Britta English, W35-39

indianapolis, indiana

How long have you been competing in multi-sport races? 6 years

What is your favorite product available at TriSports.com? Tifosi Sungalsses

How did you get your start in Triathlons? I started running after my first son was born. After a handful of marathons I got bored and decided to switch to a new sport. Triathlon seemed like the obvious choice.  My only problem was I had not been in a pool in over 10 years and my bike was my childhood 10 speed. My first race was interesting to say the least, but as we often hear others say in this sport ..”I was hooked”.

What is your favorite workout? Drop out 50’s.  This is an IndySwimFit (masters team) classic.   Starting at a conservative interval (1:00-1:10) and subtract 10 sec for 5 x 50’s and add 5 secs for 5 x 50’s and continue this trend down to a 30-35 sec interval.

“When I’m not training/racing, I enjoy…” camping and hiking with my husband and kids

If you could train for a week with one other triathlete who would it be and why? My dad, he was a truly inspiring athlete.

If you could do any triathlon in the World (regardless of monetary restrictions) which one would you do? Bonita Ironman New Zealand

Describe your biggest race disaster. IM Lou 2008.  still so fresh in my mind!!!  I flatted at mile 70.  It took more than 40 minutes to get the tire changed. Yes, you heard me, MORE THAN 40 MINUTES.  I had bought new tires a week before the race and the combination of the race wheels and the tires that were not stretched out yet made it impossible for me to change. I continued to try while I waited for the bike tech guy. He finally came and cursed for 15 minutes while he attempted to succeed where I had failed. Once back on the road I somehow lost my game plan and the rest of the race went downhill. I am only now starting to see it as a little less like a disaster and little more like a learning opportunity.

Do you have a non-negotiable pre-race ritual? I don’t have a ritual but I do have to be one of the first ones at the race venue.  I can not relax and focus until I am set up in transition.

What culinary indulgence do you allow yourself after a big race (that you don’t normally partake of)?  Chocolate shakes, wings, beer…not necessarily in that order.

Have you ever accidentally destroyed a very expensive piece of gear? (For example, have you driven into the garage with a bike on the roof, run over race wheels, etc.) NO! thank goodness, but my husband did leave his very cool Tifosi sunglasses on the back bumper of my car.  I of course did not know they were there when I drove away.  We found them later crushed in the road.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had? Bagger at a grocery store.

What adjective describes you best? Tenacious

Finally, do you have any advice for athletes new to multi-sport competition?  Don’t be intimidated. 

Recent Results:  Muncie Endurathon 3rd OA Female, Open Div; Masters One Hour Postal Swim-17^th in AG in the country; Carmel Sprint Triathlon-sprint distance 57:48-1^st overall female; St.Anthony’s-olympic distance-1:57:33 (no swim); Indy Mini- ½ marathon-1:37:02; Eagle Creek-sprint distance-57:27-1^st overall female; Muncie Endurathon-1/2 ironman- 4:50:47-3^rd in open division; Tri Indy-olympic distance-2:17:43 1^st overall female; IM Wisconsin  11:44:00  14^th in age group  (after a 50+ minute bike maintenance time out)