Athlete:
Brendan Sexton
BRENDAN SEXTON
Triathlete
What does your standard training week involve?
A normal week will see me training everyday with 7 swim sessions (22-28km per week) 7-8 run sessions (70 – 100km) and 4-5 bike sessions (250 – 300km).
Where is your favorite place to train?
At the moment Vitoria in Northern Spain is top of the list but anywhere with some heat, good trails to run, roads to ride and near a decent beach is perfect.
What is your favorite 2XU garment? When do you use it and why?
I love my Project: X wetsuit the most. Anything to help me swim quicker is great! It so comfortable it’s like I’m not wearing anything.
What is your favourite training accessory?
My GPS running watch. Knowing exactly how fast and far I am running instantly is an important training tool.
What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it?
Dealing with and returning from a long term injury is the toughest thing a professional athlete can face. Doubt is always tapping your shoulder but I’ve come out the other end stronger and a better understanding how much I love to do triathlons for a living.
What motivates you to train and race harder?
My inner voice that tells me I can be better, that I’m not the best I can possibly be. The endless pursuit of perfection.
Describe your diet/meal plan leading up to a big race:
In two words: Never followed... It’s normally little varied from a normal week but when nerves need to be suppressed it takes whatever course it desires!
How do you balance your training and racing life with life outside the sport?
It will often differ depending on the time and importance of the season but in the less important months it is just a matter of making sure all training and recovery is seen to and then live a normal life outside that. I spend at least half the year abroad and I’ll always make an effort to see the sights wherever I am and embrace the local culture.
What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful (either for training or competition)?
I don’t have a big need for supplements outside a fairly balanced diet. A multi vitamin ensures I get anything I might miss in daily food and electrolyte aids to keep up hydration.
Best and worst thing about being a professional athlete:
Best thing having the opportunity to travel the world doing something that I love and leading what I find a very productive lifestyle. Worst is the days of constant fatigue from harder training blocks that feels like my body will never feel energised again. It normally last no more than a few days and the work makes me stronger at the other end.
In five years time, I'll be:
Still travelling the world and making a living from whatever my passion is at that time.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2011 - 1st ITU Monterrey World Cup, Mexico
- 2011 - 1st Victorian Gatorade Series (4 wins), Melbourne, Aus
- 2011 - 2nd ITU Mooloolaba World Cup, Aus
- 2011 - 2nd ITU Kinloch Oceania Cup, NZ
- 2010 - 1st Tuscaloosa Premium Continental Cup, USA
- 2010 - 1st Triatlon de Lekeitio, Spain
- 2010 - 1st Nepean Triathlon, Penrith, Aus
- 2010 - 3rd Super Sprint Grand Prix Test event, Oceanside, USA