Lucy Charles-Barclay: The Price of Being #1

00:00:01: Yeah, I've always loved really big scary goals.

00:00:04: I think i'm not someone who's scared or failing.

00:00:09: How can we learn?

00:00:10: Not to be scared of failing

00:00:14: And like willing to accept that I might fail at this but it's pushing me out my comfort zone and That could only be a good thing.

00:00:21: If I have to end My career here winning this race I'm at peace with that.

00:00:26: as long As I can get the win Then do that four times still be second then still be like No, I still want this.

00:00:34: And it's going to come back and I'm still too stubborn to step away and be

00:00:38: satisfied.".

00:00:40: Someone is like that was mental?

00:00:42: Yes!

00:00:42: I absolutely

00:00:43: smashed in.

00:00:58: Lucy It is great to see you with a smile as always...I feel very good at carrying your smile all the time.

00:01:05: When i was getting ready for the podcast.. ..I thought about where we could meet each other.

00:01:13: But Lanzarote of all places, it's two thousand seventeen.

00:01:16: If I'm not mistaken your first pro race is that true?

00:01:19: Yeah!

00:01:20: It was my...I think it was my first pro Ironman.

00:01:23: maybe i've done like one seventy point three before in the first actual pro race for seventy-point free Dubai and I didn't have a very good race.

00:01:32: So, actually swam off course –I was leading–and then ended up last again in the swim... ...and swam my way back up to first!

00:01:39: And Brice didn't travel with me to that race….

00:01:41: …and he knew i'd messed it up from Newkate who's like what even happened?

00:01:45: Oh no, oh no, I got it wrong.

00:01:47: so yeah there wasn't the best start there.. ..i think i finished tenth but then i stepped up a little bit when i got to Lanzarossu.

00:01:53: So is that your final excuse?

00:01:55: because before the race all I heard Is that there's this woman.

00:01:59: her name?

00:01:59: Is Lucy and she's gonna whip my butt out of a swim.

00:02:04: And then you had to swim, of course.

00:02:06: I mean You're probably still on the bike first i think Because Of me losing My helmet or something along those lines but it's at Your final excuse.

00:02:13: Then

00:02:15: Yes, I think...I'd heard that you thought i was going to be like some seven foot Russian woman and then it's actually quite small.

00:02:23: Obviously I have got some of the shoulders but yeah I had your team had done some research in them so she could actually beat me out on a swim!

00:02:31: So I did come in quite ballsy for my first pro race And yeah, knowing that the swim would go well.

00:02:37: I wasn't sure about the rest of the day and as we both know Lanzarote is a pretty tough Ironman.

00:02:42: so we wanted to do a tough one too.

00:02:45: kick it all off.

00:02:46: I do have to say That's One Of The Things i've come To Appreciate most About You Over The Years Is That you are always ambitious?

00:02:52: You Always Have Big Bold Goals.

00:02:55: Do You Go After Them And Your Rarely Wanted To Say Well Im Just Going To Coast Along?

00:03:02: Where does that sit in your mind?

00:03:04: In terms of goal setting and everybody saying, you know You should have internal goals external goals to talk to me about that balance for you.

00:03:12: Yeah I've always loved really big scary goals.

00:03:14: I think i'm not someone who's scared or failing like.

00:03:18: I Have a pretty good go at the moment And i'm ninety nine percent sure i'm gonna fail it but It doesn't stop Me working Really hard For it.

00:03:26: and I Think if you have A Goal That is that Big and Your Aiming for it and You don't Quite Make it there's a lot of really good things just below that goal, maybe you wouldn't have achieved if he wasn't aiming for something so high.

00:03:39: So even from my kid like I wanted to go the Olympic Games and when i was nine years old I went swimming in the two hundred butterfly because it is the hardest event ever!

00:03:51: Why do you want to do that then?

00:03:52: I was like, because that's the hardest one.

00:03:54: So it means the most.

00:03:55: and Then i learned about distance swimming And then i finally was doing eight hundred and fifteen hundred in The pool.

00:04:01: then i moved over To the ten k marathon swim and was trying to make the olympics In london for the ten-k marathon.

00:04:07: i even heard About the twenty five k marathons with.

00:04:10: i thought i'll wanna Do that as well because thats even more ridiculous uh...and then i landed on eyeman thinking actually even more ridiculous than I used to learn how to ride a bike and run a marathon.

00:04:20: And yeah, that's going to challenge me in a completely different way.

00:04:23: so... Yeah!

00:04:24: I haven't found the challenge bigger then Iron Man yet.

00:04:27: and yes i did just one of those stupid things where you do like hundred back-to-back but.. ...I'm not sure if my body could do that?

00:04:32: I think my mind could ,but I am NOT sure about my body.

00:04:35: So

00:04:35: um....Yeah!!

00:04:36: I've always loved a

00:04:37: Challenge!!!

00:04:37: I love pushing myself and seeing how far can go

00:04:40: a lot to unpack there.

00:04:41: First and foremost, the goal that you've set yourself at the moment is that The Commonwealth Games?

00:04:49: Was I picked it up somewhere?

00:04:51: Yeah!

00:04:52: It was actually my goal last year really focus on swimming.

00:04:56: for beginning part of this year we looked at the Commonwealth games qualification criteria Almost impossible and then I decided.

00:05:06: I needed to have a surgery on my leg And had time out of the water was like.

00:05:10: now it's even more impossible, but i'm still gonna chase It.

00:05:14: um...I mean My fastest time I ever swam as a swimmer Was sixteen thirty five long course?

00:05:19: And I need to swim sixteen twenty six To be considered.

00:05:22: so Yeah..i'll have to swim faster than i've ever had in my whole life.

00:05:25: So that is pretty crazy.

00:05:29: But The Time Is Coming Down.

00:05:30: I Have Just Over Two Weeks Until The Trials.

00:05:34: I'm just excited to see what i can do and it's making me go to the pool twice a day, train like an elite so much try and train like An Ironman athlete at the same time.

00:05:42: And yeah It's pretty wild!

00:05:44: I think Dan Lorang is calling his hair out thinking about she trying to do at that moment.

00:05:49: but...I really feel confident.

00:05:52: In twenty-twenty one, I did a very similar thing.

00:05:54: Like i tried to make the Olympic team... ...I was really lucky to make The Olympic Trials focused on swimming for the beginning part of that year and then had an amazing back end by season.

00:06:03: so.. ..i'm excited about what it could lead too!

00:06:06: It's probably not going to lead to the Commonwealth Games.

00:06:08: That would be incredible um but yeah i'm just excited to see how fast they can swim.

00:06:13: What do you think the average athlete can take away from like setting an audacious goal whilst being injured?

00:06:20: And really having that light at the end of tunnel is first thing to my mind.

00:06:26: Yeah, I think for me like on a dog walk with Reese and if we hadn't have set this goal how far behind it would be right now?

00:06:34: It's pushed me back in water so push myself.

00:06:38: I've got back onto bike almost pushing same numbers as last year.

00:06:46: There's something about triathlon, or the beauty of triathlon is we have free disciplines.

00:06:49: But you can gain a lot from one of them even if you can't do the others.

00:06:54: and it really allowed me to focus in on that.

00:06:56: And resource tells me well your cardiovascular system doesn't know which form of cardio are doing.

00:07:02: You're just working.

00:07:03: And I've definitely really felt that coming back to the cycling and as I reintroduce running, I mean, running is a little bit more difficult because it's weight bearing.

00:07:10: And I feel a bit swimmer heavy at the moment but I'm sure that that's going to transition into running well in the backend of year.

00:07:17: But yeah like i said ,I think its not being scared or failing .And I never have been willing to accept That I might fail with this.. ..but its pushing me out my comfort zone... ...and can only be good thing.

00:07:30: How Can We Learn Not To Be Scared Of Failing?

00:07:34: like personally, I have to say that's probably one of my absolute pet fears.

00:07:39: Like I only raced very few times throughout my career because i always wanted to be ready.

00:07:44: and if i'm very honest...I look back..i've always had a fear or failure even starting this podcast project....starting anything new there is always the self-expectation from outside.

00:07:55: here you are saying ..you never been afraid of failing.

00:07:59: how did it get there?

00:08:01: You know, that's a skill you can forge.

00:08:05: Yes I mean it's difficult.

00:08:06: i've failed at a lot of things in my life but i've also been incredibly successful.

00:08:10: others and I think...I haven't appreciated the success I'd had without having to fail first.

00:08:17: It has made this success means so much more!

00:08:20: My biggest failure was probably what happened in Kona last year And felt like the whole world is watching.

00:08:25: So..i guess That really allowed me be a bit of ease with it because well everyone kind witness that and they haven't turned their back on me.

00:08:33: And be like, oh she's a failure?

00:08:35: They're like okay well things go wrong even at the highest level... Even when you think you've done the perfect preparation.

00:08:41: so yeah it's going to happen.

00:08:43: I think it's just being at peace with that and knowing that on the other side of failure is probably a success!

00:08:49: That's definitely what happened to me.

00:08:51: Marbella was able to turn around.

00:08:54: winning The Seventy Point Free Worlds meant so much more.

00:08:57: because Yeah, trying to be at peace with it.

00:09:00: But It's not always easy.

00:09:02: I don't like failing but yeah this inevitable work probably will happen.

00:09:06: Yeah i think its' always a thing you have go through To actually grow right?

00:09:10: And You've done it very Publicly Always...I mean the eyes are on YOU!

00:09:14: You created an image inside The sport that probably supersedes the sport and people Are watching all the time.

00:09:23: Do you Think That the outside support is the Thing lift you up in those times when people don't turn?

00:09:31: because I feel like.

00:09:32: on the other hand, You're also more harshly judged than anyone else coming into the sport.

00:09:38: How we generally go about and how is someone being celebrated for coming fifth?

00:09:46: People tie rocks to your feet for coming second!

00:09:50: It's been talked about plenty but The Forever Rides made kind of analogy that media has maybe put on you at times.

00:09:58: How do you deal with that balance?

00:09:59: You know, how people lift you up and then in a moment of success also don't cherish it as much as they probably could.

00:10:10: Yeah!

00:10:11: It's definitely a challenge.

00:10:12: like I think the nature of the way that i race... ...I'm always out front because of the swims so the cameras are always on me So every mistake I made is seen.. ..so I do feel at times I am held to higher standard than other athletes who on the camera and probably are making the same mistakes that I just did, but i'm the one who's going to be criticised.

00:10:31: And it always looks like I am doing things wrong!

00:10:34: The only positive I take from this is...I'll go away then work more than someone else who wasn't picked up upon.

00:10:42: Sometimes don't worry too much about them because I'm like at the end of day, it's an Ironman.

00:10:47: The margins aren't as much.

00:10:48: is maybe doing a Olympic distance triathlon and...I've done one of those!

00:10:52: And that was incredibly tough when i felt like i really did focus in more on those margins and doing things right.

00:10:57: but yeah..i have very fixed skin- i think that i've grown up in a world where ...i feel like i've always been judged....but put myself out there in a position to be judged.

00:11:08: And I accept that, like if you have a platform that big ,there's always going to be a percentage of people who don't like what your doing.

00:11:15: and i dont really care to be honest!

00:11:17: Im happy doing what im doing and chasing big goals.

00:11:20: If you do not like it then unfollow me.

00:11:25: Yes yes definitely thats a very good motto.

00:11:29: .If can just push on that little bit though... Your race tactic As you said, always off the front.

00:11:38: Right?

00:11:38: And you say... You've worked on your weaknesses and go out at the same time as I did but probably not shown what you're capable of in a race In terms all three disciplines specifically Your run.

00:11:54: Do have a fear or something else with your race tactic that never allow yourself to get into the running shape.

00:12:05: It's quite a good point, like I think sometimes... ...I don't race in the most tactically best way.

00:12:11: I'm always just out there giving it one hundred percent absolutely gunning it.

00:12:15: And Reese is like, why didn't you let someone else take a turn?

00:12:17: Or I'm just wanting to push and see how far we could

00:12:21: go.".

00:12:21: It's not like in training where you want every ounce out of yourself.

00:12:25: You need to be racing more tactically smart.

00:12:28: Sometimes i do get carried away at the moment Like an athlete that loves racing giving everything.

00:12:36: There has definitely been races before.

00:12:38: my tactic of just leading out and going works.

00:12:40: And when I've had my best performances that has worked, but the thing was a shame... When i went into Kona and did win in twenty-twenty three we went to race confident from any angle.

00:12:54: We believed if caught on bike it wouldn't matter or run at anyone.

00:12:59: like we ran with position unfortunately got injured on mile one of marathon became completely different struggle.

00:13:07: but that also gives me a lot of positives because I feel like i could go and do that race better.

00:13:14: That's why I'm going to keep coming back, if I'd won it and had the most perfect day maybe I would have just walked away from the sport and been like done it yet can't do any better than that!

00:13:24: The thing that keeps me coming back is knowing that I haven't quite mastered the whole thing in one go.

00:13:30: for best of my ability.

00:13:32: hopefully I'll be able show you before the

00:13:36: forever inner critic, always wanting more.

00:13:41: The quote I found that really struck me about that race was one you gave after the race saying You don't think any amount of pain would have come close to losing or coming second again with a torn calf?

00:13:59: There's a lot there.

00:13:59: what is going through your mind in those moments?

00:14:01: thinking You're here you've done everything.

00:14:04: You can and now your body might not be able to put it together.

00:14:10: Yeah, I remember on that run thinking if i have To end my career here winning this race?

00:14:16: I'm at peace with That as long As I Can get the win.

00:14:19: And for quite a while after The race when I went and saw experts They were like he Might Not ever Actually Run Again because of This Severity Of This Injury That You've Caused Yourself.

00:14:32: Yeah, I was like okay well but i got the win that I've wanted for so many years.

00:14:35: That I'd been chasing.

00:14:37: maybe thats ok.

00:14:38: obviously sat here now and very grateful.

00:14:40: it wasn't a lot of great performances since then But It Was probably one Of The most challenging mental things ive ever had to overcome.

00:14:50: Just in the amount of pain.

00:14:51: just telling yourself To keep putting one foot infront othe other Not actually knowing if your body is going.

00:14:57: hold on Like am I gonna make another stride And tear the calf just that little bit more, it's not going to be able to run anymore.

00:15:05: It was quite scary.

00:15:06: I remember the relief people saw on my face probably most of them assumed because i'd finally won or my fifth attempt but the relief really is actually made at far and didn't think I would have been up for marathon.

00:15:20: I knew mentally I've never stopped but physically am I gonna end up crawling?

00:15:25: Because this leg doesn't function anymore.

00:15:27: I mean, when we went and got it scanned.

00:15:31: It was a college of people studying ultrasound scans and they were kind of at the end of their degrees And i was like a guinea pig that went in.

00:15:41: They were scanning my leg but surely you didn't run with it Like there's nothing left of it.

00:15:49: Yeah no!

00:15:50: I did...I ran in Marathon.

00:15:51: I think it was a two fifty seven or something like that.

00:15:57: Their faces pretty much horrified.

00:16:00: Yeah, so if I don't have to go through that again and that would be quite nice!

00:16:05: That'd

00:16:06: be nice.

00:16:07: yeah you never know with an Ironman it's somehow... It's never a pleasant experience but at least not during the moment.

00:16:14: But where did this actually happen?

00:16:18: Like for those who didn't follow along like you were fit-and-healthy going into the race right.

00:16:23: Yes going in to the race was really fitting healthy.

00:16:26: i was in great shape.

00:16:28: I'd done a really easy run, probably about one week before the race in Kona.

00:16:33: And i felt a little bit of a twinge but it was only very small so I didn't think too much of it and... ...I had my physio there and he was confident that it would be fine!

00:16:43: And then yeah.. ..I remember running out to swim thinking it doesn't feel particularly good.

00:16:48: But got on the bike and I felt absolutely fine, having great bike rides.

00:16:53: When I ran around the pier in T-two, it doesn't feel that good but I've cycled a hundred and twelve miles.

00:16:59: It never feels really good at this point.

00:17:01: And then i remember running up the hill out of transition.

00:17:05: You're on that first road before you make the right... I think it's down Market Street to go onto Alihi Along that straight..I just felt the most agonizing pain In my car.

00:17:15: from was like oh This is really bad.

00:17:20: And then at about five K into the run, I finally saw Reese and I think I was just said to him it's bad.

00:17:24: It's really bad but didn't elaborate on that Pure panic at that point.

00:17:30: What do you mean?

00:17:31: It's really bad what's really Bad?

00:17:33: and yeah, I think at that Point he was trying to follow me for most of the marathon To see what was going on.

00:17:39: but even He was looking.

00:17:41: it was like I couldn't actually See any difference in your stride or the way that you're running wasn't compensating.

00:17:46: You weren't doing anything.

00:17:48: so i think a lot Of people maybe didn't actually know what was Going On And obviously internally i Was having quite an extreme battle.

00:17:56: But Yeah, it was really very tough.

00:18:02: It's a long way and Alihi on your way out you've got to come back past.

00:18:06: the transition gotta pass everybody knowing what kind of big day is when finally reach finish line.

00:18:17: You get that victory in pain at same time.

00:18:22: but What was the actual feeling?

00:18:24: Was it elation, were you just in that moment happy that it was over?

00:18:28: and what did.

00:18:29: That victory finally mean like where to put you In terms of your scope Of wanting to be an athlete?

00:18:37: Yeah It's such a mix of emotions.

00:18:39: I think The biggest one i felt was relief that i'd Finally done it And i felt Like i had the monkey off my back.

00:18:45: Definitely for A long time i've Had this pent up frustration and anger in my training of like, I just need to do this.

00:18:53: And it just felt... In that moment that was instantly lifted!

00:18:56: Like i can breathe..I've done

00:18:57: it!!

00:18:58: Like take a breath um....and then on the other side of that I was in so much

00:19:02: pain!!!

00:19:03: Like I knew I must have done something pretty bad.

00:19:06: Um and I just wanted to be able to walk around normally get up onto the podium and celebrate and I was having to get people help me onto the And still try and enjoy that moment as much as possible, like take it all in.

00:19:19: I think sometimes that's really difficult.

00:19:21: you've obviously got so much adrenaline You've been running on caffeine all day... ...and just trying to absorb this moments soak-it-all because she'd be working for seven or eight years.

00:19:32: now It has finally happened.

00:19:34: but yeah relief was the biggest thing i felt at that time.

00:19:38: Yeah arguably more than seven or nine years cause your swimming is a long way Interesting, you mentioned anger and frustration being there.

00:19:48: I feel like that's part of an athlete life That doesn't really get shown.

00:19:54: it's kind of one of those things that's frowned upon Like having a temper and all these kinds of things.

00:19:59: What do you do to actually channel?

00:20:01: Then i found that was such An unlock in my career but i'd love To know how You Know like i'm saying at the top Of show your always wearing A smile.

00:20:11: you're happy And I think you generally are, but there is a part in every athlete where we have this kind of built-up thing that you just want to crush your workout.

00:20:23: Crush the competition and yet outwardly you carry yourself so well.

00:20:28: how do channel it into something positive?

00:20:31: It's not always easy to channeller in the right way!

00:20:37: into your workout, into the intervals that you know are going to be really tough.

00:20:40: It's like right.

00:20:41: I know why i'm working for this because I want to achieve this or someone said this and it's really annoyed me.

00:20:46: so i'm gonna channel that energy into just pushing the bike pedals as hard as I can and I think that works in a really positive way.

00:20:54: when its'a hard work out and we're supposed do that...it doesn't a bit more snappy with race or things like that.

00:21:07: So it's just making sure you're able to push out in the right way, I think if... Well i'm very different now but back then would be able have really great workout and than happy for rest of day.

00:21:20: But If had bad work-out could leak into my normal life as well As years gone on.

00:21:28: maybe I am satisfied what achieved in sport Now can have terrible workouts Step off the bike and I don't care if that okay.

00:21:36: If i'm gonna go take my dogs for a walk And just forget about that, I can really park it but It is really difficult when you really?

00:21:43: Really want something and it Just feels like you're putting everything in and you're just not quite achieving it Is a challenge to not let that Always have this pent up angle.

00:21:53: Like remember back then I used to swim quite A lot In public lanes at the pool which was never good idea For me But someone would get in my way and then I'd be annoyed.

00:22:02: If anything was stopping me from doing my workout, I'd flip out whereas now i'm much more chill about that!

00:22:09: That's probably

00:22:11: the solution.

00:22:12: but yeah just making sure you can channel your energy into work-out.

00:22:17: don't let it leak into normal life.

00:22:22: It's such an emotional thing, right?

00:22:24: And it's so hard to step away and really not value yourself on your last workout.

00:22:31: On your last race.

00:22:33: I mean that kind of thing is something...I think you've really mastered over the times..and alluded earlier how you always picked The Hard Thing To Do!

00:22:42: And i was listening a neuroscience coach saying How You Rewire Your Brain By By evidence, really you show yourself.

00:22:53: You can do hard things but let's start at the beginning.

00:22:57: what?

00:22:58: Do think made you drawn to do heart things like?

00:23:01: I always wonder why we didn't just become hundred meters printers I mean genetically.

00:23:06: there is something to be asked But he could strive for it.

00:23:08: Did you just naturally see that you had success in it?

00:23:11: or What really drove you to always look To do The Hard Thing?

00:23:15: and Why your brain from you know single digit years.

00:23:20: Yeah, I feel like i came out of the womb just really competitive.

00:23:23: Like always wanted to win at everything and have a younger sister.

00:23:28: Anything we did together?

00:23:29: I want it to win.

00:23:30: And then I think it led her to life.

00:23:31: I'm not even doing sport because I just don't wanna be involved in that world.

00:23:36: Came an artist.

00:23:37: yeah she did all this hairpainter.

00:23:38: She is running your first marathon In Just under two weeks so That's Really exciting.

00:23:43: but um yeah growing up I Think I must've been The really annoying sibling that just Wanted To Win At Everything.

00:23:49: We learned over the years that my parents are quite competitive as well, like they'll go running together and my mum always wants to beat my dad.

00:23:55: And yeah I must have obviously had that built within me.

00:23:59: but from a very young age when i was training... ...I wanted to be the hardest worker.. ..I want it's been person who is doing the most!

00:24:06: Even in swimming you'd have people their event with the fifty meter freestyle.

00:24:10: They barely had to swim any mileage.

00:24:13: yes probably did more work at the gym I'd be plowing up and down, they would be on the side having their three minutes rest.

00:24:20: But i was satisfied with that because it's like...I'm working harder than them!

00:24:24: I am doing more mileage, putting in work to do more hours…and felt rewarded and satisfied just from training.

00:24:31: And now actually..i can get such a buzz from doing hard workout.

00:24:36: its almost same as winning a race.

00:24:39: That kind of elation and buzz you got.

00:24:42: Yeah, I think that's probably fueled me from a very young age.

00:24:45: That satisfaction of working really hard.

00:24:48: Do you think it is the safety blanket?

00:24:50: It probably is like...I think maybe a bit scary to think if i don't do this anymore where am I going?

00:24:57: get that satisfaction and can never see life when not exercising or trying.

00:25:06: okay would have accept might be try reach levels now but finding way still challenging myself in a different way, I guess that might be running further or swimming further.

00:25:18: Or yeah, I don't really know but it's still finding a way to get that satisfaction from pushing myself.

00:25:24: Yeah i always find the thing is that you're continuously moving.

00:25:27: we are always like seeking to do more and I certainly found absolute comfort in always thinking I was the hardest worker And recently through this project very explosive, a long jumper who does it three hour session and will do six intervals in three hours.

00:25:51: And I'm like she's the very best of the world.

00:25:54: I could never ever have the patience to sit there and not feel Like you know because It actually takes some sort of confidence to be like no this is enough.

00:26:02: i need To rest now and push.

00:26:06: Is that something That your getting better at or that something where you perhaps also get some help from Rhys?

00:26:15: Yeah, I'm definitely not the most patient.

00:26:17: That's for sure and it's like when...I think as you get older as an athlete You have to spend more time doing The little things that hold everything together.

00:26:26: so spending fifteen twenty minutes in the morning Doing my mobility work So that when i go out and run I actually do feel good And before I'd be Like no haven't got times without need To go and smash My workout.

00:26:37: so It's being a bit More patient and accepting that.

00:26:41: I also think, but...I used to like just have all my training done for the day so i can chill But then there wasn't enough rest between this session.

00:26:49: So it's also being patient Like no!

00:26:51: I'm going to wait another hour before do that workout.

00:26:54: so actually do it properly.

00:26:56: And yeah That can be a challenge sometimes Especially when you're quite tired.

00:27:00: Just rather have it done.

00:27:01: so know I've done it and go relax.

00:27:06: Finding that patience can be a challenge.

00:27:08: I definitely think i'm getting better at it, but I wouldn't say I'm perfect by any means.

00:27:13: Yes forever of balance!

00:27:14: I do remember the kind of athletes who are always balancing like trying to get it done bit-by-bit versus the procrastination and waiting out for it.

00:27:27: And for me It was one of those things because I put so much heart and soul into every session.

00:27:35: be fine with it.

00:27:36: If I'm very honest, that maybe at the end of my career but if we compare you're a year younger than when i won first world title?

00:27:47: Like...I feel like your whole career ahead and so much further down line!

00:27:53: But definitely found struggle to almost judge myself on every session harder then going out just getting done and then focusing on the next day.

00:28:08: What do you do to relax between sessions?

00:28:13: Well,

00:28:18: even if I have like a down day or rest day.

00:28:21: All right well now i can maximize getting all the other stuff done in my life that's piled up but haven't got done.

00:28:27: so then it's like oh that wasn't really a rest day was because of spent all day doing admin and chores and sorting out the house So that something that I've also had to get better at is just parking.

00:28:37: that and be like no I literally just need to go and sit down.

00:28:41: rest maybe put some compression boots on If I really need to switch off my mind, then obviously go and take the dogs for a walk is my absolute kind of therapy.

00:28:50: I think me and Rhys always put the world right till we can come back feeling so much better.

00:28:55: So they're definitely best thing in terms of recovery.

00:28:58: but there's nothing better than just actually making yourself sit down Put your feet up eating good nutrition As soon as you can after work out.

00:29:06: i've got better at that over years.

00:29:08: But yeah sometimes it's athletes allowing there to be a certain amount of chaos in your life outside of triathlon, so that triathlon can thrive and it's not always easy.

00:29:20: To let the happening going on on the outside?

00:29:23: Yeah I mean is one of those things how its just all consuming for you...I don't know at what stage but you have an Iron Man tattoo right?

00:29:34: yeah i got when was twenty-one.

00:29:36: okay before turning pro too, right?

00:29:40: You turned pro.

00:29:41: Yeah I got it when i did my first Ironman as an amateur never thinking that would be a pro at it.

00:29:47: so

00:29:48: let alone you might be the First World Champion to have one and work your way.

00:29:54: there is That something where It gave you A new home.

00:30:01: it gave you purpose after swimming And After Your Early You Know Your Early Sports Career that you really found yourself having an identity, but to this day is kind of all consuming.

00:30:13: You know?

00:30:13: You just said it!

00:30:14: You've got time for a dog walk and...and really other than that It's just triathlon, triathlon-triathlon.

00:30:20: Is it something that really is all consuming?

00:30:22: because..you seem like somebody who could enjoy life?

00:30:26: Yeah I think thats one the hardest things.

00:30:28: i live on the edge of london and it's knowing how many amazing things there are to do in the city that i could just go and do them whenever I want but.

00:30:38: I don't have kind of just ignore the fact at that.

00:30:40: so they're trying, get the most out myself in training by also try not find as much enjoyment from the train itself like when.

00:30:50: when is going well i can really enjoy.

00:30:52: you can join the suffering.

00:30:53: i can come away from a session, like I said almost with the same feeling as if i've won a race knowing wow.

00:30:59: I just put in an amazing amount of work there.

00:31:02: that's the best work I've done for months.

00:31:04: or I'm comparing it obviously and swimming at the moment where my big focus is...I'm comparing back to when I was a swimmer okay?

00:31:11: And kind of knocking on the door what I was doing When I Was A Swimmer..and Im trying to do bike training and run training and gym training ..and maybe I can still compete With The Best Swimmers In The Country Maybe The World And that gives me a lot of enjoyment.

00:31:25: and yeah, I think that satisfies me.

00:31:27: A lot on allows me to kind of block out the other fund that could be doing in my life an I know that will always be there like I. no at some point in my wife can probably do as much is not as I want but then I'll miss what i'm doing now how much I get out training and satisfaction so it's knowing its their but it was always been there and see if you enjoy afterwards

00:31:51: You touched on it then the suffering that you're willing to go through.

00:31:57: Where do you go in your mind when you suffer?

00:32:00: I feel like y'all, you are absolutely excellent at it.

00:32:03: You've mentioned all these things That you're not very good at.

00:32:05: i think you were definitely Excellent at going The extra mile and extra The extra effort And you keep coming back To It.

00:32:16: where Do you Go Like?

00:32:18: what is it that keeps you that Keeps you Going On?

00:32:21: Yeah, I think it's quite unique in swimming because there is nothing else apart from you and your brain.

00:32:27: Whereas sometimes when I train on the bike –and its really hard–I'll have music-on so loud that i don't even know what going on!

00:32:35: Because it's numbing everything.

00:32:36: but... In swimming you can not just be able to breathe.

00:32:40: The main focus of swimming is actually being able to breath as half time your face is in water You have to be able to push hard and stay quite calm because the moment you start to panic, your face is in the water.

00:32:53: You can't actually breathe.

00:32:56: but I find somewhere my brain really enjoys that suffering at the moments.

00:33:02: Rhys and i are swim coach from our local junior club.

00:33:05: it's actually coaching us in the afternoon And he pushes us really very hard.

00:33:12: And yeah, I just really enjoy it.

00:33:14: It's quite a unique setup we have at the moment as well because we're just in our local leisure centre.

00:33:18: so there is me and Rhys tearing up down on one lane.

00:33:21: then its all like old-age pensioners looking us like we are absolutely nuts!

00:33:28: And...I enjoy that!

00:33:30: I like them thinking i'm crazy.

00:33:33: So yea..i get some kind of thing.

00:33:36: There must be sadistic love for pain somewhere in my brain.

00:33:42: Is there a control thing that you've got the dial in your hand?

00:33:46: How much do ramp it up.

00:33:48: I think potentially, yeah and obviously That isn't always possible every single day like this some days where i know i need to rain It back in or if i don't know bruce is going To tell me okay look today You probably need to rein it in.

00:34:01: you've already done A really hard bite workout doing This as well maybe a little bit too Much.

00:34:06: um The swim coach on the other hands doesn't necessarily know what I've done on the bike.

00:34:11: So he might be like, no i think we can push that a bit more.

00:34:14: so it's just striking in the right balance between how hard you're pushing it and I Think my enjoyment comes to most when I have just got go for It as hard As You want To Go?

00:34:24: Push it And then you do feel Like your in full control of How Hard Do You Want to hurt Yourself On That day and it Can Be Quite Invisible.

00:34:33: Definitely type two Fun you've Mentioned several times, Reese being you know by your side.

00:34:43: You've got your sister Holly who has built your social media let's call it empire because really you've done incredibly well around the space.

00:34:56: Your infamous gym that anybody who follows you on social media is in your in-laws house and feels like And you kind of, have a very tight circle of people that you trust.

00:35:12: How does that work in every day?

00:35:14: Yeah it's very special.

00:35:15: I think there is no one who can trust more than your own family to support and know exactly what you're going through.

00:35:24: Everyone on the team is fully invested In trying get best out.

00:35:28: me then i guess The Best Out Of What We Have As A Business as well Really Trying To Grow That being an elite athlete has a time limit on it, but actually growing your brand and business have less of the time limit.

00:35:43: That can go way beyond your athletic career.

00:35:45: so I think we somehow clocked onto that quite early into mine and Reese's career knowing maybe we could build something bigger than just Reese & Lucy as athletes.

00:35:57: hopefully we continue to do that when we're not racing anymore be able to give back to the sport that has given us so much.

00:36:05: And yeah, to have those people around me means so much.

00:36:08: I think sometimes because we are so closely linked emotions can run high because obviously priest worries about when i'm racing.

00:36:17: my sister worries about me when I'm racing...I think anyone would as a coach anyway but when it's your family is like so close!

00:36:24: So I know that obviously I am nervous before a race and also feel they're there too.

00:36:32: I'm able to switch that off when i'm racing, but I found it really hard to switch That off when brice was also racing.

00:36:38: I would actually worry about him in his race When I was racing and I think maybe he felt the same.

00:36:44: So that was one of the biggest challenges we had was when We were both racing both preparing And then both going out there.

00:36:50: so yeah To any athlete couples that are both racing?

00:36:54: That is really really challenging.

00:36:56: Okay, so my perspective Emma was a professional athlete.

00:37:02: If I think of her being my coach, i think we'd probably have murdered each other by now but there's a good chance.

00:37:10: uh... We have the same scientists backing our program right?

00:37:15: So Dan LeRang Being a different very different relationship though, right?

00:37:23: Like for me it was a distance thing.

00:37:25: He sent me the program.

00:37:26: It was online and we'd speak.

00:37:27: you know Maybe maybe once a week can send a few messages here in there.

00:37:31: How does it work like as a normal couple I mean you guys.

00:37:36: Yeah You're dependent your kind of the ultimate triathlon couple.

00:37:40: Reese is very invested Does all this training takes care of you but eventually when you shut the door And the trainings done I don't know date night, past the night like it's really How do you then switch off or?

00:37:55: Do not?

00:37:56: is that just something that you realize?

00:37:59: this Is something i'm going to live for a short time And i'm living and breathing every moment of it

00:38:06: Yeah.

00:38:06: I think The nice thing certainly now maybe not so much early on into our triathlon career But when Rhys and I finished training for the day we don't even talk about triathlon.

00:38:16: It's not something.

00:38:17: but where continuing to think about, I think we're very good now at switching off from that and having our life.

00:38:22: And yeah the dogs made that a lot easier as well.

00:38:25: when we go walk can take the dogs out were not really moaning about triathlon where moaning Initially, Reece did set my whole program early on in my career.

00:38:41: He was my full-time coach and he was trying to race as well.

00:38:44: And then I think when we made the decision for Dan LaRange To Take On My Whole Programme It Was Because it Allowed Reece To take a little bit of that Emotion Out Of It.

00:38:53: i Think Is Really Challenging To Coach Your Wife Who Obviously Wants The Best For Me.

00:38:58: But We've Striked The Perfect Balance Now With Dan Setting The Plan Then Reece Helping me Execute That Plan In The Best Way.

00:39:06: Also He knows sometimes better than me how I'm feeling, how i'm performing.

00:39:11: he can look at the data do the lactate...he can report that back to Dan in a moment when im still training and we can adjust what were doing.

00:39:18: so yeah..at this point it seems like the right balance for sure.

00:39:24: Yeah!

00:39:25: I just find it fascinating because you know.

00:39:27: on the contrary....I don't know well I've never really seen you have a training partner other than Reese.

00:39:33: Like, Reese is there like you just said... You swim together and it's obviously great to have somebody who could keep up with you in all three disciplines.

00:39:42: but is that true?

00:39:43: You've never really had someone from the outside come in and be a training partner for a longer period of time.

00:39:49: No yeah I think i've only maybe from time-to-time.

00:39:52: when i've done a couple of weeks at a training camp..I might have had other athletes train with me pretty much.

00:39:59: I'll do it all solo.

00:40:00: Occasionally, obviously i swim with a swim squad but most of them...I think the oldest swimmer that I swim within in the morning is about sixteen.

00:40:07: so they're are much younger than me and very good!

00:40:10: So it does help just to have other people even if their not doing what im doing at the same speed as me or makes it easier for you sometimes when your swimming.

00:40:20: But..i think Im soo good at pushing myself actually more need someone that's going to tell me Lucy, you probably need to pull back a bit.

00:40:33: Which is what Reese very good at doing and he takes the guilt out of it.

00:40:37: sometimes like if I've done a really hard training day but i'm still supposed to do an easy run in evening or an easy swim He might be like You just don't need to do.

00:40:46: That would be way better off going and recovering.

00:40:49: okay great yeah thats fine whereas some athletes just couldn't do that.

00:40:53: They'd be like, That's what it says on the plan.

00:40:54: I have to do It Like The guilt will creep in and they didn't Do it?

00:40:57: And i think maybe initially my early part of My career would Be like No!

00:41:01: I need To do it because I Need to achieve this.

00:41:03: but now Im like no..I don't need to do that.

00:41:05: I can actually Just focus On recovery and get a lot from that.

00:41:09: so yeah...That was A long answer.

00:41:12: In saying I enjoy training by myself.

00:41:14: I Think So

00:41:16: Fair enough fair enough.

00:41:19: Going back on the family theme though when you have a holly with, shooting your training or the sessions that go well.

00:41:29: That's all fair and good.

00:41:30: but if you look at moment such as Kona this year where she took video of you sitting in car having to be escorted back like do ever and wonder whether you really want to share this, or are out there.

00:41:54: You're kind of allowing someone into your most inner sanctuary... ...and then sharing it with the world?

00:42:01: Is that ever a discussion you guys have as to if that should go out in public or not?

00:42:07: Yeah I think very early on Rhys and I discussed this when we started doing YouTube who was like, ''You've literally opened Pandora's box.

00:42:15: now people think they're IN YOUR LIFE!

00:42:17: They know

00:42:17: YOU!''.

00:42:18: And we did have a discussion of how much do you want to share?

00:42:22: Like, even it looks like we share a lot but people probably only know five or ten percent who I really am in what they're sharing.

00:42:30: and i'll meet people that think they know my whole life story!

00:42:34: That is because I've put so much out there online... ...and yeah..I guess thats the blessing & curse for sharing your stories with other people.

00:42:43: It's super easy to share it when Holly is filming sessions that are going great and I'm healthy, but also documenting coming back from injuries.

00:42:54: People having their opinions of why you got injured... Social media can be quite a cruel world like i've definitely experienced before people thinking they know exactly what happened.

00:43:08: But I think the really nice thing about my sister doing my social media is, I can just say...I've had enough to start filming me like i don't want to be filmed today.

00:43:16: When it's an external brand coming in that's a little bit more difficult to do that.

00:43:20: and then you also feel like You're not being your true honest self because you are being The best version of yourself for their sponsor That's filming you but when It's My Sister actually sometimes so maybe I'm too open And Too Honest Then I shouldn't Be sharing that with the world.

00:43:35: So we have To Yeah, review how much of that is actually going to go out into the world.

00:43:40: So yeah it's finding the right balance between what you're comfortable with and then actually.

00:43:44: but even if I'm comfortable with That Is That Still Too Much?

00:43:49: Because i do feel like You'll probably be The first athlete that really mastered the kind Of digital age in terms of being just an athlete Going Out And doing What You Do But Then Creating so much more like you spoke to earlier about your brand, taking people on the journey making things such as battle braids a thing.

00:44:15: Who would have thought that?

00:44:17: That people genuinely get inspired.

00:44:20: was it something?

00:44:34: Here's my sister, she is really good at this.

00:44:36: She needs a job!

00:44:38: Yeah I think it was never really planned like... Before i made the real jump into triathlon and worked as social media apprentice in a wildlife park.

00:44:51: so yeah when I quit swimming I just took this job And learned alot about social media The benefits of that in terms business..I was trying to promote a wildlife Park.

00:45:02: I naturally, when I went into triathlon just thought oh i'm going to do my own social media and it grew quite quickly.

00:45:10: And then It Just So Happened That My Sister Had Graduated In Photography.

00:45:16: She Was Looking For A Job.

00:45:17: Oh You Could Come In And See If You Like This.

00:45:21: Everything Started To Grow.

00:45:24: I Think It was Never Intentional To Really Like Grow This Audience And Inspire People.

00:45:29: It Just Sort Of Started To Happen Really.

00:45:31: Organically.

00:45:32: the battle braid movement came in and I was getting messages from parents with their kids, they're braiding their hair doing first ever triathlon.

00:45:41: It warmed my heart so much that what i'm actually going to do is more than just me!

00:45:48: And it really felt like a first time where it wasn't training hard for how much can you get out of this?

00:45:54: I am having bigger impact then just me going into training and inspiring other people.

00:45:59: And I think the more I've raced and travelled, met those people.

00:46:04: They'll tell me how something that's done has completely transformed their life!

00:46:09: Wow...I didn't really realise it was going to have such a big impact.

00:46:13: Actually at a triathlon show yesterday meeting people they're literally crying telling me about what changed my life from just sharing what i'm doing.

00:46:24: It feels like such small thing but having such an impact on other peoples lives It makes it feel like worthwhile to continue doing that.

00:46:34: And do you find its almost like a catharsis or balance... ...to all the solo life, that Iron Man really can be?

00:46:44: Yeah definitely I think.

00:46:45: sometimes when i'm out riding maybe in Lanzarote for five hours solo on my own thinking what am I doing with my life!

00:46:52: Like im just out here inside of my head?

00:46:56: and then then I'll sometimes think, oh but remember that person who met you and said like they've gone from...I don't know if..they had a diagnosis where the doctor told them they might never walk again.

00:47:07: And now their signing up for an Ironman!

00:47:09: They changed there whole life with.

00:47:10: it's more than this is bigger than just going out riding my bike as long as i can.

00:47:16: so yeah It makes me feel much bigger.

00:47:24: Yeah, I mean it is something that i certainly later in my career found as something really rewarding because triathletes are just so passionate.

00:47:33: Because the same way probably gave us a new meaning or a new start Or something we could push on from In terms of having a different life.

00:47:47: I would love to just one more time go back to the moment, what we said that you shared in Kona and then he was so open about this heartbreak.

00:47:59: when came so close to winning something went on.

00:48:05: You've kind of described it as also a part doing yourself.

00:48:17: didn't really know what was going on.

00:48:18: You were cold at just... Yeah, well have you actually?

00:48:24: I don't even know if you've shared your final diagnosis that allowed to kind of come back from it so quickly.

00:48:33: Going back to my symptoms in the day and race…I remember I did not feel great on race morning but It's hot and humid in Hawaii, I'm nervous.

00:48:46: The biggest race of the year is going to be fine.

00:48:49: so swimming didn't feel great but I had done what i normally do and got a gap!

00:48:55: So maybe it was just like okay you can ignore that?

00:48:59: And I am definitely an athlete who is very good at ignoring when I don't feel good saying no its gonna come round or take another gel then turn around have some caffeine.

00:49:09: And I remember getting on the bike and feeling so incredibly thirsty.

00:49:15: Like, I was like wow!

00:49:17: I've never felt this thirst in my life... ...and within the first, i don't know twenty minutes from the bike.. ..I'd got free two bottles of fluid and it's still thirsty.

00:49:26: what is going on?

00:49:27: Then just taking a bottle or water form the aid station trying to down that as much as I could.... ....And then I think the mistake I made would be adding... electrolyte tablets too quickly to my bottle when I'm only going to have one an hour, maybe for a few hours.

00:49:47: When that bottle was empty we put the tablet in and filled it up but I was way ahead of schedule on that hydration front.

00:49:52: so then when i got onto the run ,I didn't feel good But I was running at exactly what pace needed And It felt like I was holding myself back but running fast.

00:50:03: I knew i didn't need to do anything crazy.

00:50:06: To win, I just needed to run at that pace.

00:50:09: and then by the time I was on The Queen K ,I'd just completely unraveled like I started to not really know where I was .

00:50:18: I was completely freezing but you know it's hot.

00:50:21: so your like.

00:50:21: well this is alarm bells?

00:50:23: Like why am I freezing?

00:50:24: ?

00:50:24: By the time l was in the energy lab...l barely even remember the Energy Lab..like It Was Just Not Really On This Planet.

00:50:33: And so then when I spoke to doctors and experts, they got home about all of this.

00:50:38: Obviously we did blood tests and looked at things... ...and I spoke with a heat-stressed doctor who is the elite athlete for London Marathon Who obviously looks after all of the heat symptoms from other athletes has a wealth of knowledge around this.

00:50:54: and he was like I really don't think you had heat stroke, i think you have hyponutriemia.

00:50:59: And you'd overdose some salt but then overhydrated yourself with too much plain water... ...and basically you were like a chemical test tube that got wrong!

00:51:09: Like it was never going to go right from that point onwards.

00:51:13: so.. ..I think thats why I made such quick recovery.

00:51:16: because yeah I'm able come out round from that so much quicker than if it had been a heat stress injury.

00:51:22: But he did also say, Had I continued and doing what i was doing?

00:51:28: It could have been just as dangerous as a heat-stress

00:51:30: injury.".

00:51:31: So it was the right call to stop in that moment because yeah...it was never going to just magically switch around would be great!

00:51:42: Show she can still make mistakes.

00:51:43: even when you've prepared perfectly so many times it can still go very wrong.

00:51:51: Yeah, I mean i think anyone could relate.

00:51:53: its always that thing whether you tried a new salt loading protocol or whatever was before the race.

00:52:00: like there is something out because sport is forever developing.

00:52:05: they're trying to keep up with what's actually moving the needle and just noise.

00:52:14: You've got a team around you and I had to team around but it's very, very difficult.

00:52:18: To kind of get the things right.

00:52:21: But i do remember hypernotremia being actually The cause Of death in one of my first iron man at Iron Man Frankfurt.

00:52:29: So It's definitely nothing to be scoffed At?

00:52:32: I mean the fact that he came off course.

00:52:34: did you have any chats too?

00:52:36: Taylor about this?

00:52:37: tell a nib who was you know suffered A similar fate.

00:52:42: Yeah, did you guys have a talk about this?

00:52:45: I mean obviously coached by the same coach.

00:52:47: But i do know he doesn't share The things that he thinks will make them move their needle or not.

00:52:53: He's very much strict into his training and doesnt'share anything between athletes.

00:52:57: So im assuming it was more of coincidence.

00:53:01: Yeah!

00:53:02: Obviously It Was A Coincidence That Both Dan's Athletes Ended Up On The Side Of The Road And I think up there with one of the worst days in Tan's life, to be honest.

00:53:12: We're worrying about two of his athletes' health and are they going to be okay?

00:53:16: And yeah I didn't discuss too much with Taylor what happened to her or why this similar fate happened...I think from what i've heard from her team it is more linked slightly worse than the mine in terms of their recovery afterwards.

00:53:40: But yeah, you just saw two women out there battling for the win and neither of us were willing to accept seconds.

00:53:46: so we'll have to see what happens this year.

00:53:49: I think both of us learnt some big lessons that will take forward.

00:53:54: That brings me back to very beginning.

00:53:57: when talking about internal or external goals You've said many times that you're still improving, your numbers are getting better and that you haven't reached your ceiling.

00:54:11: And then you're kind of curious in a way how good you can do this without a torn calf?

00:54:18: How do you find the balance between possibly achieving your best ever numbers and race but really tying True outcome.

00:54:31: I always found that very difficult as an athlete.

00:54:33: Yeah, it is really hard because you might do your best ever numbers and Your best performance but you still might not win.

00:54:42: And then are you satisfied?

00:54:44: That would be quite hard i think.

00:54:46: But then on the flip side of that You could definitely Win the race and know that you had more which Is where i'm sat right now.

00:54:54: me and Reece actually have this saying, which I think comes from possibly twenty nineteen when you won in Kona.

00:55:03: And you just looked so superior running the other way on The Queen K as i ran out.

00:55:09: an we always say You can't retire until you've had that Yan moment.

00:55:13: where?

00:55:14: When it looks so superior obviously...I don't know what was going On In Your Head..I Don't Know How You Felt But From The Outside It Just Looked Like No one was ever going to beat you on that day because you were just superior compared everyone else.

00:55:27: So yeah, I'd like to try and feel like i'm having my moment like that in Kona And then I would be satisfied.

00:55:35: it really is something That Yeah, I guess You've built and that you've fought after?

00:55:45: do kind of think Like what did you take from that win that all the difficult moments, the setbacks.

00:55:58: I don't even want to say bad races because they weren't bad races.

00:56:01: you know if your second in the world it's not a bad race.

00:56:04: but In our mind Because i know You're well enough To Know That We Probably Think In A similar Vane And That You'd Look At It As A Setback.

00:56:13: and What Do You think?

00:56:14: The Win The Setbacks Taught You That The Wind Never Could.

00:56:19: I mean, I've kind of thought this before but if i'd rocked up to Kona in twenty seventeen and just one and not come second at that early point in my career.

00:56:29: I probably wouldn't have stayed in the sport of triathlon because they would be like job done completed it.

00:56:34: what's next challenge?

00:56:35: whereas having two have those challenges over years is amount that allowed me to grow become a better athlete.

00:56:43: to dive deeper into how can we bet on terms of aerodynamics nutrition biomechanics, strength and conditioning.

00:56:51: I maybe wouldn't have ever tapped into those areas so i would not have grown or become better.

00:56:56: but then the mental strength to keep coming back when you know your got better that still didn t win.

00:57:03: someone else will beat you.

00:57:06: what can I tap in now?

00:57:10: Then do it four times No, I still want this.

00:57:15: I'm still going to come back and it's too stubborn to step away and be

00:57:18: satisfied.".

00:57:19: So then on the day when i did get The Wind for It To Go so horribly wrong compared all of those times before... ...it was like it didn't match up but you won!

00:57:31: But it went wrong whereas all the time before it almost nearly perfected in your second.. ..so it felt as if two things weren't aligned And that is why I want to go back and just deliver my perfect performance, but that might not lead to a win.

00:57:48: That might lead to second like it did those four times before.

00:57:52: But It's Just Putting it all together.

00:57:55: And i think i have done that.

00:57:56: on the swim.

00:57:57: i don't Think i Did that On The Swim in?

00:58:04: The bike was pretty good, but the conditions were pretty good and I'm actually cycling.

00:58:14: Well...I believe by October this year i'll be cycling better than I was in twenty-twenty three!

00:58:19: And the run feels like well that easily should be better because as long as I don't hair my whole calf how could I be slower?

00:58:26: But still not how it can play out because last year didn't even finish the race.

00:58:31: so yeah..that's the beauty of sport.

00:58:33: That is why we keep coming back.

00:58:36: Oh, I'll submit all the training that I did.

00:58:37: And that means i'm going to get a gold medal here.

00:58:39: like it doesn't work like that.

00:58:41: That's why we will watch and thats what all fans of sport.

00:58:44: So...that keeps me excited about.

00:58:47: one What can achieve?

00:58:50: Who knows what outcome would be even if deliver my best performance

00:58:54: Of things you've just said really sticks out.

00:58:56: for me It is stubborn.

00:59:00: You said your stubborn Stubborn can very good Because you need to persist, right?

00:59:06: Cause you talk about four seconds but it's really only three because the first time your second is like holy yeah.

00:59:11: Like I'm here!

00:59:11: You know this is amazing uh... It's the progress where things kind of stay.

00:59:17: But when you stick with it Your stubborn-you say you're suffering through sessions.

00:59:23: You did not pull off The Course..it was Reese that pulled you Off The Course For years.

00:59:34: You were celiac, right?

00:59:36: And you had stress fractures and low energy.

00:59:40: All these things.

00:59:41: but the idea that your body is telling you something for that long... ...and you just push through it.

00:59:50: do you think every time you learn a little bit or Is It Something That is Just You Gotta Take The Good With A Bad?

01:00:01: I think we're always learning.

01:00:02: Like, i never think...I'll stop learning in this game of triathlon but also In This Game Of Life and like learning about health And what's actually normal?

01:00:13: What I felt was just normal to feel that.

01:00:17: Oh!

01:00:17: I'm just tired from the training That I've done or my joints are just in agony Because I pushed that session so hard.

01:00:25: everyone must feel like that all the time or I'd go for a long run and my joints would hurt.

01:00:31: For the rest of day, it wasn't until...I think last year when i was training for Kono and I was doing long runs and I felt completely fine after doing this.

01:00:41: is what?

01:00:41: All of my competitors have felt like all the times whereas I had to lay down and be in agony.

01:00:47: so yeah finding out that I was celiac incredible.

01:00:52: Like I was like, wow this is going to be my secret weapon now because i've spent all these years doing it the hard way surely?

01:01:00: Now It's gonna Be easier and okay might be that one percent easier but half of time its still really tough.

01:01:06: But The recovery Is what so much better.

01:01:10: And where the run Was always My weakest discipline Because my body just couldn't recover from the toll Of running and poisoning myself Yeah, whatever I ate not being absorbed into my body.

01:01:23: So yeah that felt like an amazing moment and it also kind of felt Like i was able to then just silence all the people That had opinions on why?

01:01:32: Was getting stress fractures all The time like i do remember i think when i got one Of my really bad injuries And i don't know if It was aimed at me but someone Had posted something like bone injury simple eat more.

01:01:45: and i was like If that is aimed At Me Well, I'm gonna be mad because... ...I knew that wasn't the case in my situation.

01:01:54: So it was just really nice to get that confirmation and know this is probably why all of those things

01:02:00: were

01:02:01: happening.".

01:02:01: It's amazing isn't?

01:02:02: You're best at what you do!

01:02:05: And somebody always has an opinion….

01:02:06: …and someone who knows better.

01:02:10: but I love how they manage to take spite into their best possible way and turn it into your fuel.

01:02:18: There's always a little bit, you know whether its the lady next door in that lane or the online coach.

01:02:25: triathlon definitely has an amazing share of armchair coaches.

01:02:31: we're not shy off but I guess people are just very heavily invested.

01:02:37: they actually care.

01:02:44: Yeah, I mean some of it is great advice from time to time But most of it.

01:02:48: Is your armchair expert thinking they know best?

01:02:51: but there's a lot of passionate fans in triathlon Which makes it what?

01:02:55: It isn't.

01:02:55: makes it such a great sport by them.

01:02:57: You've got to take the good with the bad sometimes.

01:03:00: Do you sometimes just switch off and just not look at it all?

01:03:03: yeah definitely i think.

01:03:05: i Think it was actually after kona where i just I basically went into my bubble and was like, you've got four weeks until the next World Championships.

01:03:13: I didn't look at a single piece of social media.

01:03:15: Like...I don't even know what people said about what they thought happened because i just didn't work!

01:03:24: I'm just going to go with that and I'll be very quiet.

01:03:32: a big part of why I won that race, because so many people had written me off and they didn't think that I would even be lining up.

01:03:38: Whereas I was quietly chaining away just inwardly focusing on myself in how i could turn around that disappointment And it definitely paid off.

01:03:48: imagine How good you could have been if you listened to Chad and Karen?

01:03:52: They were probably Lucy before.

01:03:55: let you go If you weren't a triathlete and genuinely You'd never found it.

01:04:00: who do?

01:04:00: what do you think he'd be doing?

01:04:02: Oh, I can't see a world where I wouldn't be in sport.

01:04:06: And when I first came into triathlon, I was doing personal training and I absolutely loved it because one of the hardest things that ever did is actually giving up to pursue triathlon professionally.

01:04:17: so yeah...I think it would be some form of coaching or personal training just trying improve people's lives somewhere.

01:04:26: Love it!

01:04:28: One last thing I do have to ask you, which I normally asked at the top of the show but actually forgot because we went straight into it.

01:04:34: When you hear going mental like that was mental.

01:04:39: what does that mean for me?

01:04:44: I think its very positive.

01:04:46: in the world of sport anyway if someone is like that i was mentally and yes absolutely smashed then must be doing something no one has ever done before And I enjoy going mental and training sometimes, like when i see the coach's face.

01:04:59: Like oh okay we're on to Sunday.

01:05:02: then yeah...I'm like Yeah!

01:05:03: We are going mental..and yeah....i thrive off that.

01:05:06: When was the last time you went mental?

01:05:09: I think I went mental most days last week.

01:05:11: To be honest what Im doing in training at the moment is quite mental but hopefully it will lead something good

01:05:18: Fantastic.

01:05:19: Lucy, I always admire your resilience.

01:05:21: are my spirit and am I the smile you bring to every race course?

01:05:26: Thank You so much for your time.

01:05:27: i just want to wish you The very best of luck fingers crossed For this afternoon's first run outside.

01:05:33: that feeling is So unique actually gives me goosebumps.

01:05:37: It's everybody who has been injured from many times knows how Much expectation and hope goes into This And everyone here is cheering for Best of luck for that, as a baby step to our great twenty-twenty six.

01:05:51: Thank you very

01:06:10: much!