For the first in the series of our Athlete Focus posts, we speak to Lisa Stubbs who has been coached by 4Performance for 2.5 years.
How long have you been participating in triathlon?
I dipped my toes into the world of triathlon back in 1993 at Club La Santa, taking part in the mini triathlon, a 400m swim in the old 50m pool, cycling up to Tinajo and back down the hill in the wind and then a run around the lagoon. I dipped in and out of triathlon over the years but it wasn’t until 2015 after getting divorced and completing a sporting bucket list challenge that I decided to enter Blenheim and London Tri in 2016 and I joined Havering Triathlon Club.
What is your favourite discipline and why?
Truthfully I don’t have a favourite. I used to compete in swimming galas when I was younger but I’ve always struggled with open-water swimming. I’m now enjoying the gains in all 3 disciplines that I am currently seeing training with 4Performance.
What is your preferred distance?
70.3 is my favourite distance, having only completed that distance in 2019, I am now training for another 70.3 later in the year. Truthfully at my age, I am not super speedy!
What made you decide to start having coaching with 4Performance?
For me, I have always found that I work and train better with a structure/training plan to follow. It makes me more accountable and less likely to miss sessions. Also having someone to tell you when you are making improvements from the data in Training Peaks is a real boost.
Since starting with 4Performance what improvements have you made?
I have definitely seen improvements in all 3 disciplines since training with 4Performance especially my cycling. I have learnt the hard way that it is all about being consistent with the training too. I have been especially focused since the beginning of 2021 ticking off all the sessions Jon has set me and also taking part in the Tuesday strength and conditioning sessions with Sophie. I am so pleased with myself that I am now continuously running again having progressed from the run/walk training structure plan set by Jon. It feels like a switch has been flicked, I am absolutely loving training and can’t wait for the next session in the training plan!
