WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight: Rob Stroud

This month we focus our WhittleFit Athlete Spotlight on Rob Stroud. Rob is coached by coach Mark and attempted Ironman Wales in 2016, lets here what Rob has to say about triathlon, Ironman Wales and what got him into the sport of triathlon:  

  • What got you started in endurance/ multisport?
    • Watching the 2012 Olympics. I'd thought about having a go at a Sprint Triathlon for a while. I'd always enjoyed swimming and I did a fair amount of Mountain Biking when I was younger. Running........ well two out of three’s not bad.
  • How long have you been with WhittleFit?
    • I joined WhittleFit early in 2014. I’d tried to do my own training in 2013 and just messed up. Didn't hit my goal of doing a Sprint Tri. I felt I needed some structure and knowhow. I haven't looked back since. I've worked up from Sprint distance and now have two 70.3s under my belt. I’d never have done that without Mark’s input.
  • Tell us about your home and work life?
    • I have two boys (9 and 12). My wife’s a Hospital Doctor and I’m a Partner in a predominantly NHS Dental Practice. Life is busy, but I like that. It's sometimes a challenge fitting in Swim/Bike/Run with everything else, getting up at 5am to get a run in before everyone wakes up is not unknown.
  • What was your first race.
    • Llanelli Sprint Triathlon in May 2014. I had a smile on my face the whole way round, even the run!
  • How many races have you done?
    • I try to get one “Biggie”  a year, eg a 70.3. I'll try to break up training by slotting in some cyclesportives and running events. Last year was supposed to be my Ironman year. I managed to have a bad crash on the bike leg which took me out of the race. So I'm making another attempt this year.
  • What advice would you give someone starting out in triathlon?
    • Get a coach, listen to them and join Cr@pTri.
  • What is the most rewarding part of your journey racing in endurance or multisport?
    • Achieving things that you never thought you could do. Amazing what a bit of hard work (mine) and knowledge (Mark’s) can do.
  • What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
    • I've been told that its a big achievement getting to the start of an Ironman. So I've been there. Getting over the injuries I picked up in the crash (leg and shoulder) and getting to the finish of Ironman Wales 2017 will be the biggest accomplishment. 

 Thank you Rob for your comments and congratulations on talking the wife into letting you have another go at Ironman Wales this year!!!