News & Reviews

The "This Week In Triathlon Blog" Sits Down With Pip Taylor!

Pip Taylor is another Australian triathlete who has invaded our shores and makes her home in Lawrence, Kansas about 6-months a year.  This season, she’s won three races, the Vineman 70.3, the Austrialian Long Course Championships and the Memphis in May Triathlon.  Add to that a couple of seconds at Ironman 70.3 Kansas and the Atlanta Iron Girl Triathlon.  As we say, She’s Money!  Over the past 9 years, she’s been on something like 37 podiums including a win at Alp d’Huez, which must have been a leg breaker.

Pip has a post graduate degree in Sports Nutrition and has a monthly column in Triathlete Magazine. I think her website, www.piptaylor.com is the best out there, just make you have volume down on your computer if you are at work – the music starts playing, Town of Sorrow,  you might get busted.  If you are at home, turn it up and start dancing!  I’ve got it open and running as I write this.  Her blog at http://piptaylor.com/blog/ is just as entertaining.   BTW Pip, if you read this, a Scuppernong is a type of  Muscadine grape that grows in the south. 

Warning, the following is a sexist statement, but I’d say the same about Dan Hugo (and will in a future installment), it doesn’t hurt that Pip is VERY easy to look at.  She might be the only reason to move to Kansas! Unfortunately, she didn't supply me with any action pics to post with the interview, so you'll have to go to her website.

Ok, that’s enough about my bromance with Dan Hugo and why Pip might look into getting a restraining order.  Here are 20 questions with Pip Taylor:

(TWIT) It seems that every other triathlete is from Australia.  Is there something in the water?
(PT) Yes – sharks!!! - incentive to swim fast! No I am not too sure why Australia has been strong historically in triathlon. I think outside a cultural affinity with multisport, perhaps there is a strong element of individuality and a good work ethic which may mean we are prepared to chase opportunities around the world.

(TWIT) Can you tell me about growing up in Australia?
(PT) I grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and spent a lot of time swimming and at track meets. It was a great introduction to Triathlon!

(TWIT) Is your family athletic?
(PT) Yes - both my parents are competitive rowers and spend a lot of time out on the water.

(TWIT) How did you get your start in Triathlon?
(PT) I was looking for a new challenge post swimming and track and went to a Talent Identification Program at the Australian Institute of Sport. They recommended I give Triathlon a shot - and I did!

(TWIT) When did you realize that you might be pretty good at Triathlon?
(PT) Well the first race I did was the first Triathlon I had ever seen - and I had just bought a bike two weeks before. So it was a challenge, but I ejoyed it and from there I was hooked.

(TWIT) I don't know if this is a question, but Lawrance Kansas, Really?  I spent a few weeks in Salina, Kansas one winter and had to run at the local YMCA indoor 1/100th mile track to avoid an ice storm.  Round and round I went. 
(PT) Yep, the secret is to avoid winter – summer here in Lawrence then when it starts to even hint at coolness I know it is time to get on the plane and return to the beaches of Australia for a second summer. Lawrence though is a great town and has been everything I have looked for in terms of training as well as “liveability”. I am trying to keep it a secret though.

(TWIT) When you are in Lawrence, what do you miss most from Australia when shopping at the grocery store?
(PT) We have great food here in Lawrence, with access to a lot of local produce and a farmers market a few days a week. I actually enjoy the variation I get at different times of the year living in the USA and Australia. If I had to say I miss one thing it would be the fresh seafood I get from Freckle at Bay Seafoods in Byron Bay.
 
(TWIT) What goals have you set for yourself outside of Triathlon?
(PT) When you are racing professionally it can sometimes be hard to set goals beyond the sport, however I do love and am passionate about the work I am doing in the nutrition field. It is where I will work full time after I retire (not for many years though) and apart from keeping my mind challenged it is extremely rewarding.

(TWIT) What would you think about your own cooking show on The Food Network after you retire?
(PT) Sounds great – especially if that means I can get someone to do all the washing up after me!!

(TWIT) What has been the most significant challenge in your life?
(PT) I think I have been pretty lucky in life – I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do and really any challenges associated with sport have to be put into perspective.

(TWIT) What social cause(s) are you involved in?
(PT)I am passionate about food and food education and at the moment am looking at some projects involving childhood fitness and eating habits.

(TWIT) Who outside of Triathlon has most influenced your life?
(PT) I think that is a pretty tricky question actually. I do draw inspiration from many different people and circumstances however I also like to think that I myself am the biggest factor driving and motivating my decisions and direction in life.

(TWIT) While most Traithletes specialize, you race just about anything.  What format do you feel is your strongest?
(PT) Actually I race Olympic distance and the half ironman distance, nothing longer! – and that will remain the case at least this year and the next. If we could increase the length of the swim of the half ironman that would be perfect……I think too that triathlon and triathletes are and will continue to become more specialized. You will of course have athletes who are good over multiple distances and formats but I think less so than in the past.

(TWIT) Which do you prefer, draft legal or non-drafting races?
(PT) I spent many years on the draft legal circuit and was a part of the F1 Series in Australia - which still has not been passed as the best Triathlon series ever. So I had a great time racing draft legal, but I do love non-drafting and really enjoy the opportunities that come with racing on the USA professional circuit.

(TWIT) What measures do you take to keep your sanity and motivation?
(PT) I value my time I get to myself and also spending time with friends and family. Cooking is a love of mine and also a way to relax and take the focus off anything else. Couple that with trips to the farmers markets and a swim at the beach and you are looking at a pretty perfect day. Motivation is not something that I generally struggle with – I love training and there is nothing better than having a decent ‘block’ you can commit to and really start to see progressions and improvements – that is enough motivation! Plus of course the thought of having to get another job is a pretty good motivator to get out there. Whenever I feel motivation waning though it is generally a sign that I need as easy day or a rest day – or that the season has been too long!

(TWIT) Who among your fellow competitors do you hang out with when you are not running, cycling or swimming?
(PT) I have some great friends within the sport – but outside my own training squad I don’t tend to see that many away from races!

(TWIT) What would your closest friends say is your most annoying habit?
(PT) Stubborn

(TWIT) You have been tearing it up this year, a bunch of podiums, including a first at Vineman and at the Austarialian Long Course Championship.  What's next?
(PT) More wins!

(TWIT) What will it take to beat this Wellington chick?
(PT) Belief, confidence and plenty of hard work.

(TWIT) The underwear run. boxers or briefs?
(PT) Briefs. No stray surprises thanks.