In our latest drive for inspiration we are continuing our interview series in 2017 to hear real people’s stories about their achievements in triathlon.
First up is Paul Suett, who in the last few years has gone from “fat” (as someone called him!) to GB Age Group triathlete. Here’s Paul’s story.
So, tell us a little bit about you? What do you do / where do you live / what events you’ve completed etc
My name is Paul Suett, I am 39 years old, I live in Barking Essex. I have completed 4 half Ironman races 2 full distance Ironman races and competed for TeamGB in the ITU World Finals in Chicago 2015 and Mexico 2016
And in brief, your goals for 2017?
Qualification for Team GB in the ITU World Finals in Rotterdam 2017
Seeing your Instagram post the other day, it looks like you’ve come a long way in a few years? When did you decide to kick the habits and get into tri?
It all started in Vegas when I was called fat by someone, I honestly didn’t think I was but looking back at the photo’s I was totally wrong. I decided to change my diet and go to some boxing classes. I joined The MMA Clinic and really got into the excitement of being around people that trained hard for goals, I was asked to take part in a few amateur bouts on shows which was lots of fun. The last fight I damaged my hand so to keep fit I joined a running club called Dagenham 88 Runners, I found I was ok at running and with the help and advice from a teammate Nigel I got better and improved quickly. I met my best friend Cassie there and she introduced me into the world of multi sports.
What was the hardest thing for you to change in making the transition?
Learning about what to eat and when, I have tried various diets and fads to help but the one that got the weight off was My Fitness Pal. I was pretty much scared of food in the end and only recently got a grip of properly eating thanks to my S&C coach Lalah
And why did you choose triathlon?
I watched my best friend Cassie compete in a race and thought I could do that, I told her I needed to learn how to swim but would like to give it a try. 2 weeks later she had booked me into a aquathlon that I nearly drowned in and got shouted at for crossing lanes but I survived and finished with a strong 5km run…. That day the event was organised by the awesome Havering Tri club, little did I know a few years later I would have the opportunity to join these amazing people.
Clearly, making the TeamGB age group is great milestone, congratulations! So does that mean endless sponsorship deals and day after day training? Or more realistically, how do you balance work with training?
Haha I wished but it’s all self-funded, I am lucky to have 3 sponsors that give me their time and products (@InspireF1TNESS, The Body Therapy Company, Maru Swimwear) but the cost of the races, kit and travel is all down to me. I am always asking for more sponsors but the products have to be something I believe in and want my name associated with. I train 7 days a week but it’s something I love doing so it’s never a chore.
Of the three sports (swim/bike/run), which was the hardest for you and what did you do to train specifically to help make it better?
Swimming is the hardest for me, I only learnt really how to swim a few years back but I wasn’t really improving so I have joined two swim clubs in the last 6 months (Swim for Tri and Kays Adult Swim). I swim 3 times a week now and have made progression with the help from these two awesome clubs.
The reason we started TriPals was to document our journey together and hope to encourage others to get out there and give triathlon a go! Do you have a go to training partner?
I train with lots of different people who are all inspiring but my two go to people are best friends Cassie and Joel, both might not be as fast as me but both are hugely better people than myself. Both have children to look after and training still gets done which I find so inspiring and something that I think about when times get hard for me.
Why is it important to you to have a good training partner?
I think it’s important because sometimes you need the motivation and also just someone to listen to your crazy goal ideas
Looking back at when you got into triathlon, what would be one piece of advice you’d give to yourself to do things differently?
Always work on your weaknesses and never neglect your strengths, for too long I didn’t like swimming so would use any excuse to swap a session with something else. Now I swim 3 times a week without fail, there is no excuse big enough that will stop me and I would rather miss out on something else.
What had been your most memorable event? And why?
I have two….
First was my first half Ironman in Exmoor, I was so nervous but my best friend and her amazing family had come to watch which made the day amazing. Their support that day and since means the world to me.
Second was my first race in Team GB colours in the ITU World Final in Chicago, to wear that kit is a huge honour and something I never take for granted and will fight every day to keep my place in the team.
Nutrition plays a huge part in effective training. But we all have a weak spot… what’s your go to snack in between training?
I am no longer scared of food and eat minimum 6 times a day so I don’t really worry about what I eat I just need to keep the calories up, I do eat pretty clean but I suppose something I don’t have a lot is a vegetarian burger at GBK and I love them so that would be a treat. I also have a smoothie that I make every weekend midday as a fuelling treat:
2 Bananas
1 scoop vegan blend chocolate smooth protein
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 cup dairy free milk
1 tbsp peanut butter
Ice
Anyone you’d like to thank that’s helped you through the journey?
I would like to thank my amazing parents who are always there for me, Cassie and Joel for being amazing best friends, all my teammates at Havering Tri, Romford Cycling Club, Dagenham 88 Runners, Team GB friends and Swim for Tri for being inspirational, Lalah @InspireF1TNESS, Steve at The Body Therapy Company and Maru Swimwear for their continued support and time.
Thanks Paul – and best of luck in the 2017 season! We’ll be rooting for you
#tripals
