From frequent bar patron to the 2007 HSBC Triathlon series Athena Champion. Nicole Bailey has sure come a long way in a relatively short period of time. From frequent bar patron to the 2007 HSBC Triathlon series Athena Champion. Nicole Bailey has sure come a long way in a relatively short period of time.
The 29-year-old Torontonian entered the world of triathlon two years ago due to a realization and subsequent decision that she and her friend came to.
“My good friend and I found ourselves on a few too many patios too often, confessed Nicole. “We decided we needed something else to offset the caloric intake and make better use of our time. So we decided we should do a triathlon.
Not being a strong swimmer, Nicole learned how to swim, but like many newcomers to the sport, underestimated the challenge of the bike and run segments.
“We honestly didn't realize what we had gotten into when it came to the bike or run. I quickly learned that bricks aren't what a house is made of, said Nicole.
Nevertheless, Nicole endured the training, toed the start line, and successfully finished her first race at the Cobourg Sprint Triathlon in 2006. It was an experience that she vividly remembered and learned from.
“I did not realize the importance of a wetsuit until I was treading frantically and hyperventilating. I’ve never felt so close to death. I also realized I was never doing a triathlon again with a hybrid bike. Those underappreciated Northumberland hills were certainly appreciated. It felt like I was on them forever, said Nicole.
Fast forward to today. Nicole manages to fit in seven hours of training each week, is still seeking to improve her swim, and cycling has become her favourite activity, especially the hills.
“I enjoy biking most because that means that I made it out of the lake. It’s been close on a number of occasions, said Nicole. “Besides, training for the bike portions is the most fun. You get to ride all over, explore, and look for the perfect hills. I have learned to make hills my friend.
Nicole lists her favourite races as Cobourg (her first race), Bala Falls (beautiful scenery and rolling hills), and Toronto Island (close to home and her parents come to cheer her on). However, some of her nutrition choices while participating at those and other races might come as a surprise. Her pre-race meal consists of a McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito, and post-race she rewards her race day effort by finding a local watering hole for a few pints of Guinness.
Nicole credits her friend and fellow competitor Heather McMullen (you can often find them racing together) for getting her involved in triathlon and offers some words of encouragement to newbies.
“You can do it! Just put your mind to it, and don’t let that 81 written on the calf in front of you get you down. Even if he started eight minutes after you, said Nicole.
Nicole looks to defend her HSBC Athena title this year and will compete at the Muskoka 70.3 event in September.