What would you give to live the life of a professional triathlete? That was the tempting carrot dangled in front of UK triathletes last summer when online behemoths Wiggle and run-shoe brand HOKA One One teamed up to offer four winners a prize package not seen since the heady days of Bullseye. By completing a fitness proving challenge on Strava, followed by a video stating why they were deserving of victory, a lucky quartet would win a dhb swim, bike, and run bundle; HOKA trainers including the new carbon-plated Bondi X; a Garmin watch; High5 nutrition bundle; Osprey bag; 220 subscription; and full coaching support toward the goal event of Ironman Wales in September.
“We whittled down the winners from around 500 applicants," explains Gavin Thompson, HOKA's UK trade marketing manager. "There were some inspirational stories. But we feel we chose the most inspiring four."
And inspiring they are. On the women's side, we have Pauline Green, a retired obstetrician for whom triathlon's provided a sure footing after her husband passed away in 2015; Lisa Stockdale, immunologist, former ballet dancer, and all-round high-achiever; Sim Gill, a team-sporter-cum-runner who's making his triathlon debut; and Geraint Jones, whose fitness shot up in lockdown as his wife kicked him out the house on a daily basis. Wiggle's Kaylee Hawkins and Gabs Burden would complete the Wiggle XHOKA Flyers.
220 first met up with the Flyers at the tail-end of 2021 at Wiggle HQ in Portsmouth for the team's dhb clothing fitting, an impromptu visit from the legend that is Joe Skipper, and to meet (remotely) their coaches Susie and Rob Cheetham. "I'm overawed, to be honest," Geraint commented, reflecting the thoughts of the group. "I didn't realize it was such a big prize." Well Jones, that was just the starters...
MEET THE FLYERS HOKA
1 KAYLEE HAWKINS
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2022-Ausgabe von 220 Triathlon.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2022-Ausgabe von 220 Triathlon.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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How to Carb Load - Packing your working cells with carbohydrates in the build-up to your big race is a proven strategy to race stronger and faster...
Whichever distance triathlon you're racing, the intensity and duration of your activity will see your body tap into its stores of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) to power your effort. While it's possible to top up your tank on the go, it's better to start your event with your stores full to the brim.
The Olympic Champion - On 31 July, Great Britain's Alex Yee put together arguably the greatest one-day performance we have ever seen at an Olympic Games to win gold. And we were there at the finish line to speak to tri's new poster boy...
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After watching and enjoying the Olympic triathlon events, Brunt amused himself by playing the 'guess how far into each event I would die' game...
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The ability to dig deep in the latter stages of a race helped Alex Yee achieve Olympic gold. Here Ben, a member of Team GB's coaching staff in Paris, explains how you too can find that extra gear...
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