Athlete:
Terenzo Bozzone
TERENZO BOZZONE
Professional Triathlete
What does your standard training week involve?
Swimming 4-5 times about 20km. I normally split this up between technique and purpose built sessions in the pool with some open water sessions too. Bike 6 times anywhere from 2-6 hrs - I like to head out into the Waitak's (Waitakere Ranges) and Bethells Beach or Piha. Often I'm with a few training partners but sometimes I've got my head down concentrating on my form and my power meter. Running 5-6 times - 1 long run and 2 workout type runs.
Where is your favourite place to train?
Wildflower Half Ironman in California is so cool. Everyone journeys into the middle of nowhere, camps and then races one of the hardest Half IM events they will ever do. There's a real savage beauty about the whole event - I just love it.
What is your favourite 2XU garment? When do you use it and why?
2XU Compression Cycle Bib Short – it's amazing! I use it every day when out riding because it's pretty much the most comfortable cycle short I've ever worn!
What is your favourite training accessory?
I love my power meter, this has become an integral and essential part of my training equipment, and to be honest, I feel lost riding without it!
What has been the toughest experience in your career and what did you learn from it?
Missing out on the 2008 Olympics was pretty tough, but I learnt that when one door closes many more open. I can now look at things objectively and say 'Hey, if i had been selected for the Olympics I may never have got into long course racing.' In a way it was a blessing in disguise - admittedly it was a pretty scary disguise at the time. I have learned that you have to move forward, set your goals high and then get about achieving them. I firmly believe this is the best way to deal with disappointment.
What’s the most common training mistake you see on the circuit? Any suggestions on how to avoid it?
I may be susceptible to this as well, but over-training is probably the biggest mistake made by triathletes, amateur or Pro. Your body can only move forward if you have recovered from the hard training you have done. It is no use training and training and training with no recovery, you will only get slower. It's crucial to do whatever you can to speed up your recovery between workouts.
What motivates you to train and race harder?
I want to be the best in the world and having that as my goal doesn't give me much of a choice when it comes to wanting to slack off!
Describe your diet/meal plan leading up to a big race:
Pretty much everything is planned down to the last morsel during race week. I eat the same thing every night at the same time. I sleep at the same time, train at the same time. Eating is based on a framework of Nutri-Grain for breakfast, some form of sandwich for lunch and pasta and fish for dinner. I'm constantly snacking on Clif Bars in between meals.
How do you balance your training and racing life with life outside the sport?
Balance??? Ha - life as a Professional Triathlete can be really hard to balance, but I have a great girlfriend, Kelly Lawrence who has her own accessory brand, Zabbana, and she can travel with me around the world. When training isn't too tough, we'll go out and catch up with our friends. I'm very lucky to have her - she makes sure I do have some balance in my life, to a certain extent anyway.
What type of nutritional supplement do you find most helpful (either for training or competition)?
Training and racing I love eating Clif Bars. There are so many different flavors that you never get sick of them, and they don't have the taste or sticky consistency some other energy bars do.
Best and worst thing about being a professional athlete:
Best – Travel - I get to travel the world, meeting great people and seeing amazing places. Worst - Travel - airports, delayed flights, lost luggage and missed connections.
In five years time, I'll be:
The King of Kona!
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