Suzie Bacon, a Primary Teacher here at Nexus, unexpectedly discovered her love for triathlons. Watching them from the sidelines, she was struck by the fun and challenge they seemed to offer. In 2019, she took the plunge and participated in her first triathlon, experiencing the thrill of competition firsthand. Her initial nerves vanished when she hit the water, and a surprising third-place finish solidified her passion for the sport.
Since then, Suzie has become a seasoned competitor, tackling events like the Metasprint Series and the Singapore T100. The camaraderie of training with others is a big draw for her, and she enjoys the social connections forged within the triathlon community, especially during overseas races. We recently had a chat with Suzie to see how she stays motivated before the big race and how she demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging events.
What sparked Suzie’s interest in such a demanding sport?
While the gruelling nature of triathlons might deter some, Suzie was inspired by the joy she witnessed in triathlon spectators. This initial spark ignited a personal challenge, pushing her to see what she could achieve.
Her most significant accomplishment to date is the Desaru Ironman 70.3, a race double the distance of anything she’d attempted before. The intense training and support from her family culminated in a sense of relief and accomplishment upon reaching the finish line.
Staying Focused and Overcoming Challenges
Suzie tackles long races by mentally breaking them into smaller, more manageable segments. She focuses on reaching each milestone before worrying about the next. Finding other athletes to pace or overtake also provides a motivational boost. When the finish line nears, she visualises the refreshing cool-down and celebratory drink that awaits her.
Adaptability is vital in triathlon. During the Desaru Ironman, a scorching heatwave forced Suzie to adjust her strategy. Ditching her initial pace goals, she prioritised hydration and cooling down, finishing the race with a sense of accomplishment. This experience hasn’t deterred her, and she’s determined to return and conquer the race in May.
The Rewards of Perseverance
The greatest reward for Suzie is knowing that her early mornings and dedicated training have paid off. Pushing her limits and witnessing her capabilities act as a constant motivator. The influence of her triathlete friends and husband has also normalised the pursuit of such demanding goals.
Balancing Training with Life
Suzie prioritises her training by embracing early mornings. The energy she gains from workouts helps her manage her family and work commitments more effectively. Training also provides a daily dose of endorphins, giving her a lift throughout the day.
Maintaining Motivation and Overcoming Plateaus
Fortunately, Suzie hasn’t encountered any major setbacks or injuries. Podcasts are her secret weapon for staying focused during training sessions. When motivation dips, she chooses an engaging podcast to listen to, transforming a dreaded workout into an enjoyable experience. Additionally, reminding herself of her goals and commitment to future success keeps her pushing forward.
Lessons Learned
Suzie’s triathlon journey has emphasised the importance of setting exciting goals and creating a training routine that seamlessly integrates with life’s other commitments. This dedication benefits her physical fitness and cultivates valuable life skills like organisation, perseverance, and determination – qualities that will undoubtedly benefit her students now and in the future.
Crushing the T100 this past weekend!
Suzie finished strong at 4 hours and 57 minutes, and had a blast the entire time. Even more exciting, she placed 9th overall among the women – and cracked the top 10! Congratulations Suzie, we as a school community celebrate your success and can’t wait to see how you go next year!
