone starting out in triathlon?
    • Ask your wife 1st!!!! The training towards the end of Long distance triathlons is immense, it rules and takes over your life! 
    • Get a coach, volume training will get you to the finish if you can stay injury free, but with correct structure you'll get there in a much better state. 
  • What is the most rewarding part of your journey racing in endurance or multisport?
    • The camaraderie of team mates in Crap Tri or  fellow triathletes in WhittleFit during training and racing really makes a difference, their helpful advise whenever you need it but fun as well.  
  • What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
    • That feeling on the finish line of Ironman Wales is like nothing I've experienced in my life, there were times leading up to the race that I thought I'd wouldn't even get to the start line but I kept to the plan, it was worth every second of the pain and agony of training.
    • Finishing 8th in your age group, sitting there at roll down with a very outside chance of a place in the World Champs at Kona is surreal for your 1st long distance triathlon. Age is not a barrier, believe in yourself, stay focussed and still to your plan and anything is achievable. 

 Thank you Martyn for your comments and congratulations on a great result at Ironman Wales 2016, it was well deserved! You followed the coaching provided by Lawrence Cronk to the letter and it paid dividends - very well done!