Here’s another installment on the TT Series of interviews initiated after telling you about TriathlonTeam.org. This time its with two-time British National Triathlon Champion and Beijing Olympian Will Clarke! Please be sure to check out Will-Clarke.com another great Pro Triathlete Website worth following. Now, let’s get down to business:

1. What does your training consist of?

From 25hrs in steady weeks to 40hrs in huge weeks…Of lots of swimming, biking and running. I like to keep the split even with an emphasis on running because that’s what’s going to win me races. I make sure I get in the gym to keep my body strong and injury free!

2. Can you recommend any specific type of training for beginner triathlete?

I would recommend a lot of swimming technique work before any sort of hard work out. Improvements will come much faster this way. As for cycling and running I would recommend getting out there amongst the terrain and build up slowly the amount of distance you can tolerate. When you have more miles in the legs you can ramp up the intensity.

3. How do you balance training / competing with family / personal time?

There’s only a maximum 6hrs in the day where I train, I think of it as a job, so I make sure that the time I have off training is spent with my Fiancee! She has to be very understanding though because Triathlon is always in my head. Clare is heavily involved though and she really enjoys it. It has perks, she can come travelling with me:)

4. Do you follow a specific diet for training / racing?

I make sure I eat a lot, but a lot of good food, we all know what it is. Lots of fruit and veg, healthy carbs and protein. I’m never afraid to indulge though. In fact if I don’t have my cookies and muffins I will for sure blow up in my sessions!

5. How did you transition from an Age Grouper to a Pro?

I was never age grouper, In my first year at 16 years old I was racing Junior Elite. Sorry…boring!

6. And how did you first get sponsored?

I concentrated on getting the results before I went after companys. When I was at a good level I got a manager who is still working with me today. However, I suggest being confident and don’t ask too much from the companys. It’s easy to get kit, however money is a much different thing! Make sure that you have something you can give back to the company whether is is logo on your kit or motivation speeches!

7. What is your favorite race? And a quick why?

London Triathlon is my favourite, I have great memories from that race (I won it this year) it’s the biggest Tri in the world with 13,000 people and it also has a big prize money. Its just down the road from me so my friends often come and cheer me on. It’s nice to do a race with less pressure, unlike the World Championships Series circuit!

8. What do you feel is your greatest achievement so far?

I guess starting at the Olympics is my best achievement on paper even though I had a disappointing race. I think my best performance was finishing 5th at the Elite World Champs in 2007.

9. And what is your ultimate goal?

The same as everyone! Olympic medal!

10. Finally, do you have any tips for new or intermediate Triathletes? Maybe something you wish someone would have told you sooner. Or specifically for the swim, bike, run transitions and equipment?

The winter is so important for a great summer performance. If you start training hard in March its too late. Winter is not just about getting in the easy long miles, it’s a preparation phase, its about developing your thresholds and your ability to race fast with little effort! This winter I will spend 4 weeks going easy, then I will start running FAST! I want to be able to run 3:00 k’s (30min 10k pace) very easily.

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I just want to quickly say congrats to Will for winning the London Triathlon this year and also on defending his spot as British Champion!!

I hope you enjoyed the latest interview in the TT Series! Check out the other interviews:

Conrad Stoltz

Aleksander Sørensen-Markovic

Is there anything you want to ask Will? Ask in a comment and he may just answer your question!