Andrea Whitcombe is a former Olympic distance runner and World Class Triathlete
Sports:
Athletics and Triathlon
Career highlights / achievements:
- Commonwealth Games 1998 Silver 5000m
- Represented Great Britain in Sydney Olympics 2000 over 5000m
- Three times winner of National Cross Country
- 7 times represented Great Britain in World Cross Country Championships
- Top 8 finishes in 3 World Triathlon Championships
- 4 podium placings in World Cups
- Finished 4th in 3 European Championships
How many hours a week do you usually train?
Around 10 hours a week, I don’t do much cycling or swimming now that I’ve retired from Triathlon so I focus on my running.
And how far to do run on average every day?
Around 10 miles.
Other than the distance, what’s the biggest difference between running and triathlon?
Swimming. It’s very physical and I have had a fat lip before when I was accidentally punched in the face by another triathlete!
Where is your favourite run?
Along the coastal pathway from Bracelet Bay to Caswell in Mumbles, Swansea or Three Cliffs beach run.
What’s your top tip for anyone starting out in running?
Take it steady to begin with and then gradually build up the mileage. Self massage your legs after each run.
If you weren’t running, what would you be doing instead?
Probably watching Columbo, CSI, or a property or cookery programme.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
The above, DIY, and coaching.
What’s your most embarrassing sporting moment?
Having a huge lead in the English Schools Cross Country many years ago and then blowing up and getting beaten. People that hadn’t caught the end of the race were congratulating me on my win!
Interesting fact/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
My DIY skills. I love tortoises, and collect all things tortoise-y.
Testimonial:
I always take a Surviva Jak with me on my long runs, especially if I’m out by myself; its so small it fits perfectly in my back pocket. You never know what might happen or if the weather will change, especially living in Wales!
