Getting to know....littlemsfickle

Kurt Godel

Since my exercise in navel-gazing has run its course, its time for me to nominate a victim for another week, so lets find out what makes littlemsfickle tickle. Thanks for agreeing to put yourself under the spotlight!

*How did you get into Triathlon?
*How many sessions a week do you do, and can you give a sample week?
*You have 60 minutes in the pool, how do you make best use of it?
*Do you train alone or in a group?
*What sacrifices have you made for Triathlon?
*Best ever race?

catweazle

Tell us the full story on how you got your stolen bike back?

littlemsfickle

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Since my exercise in navel-gazing has run its course, its time for me to nominate a victim for another week, so lets find out what makes littlemsfickle tickle. Thanks for agreeing to put yourself under the spotlight!

*How did you get into Triathlon?
*How many sessions a week do you do, and can you give a sample week?
*You have 60 minutes in the pool, how do you make best use of it?
*Do you train alone or in a group?
*What sacrifices have you made for Triathlon?
*Best ever race?

Aww here it goes

*How did you get into Triathlon?
My background is in swimming. Up until my Leaving Cert year I trained with a competitive club, never raced much though. When I started college I gave it up for a few years then started swimming again for fitness. When I moved from Dublin to Enfield I took up cycling and a bit of running. A few guys in my club then introduced me to this magical sport where you could do all three:) I decided to give it a go and after coming fourth in my first race (Fingal sprint) I thought it might be something I could be good at....

*How many sessions a week do you do, and can you give a sample week?
Obviously it depends on the time of year. At the moment I would be doing two turbo sessions + one long bike, 3/4 swims, 2 gym sessions...I'm carrying a bit of a niggle so not doing too much running - short runs every second day.

*You have 60 minutes in the pool, how do you make best use of it?
Hmm...good question. I guess if I was stuck for time I'd try to maximise the distance I could get done in the hour - so minimise the rest intervals. I'd probably try to get around 3.5km in so: 500m warm-up, 25 x 100m (depending on the stage of training) off 1:35-1:45, use whatever time is left for a swim down.

*Do you train alone or in a group?
Mostly alone unfortunately. I'm not living in Dublin, I don't drive and I have a pretty busy schedule with college so I find it hard to make it to club sessions. I train with a cycling club and running club at home, but I do feel like I'm missing out on the camaraderie of training with a tri club.

*What sacrifices have you made for Triathlon?
I guess it depends on what you see as a sacrifice. I could say that for a 26 year old I've missed out on a lot of experiences due to training commitments, but I don't really see it that way. I've never much been into the drinking/clubbing scene so it's not much of a sacrifice for me to skip that in favour of getting up early for a swim. I'd see having to skip my Sunday spin for something else as a sacrifice rather than vice versa. Definitely though I feel like I've had to give up things like watching TV/casual reading because what free time I have outside of working and studying is spent training...but really is less TV such a bad thing?

*Best ever race?
Best result: winning Blacksod last year. I've entered Blacksod for the past three years and each time it's been one of the highlights of my season. Last year especially I was delighted to retain my title against a pretty competitive field...The feeling of crossing the finishing line that day is something which helps to keep me motivated on tough days:)

Best experience: Alpe d'Huez this year - amazing location and the sheer joy of completion on crossing the finish line is hard to describe

littlemsfickle

catweazle wrote: »

Tell us the full story on how you got your stolen bike back?

Not to be rude but I'd rather not go into any more detail on that than I already have done....there are other people involved and I'd like to respect their privacy. I was delighted to get it back and will be eternally grateful to everyone who helped me but I don't really want to go into it on a public forum.

Huff n Puff

Q1. Do you have an ultimate goal in triathlon or are you taking it season by season and seeing where that gets you?

If you have an ultimate goal:
Q2. What is that goal?
Q3. What do you need to do to get there?
Q4. Are you prepared to do what it takes to achieve that goal?
Q5. How likely is it that you will reach that goal?

Q6. What do you like / dislike the most about the triathlon scene in Ireland?

littlemsfickle

Huff n Puff wrote: »

Q1. Do you have an ultimate goal in triathlon or are you taking it season by season and seeing where that gets you?

If you have an ultimate goal:
Q2. What is that goal?
Q3. What do you need to do to get there?
Q4. Are you prepared to do what it takes to achieve that goal?
Q5. How likely is it that you will reach that goal?

Q6. What do you like / dislike the most about the triathlon scene in Ireland?

This is a tough one. Ultimately my goal is to be the best I can be- and this I something I have tried to elicit from several coaches: based on my natural ability how far could I realistically expect to go if I devoted myself to training full time?and to be fair this is not really a question that anyone can answer without giving it a go. A part of me would love to find out.

The reality is though that come July next year (barring a dramatic response from the HSE to the protests by junior doctors) I'll be entering the world of 24 hour+ shifts and I don't really know what will happen with training....I've toyed with the idea of taking a year out to focus on triathlon but really I know that one year wouldn't be enough. I'm someone that always wants more and it's a constant source of frustration for me that I feel like I'm compromising myself both athletically and academically. Sorry if this is a bit meandering but I guess what I'm trying to say is that no I don't have an ultimate goal because I'm not sure what the future is going to hold for me and I know that I have to be realistic about what I will be able to achieve given the constraints of studying and working in the field I've chosen.

In response to your other questions - what I like most is the inclusiveness that exists within the sport. I tried a bit of bike racing and found the atmosphere to be completely different - old school bikers would knock you off to win if they thought they could get away with it whereas triathletes will pat you on the back as you pass them. I also like how local races get the whole community involved with volunteering and supporting, even in the worst of weather. It makes such a difference to me when I'm racing.

What I dislike most is what I perceive to be a lack of talent development. I feel like TI are looking to take credit for athletes who are already achieving a high standard rather than devoting resources to developing those who aren't quite there yet but have a lot of potential.

littlemsfickle

.....I thought these threads were supposed to be all about favoured crisp flavours???

Oryx

Only RQ can ask the crisps question.

What do you do to chill out?
Bucket list ambition (sport related)?
Bucket list ambition (non sport related)?
Your best characteristic?
Your worst characteristic?

mloc123

are you really fickle?

BTH

You study medicine. Do you see yourself specialising in any particular area, or any particular side of medicine? And how determined are you to get into that area? I ask because I know a girl who was adamant she was going to be a surgeon. As of next summer she will be a GP, so a complete turnaround

You changed coaches last winter. You are (more than likely, through no fault of yours) changing again this winter. Are you looking for a new coach or contemplating going down the self coached route? What attributes do you look for in a coach?

You have an impressive bag of swim toys that I've seen in Trinity a few times. Whats you favourite must have piece?

Cheese cake or Carrot Cake??

Huff n Puff

littlemsfickle wrote: »

The reality is though that come July next year (barring a dramatic response from the HSE to the protests by junior doctors) I'll be entering the world of 24 hour+ shifts and I don't really know what will happen with training....

My brother is a junior doctor. Unless things change, it would be very very hard to keep triathlon training at a good level. Even if things change it would still be a very hard balance - cos as you know triathlon at the top level requires big training hours and plenty of recovery.

littlemsfickle wrote: »

old school bikers would knock you off to win if they thought they could get away with it whereas triathletes will pat you on the back as you pass them.

Wouldn't exactly agree with that outlook, but can understand why you wold think that. Both the tactics and team aspect of bike racing are great though.

littlemsfickle wrote: »

What I dislike most is what I perceive to be a lack of talent development. I feel like TI are looking to take credit for athletes who are already achieving a high standard rather than devoting resources to developing those who aren't quite there yet but have a lot of potential.

Disagree on this point a bit too. I think TI should take a lot of credit for what they have done over the last few years. They are forcing young people to raise their standards and train harder. They can only fund so many people. The reality is that if a junior doesn't hit those qualifying times without TI help they are highly unlikely to ever develop into an international triathlete. Hit the times and you then get help to kick on to the next level.

I train with a young lad who has targeted that qualifying standard for nearly a year and a half (missed by 1 point last time). It has forced him to train a lot harder and to raise his game. He has great potential but that's not enough to get to the top level. It is up to you to show commitment and determination to reach that first rung of the ladder. TI will then assist you the rest of the way up the ladder. It's a tough but fair training policy for an organisation with limited funds. This might sound elitist but at the high performance level sport is elitist.

shotgunmcos

Blue Sky, what would you change about triathlon in Ireland?
Do you have role models and what is it about them that inspires you?
Perfect breakfast on a lazy day?

RacoonQueen

Last year, my first year doing tris and actually watching results etc you were always up there on the podium. Didn't see you there as much this year. Was this due to it being more competitive this year or where you not out there as much?
When you're qualified and don't have the same sort of time for tri, do you see yourself concentrating more on running as it's probably the least time consuming of the three disciplines?
At 26 you're still quite 'young' in tri terms, so if as predicted you have to pull away when you qualify, do you think you'll be able to go back properly a few years down the line as you progress in your career?
Why medicine?
What's your favourite flavour of crisps?

tunney

In keeping with the day that's in it:

Film that scared you the most?

littlemsfickle

Huff n Puff wrote: »

My brother is a junior doctor. Unless things change, it would be very very hard to keep triathlon training at a good level. Even if things change it would still be a very hard balance - cos as you know triathlon at the top level requires big training hours and plenty of recovery.

was he also involved in sport before he started working? And if so has he maintained any level of training?


Wouldn't exactly agree with that outlook, but can understand why you wold think that. Both the tactics and team aspect of bike racing are great though.

yeah I guess I had a different experience, I was racing solo and not as part of a team. I'm sure something like racing ras na mban would be a very different experience


Disagree on this point a bit too. I think TI should take a lot of credit for what they have done over the last few years. They are forcing young people to raise their standards and train harder. They can only fund so many people. The reality is that if a junior doesn't hit those qualifying times without TI help they are highly unlikely to ever develop into an international triathlete. Hit the times and you then get help to kick on to the next level.

I train with a young lad who has targeted that qualifying standard for nearly a year and a half (missed by 1 point last time). It has forced him to train a lot harder and to raise his game. He has great potential but that's not enough to get to the top level. It is up to you to show commitment and determination to reach that first rung of the ladder. TI will then assist you the rest of the way up the ladder. It's a tough but fair training policy for an organisation with limited funds. This might sound elitist but at the high performance level sport is elitist.

I take your point that high standards push people to improve but I think at that age a bit of encouragement and guidance is needed to. Like if you come to a talent ID day and don't make the times but clearly have talent, you could be put in touch with a coach or someone who can help you to develop your potential and try again. Obviously the athlete themselves needs to put the work in but I do think a bit more guidance could be provided. I think this would be more useful than the emphasis on getting women involved....there is nothing wrong with female participation as far as I can see

littlemsfickle

mloc123 wrote: »

are you really fickle?

I don't know - you'd have to ask the person who gave me a "little miss fickle" book as a kris kindle present whether they were being funny or commenting on a character flaw.

littlemsfickle

Oryx wrote: »

Only RQ can ask the crisps question.

What do you do to chill out?
Bucket list ambition (sport related)?
Bucket list ambition (non sport related)?
Your best characteristic?
Your worst characteristic?

*what do you do to chill out?
For the most part training helps to relieve stress, especially on days where I'm stuck at a desk studying. I work part time in a library on Saturdays which is pretty chilled and I kind of consider that a "day off". I also enjoy old school horror films, hanging out with my boyfriend, playing with my dog, reading, sports on TV....etc.

*bucket list ambition (sport related)
Run a marathon
Challenge Roth
Black t-shirt in the Norseman
Embrunman
Non-participation (centre court seats for a Wimbledon final, go to an Olympics)

*bucket list ambition (non-sport related)
Oh man SO many places I would love to visit - safari in Africa, where they filmed LOTR in New Zealand, drive across America (+learn to drive first:p)...
Sample as many different types of animal as possible (so glad I'm no longer a vegetarian:))

Fulfilled my desire to fly a plane for my 21st birthday

*best characteristic
Determination

*worst characteristic
Stubbornness

littlemsfickle

BTH wrote: »

You study medicine. Do you see yourself specialising in any particular area, or any particular side of medicine? And how determined are you to get into that area? I ask because I know a girl who was adamant she was going to be a surgeon. As of next summer she will be a GP, so a complete turnaround

I'm actually really interested in sports medicine - I did a placement in a sports clinic over the summer and enjoyed it a lot. Yeah, whenever my class is asked "so who wants to be a GP?", there is a very poor showing of hands but the reality is that's where at least half will end up:p it's one of the quickest routes training wise and once qualified the potential to set up and run your own practice is a pretty sweet carrot

You changed coaches last winter. You are (more than likely, through no fault of yours) changing again this winter. Are you looking for a new coach or contemplating going down the self coached route? What attributes do you look for in a coach?

I provisionally have a coach fit next year but not finalised yet. I thought about self-coaching but i know I wouldn't put the required time into proper planning and would just go out to smash myself every session. Being a poor student I look for someone who is good value for money;) also someone who appreciates my situation and us willing to work with me to design a programme to suit my lifestyle, knows when to push me to HTFU and when I need them to ease off, someone who I feel is interested and invested in my progress and who keeps in regular contact

You have an impressive bag of swim toys that I've seen in Trinity a few times. Whats you favourite must have piece?

I love swim toys - they keep me interested, serve a training purpose and can be a bit of fun. I don't think any piece of equipment bar a pool, clock, hat and goggles that are really necessary to improve your swimming (togs are optional;)). My favourite though is probably paddles - they make me feel so powerful in the water.

Cheese cake or Carrot Cake??

Carrot cake - I expect there to be some at your 3D info night?

...t

tunney

BTH wrote: »

You changed coaches last winter. You are (more than likely, through no fault of yours) changing again this winter.

Who coached you last year?
What did you change?
Who is coaching you this year?
What's happening at the end of the year?

Green&Red

This is all very serious, lets get onto the fussy stuff

Dogs or cats?
Whats the best (non-sporting) moment of your life (if thats not too personal)
Where do u see urself in 10 years?

Seen as I asked Kurt, what would ur patronus be?

"Meath is a kip" - discuss

peter kern

good points but i thought this it the get to know and not the argue with X thread...;-)
At the end its only the athlete that can make this decison (and form my point of view the athlete has already made that decison some while ago,as she wasnt willing to make those scarifeses ( rightly so i think). you are totally right you cant be a top triathlete if you also want to becomea good doctor ( henceforth Allister B stopped studying medicine)

edit there is always one... i am 99 % sure dr rainer muller is a sports DR and (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainer_M%C3%BCller-H%C3%B6rner) and was already a dr ( gp) while still doing very well in roth .

I had to check it up took a while but he was world class all the way through.but mind you he would have been A kadered for most of the time.
27.01.1967 Geboren in Fürth
1987–1994 Studium der Humanmedizin Friedrich–Alexander–Universität Erlangen–Nürnberg
1995 Promotion Sportmedizin, Universität Leipzig und Universität Ulm
1995–2001 Ausbildung zum Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin, Naturheilverfahren, Sportmedizin,

Huff n Puff wrote: »

My brother is a junior doctor. Unless things change, it would be very very hard to keep triathlon training at a good level. Even if things change it would still be a very hard balance - cos as you know triathlon at the top level requires big training hours and plenty of recovery.


Wouldn't exactly agree with that outlook, but can understand why you wold think that. Both the tactics and team aspect of bike racing are great though.


Disagree on this point a bit too. I think TI should take a lot of credit for what they have done over the last few years. They are forcing young people to raise their standards and train harder. They can only fund so many people. The reality is that if a junior doesn't hit those qualifying times without TI help they are highly unlikely to ever develop into an international triathlete. Hit the times and you then get help to kick on to the next level.

I train with a young lad who has targeted that qualifying standard for nearly a year and a half (missed by 1 point last time). It has forced him to train a lot harder and to raise his game. He has great potential but that's not enough to get to the top level. It is up to you to show commitment and determination to reach that first rung of the ladder. TI will then assist you the rest of the way up the ladder. It's a tough but fair training policy for an organisation with limited funds. This might sound elitist but at the high performance level sport is elitist.

shotgunmcos

Folks stay on topic please. If you want to debate high performance or elitist perspectives etc please open a thread. I won't say it again.

Let our quiet champion hoochie have her space to reply to her fans

MrCreosote

On the bike would you prefer a 20k grinding ascent or a screaming 20k white knuckle descent?
What's your appropriate punishment for drafters?

littlemsfickle

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Blue Sky, what would you change about triathlon in Ireland?
Do you have role models and what is it about them that inspires you?
Perfect breakfast on a lazy day?

*what would you change?
Reform the national series to attract more of the top class athletes we have in the country (how to do this could start its own thread but on short fewer races, smaller prizes for individual races with a bigger prize for the overall winner)

This goes beyond Ireland but stricter qualification criteria for European and world championships so that it would actually mean something to say you "represented your country". Something like one athlete per gender per age group. Then have some funding provided for this smaller group. I realise this would raise other issues - less money to fund ITU etc etc but you said blue sky right?

As mentioned more resources geared towards talent development to bridge the gap between inexperienced but with potential and elite level.

*role models
Chrissy Wellington - I respect how she has used her status within the sport to promote the causes she believes in. I also admire the honesty in her book regarding the more unpleasant aspects of pushing your body to the limits.

Mark pollock and pretty much any para-athlete who refuses to be held back by disability. At the same time mental health problems can be equally as crippling so the athletes who have spoken out about their depression would also be an inspiration to me.

A little closer to home, my friends and family are sick of hearing me sing the praises of a 75 year old guy in my cycling club who comes out on the long spins and races in the vets league. I really hope I have half his energy and positivity when I'm that age

*lazy breakfast
Depends on whether I fancy savoury or sweet
Sweet: freshly ground strong coffee and a warm buttery croissant
Savoury: poached duck eggs on homemade brown bread toasted and topped with grated cheese with a side of mushrooms and a mug of tea

Either to be finished with a fresh fruit salad and served with the Sunday papers.

littlemsfickle

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Last year, my first year doing tris and actually watching results etc you were always up there on the podium. Didn't see you there as much this year. Was this due to it being more competitive this year or where you not out there as much?
When you're qualified and don't have the same sort of time for tri, do you see yourself concentrating more on running as it's probably the least time consuming of the three disciplines?
At 26 you're still quite 'young' in tri terms, so if as predicted you have to pull away when you qualify, do you think you'll be able to go back properly a few years down the line as you progress in your career?
Why medicine?
What's your favourite flavour of crisps?

*Last year, my first year doing tris and actually watching results etc you were always up there on the podium. Didn't see you there as much this year. Was this due to it being more competitive this year or where you not out there as much?
*sigh, I wish I could just say "oh yeah, I just turned up to fewer races" but no that's not what happened. Before this year the lowest I had finished in a race was fourth but over the summer I found myself in new territory placing 7th, 8th, 9th. I think it's down to a combination of factors really...
a)The field was definitely a lot more competitive this year. Some who were near the top last year got a lot better over the winter and then others - e.g. Rachel Clancey, Caoimhe Ni Mhurchu, came onto the scene.
b)While everyone else improved...I didn't. Compared to last year my times weren't really any worse I just didn't seem to be getting any better either. My season was supposed to be centered around doing well in London but that didn't happen. I'm still trying to work out what went wrong for me so I can plan better for next year.

*When you're qualified and don't have the same sort of time for tri, do you see yourself concentrating more on running as it's probably the least time consuming of the three disciplines?
Ugh I hope not. I know that running is convenient but it's my least favourite of the 3. Honest answer: I just don't know.

At 26 you're still quite 'young' in tri terms, so if as predicted you have to pull away when you qualify, do you think you'll be able to go back properly a few years down the line as you progress in your career?
tbh I think that if I stopped racing I wouldn't go back to the same level. In saying that I also don't think I would be happy just finishing races I had once been winning. So probably I'd try for something different - e.g. cycle races only/adventure racing

*Why medicine?
I studied psychology before this and while I liked the clinical aspects I found the "grey areas" element didn't suit me. I like things to fit into boxes and psychology can't admit that mental health problems don't do that

*What's your favourite flavour of crisps?
Ah finally! I like those sensations thai sweet chilli crisps but would choose nuts over crisps. I'm nuts about nuts.

littlemsfickle

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Folks stay on topic please. If you want to debate high performance or elitist perspectives etc please open a thread. I won't say it again.

Let our quiet champion hoochie have her space to reply to her fans

Thanks. Your signed photo is in the post.

littlemsfickle

tunney wrote: »

In keeping with the day that's in it:

Film that scared you the most?

Darby O Gill and the little people. I watched it as a child and had nightmares about the banshee swooping down on me in my bed. To this day I don't use combs.

Kurt Godel

Love the fact you're begging everyone to ask you about crisps:D

If you could do any open-water swim anywhere on earth, what would it be?

RacoonQueen

What are your favourite nuts?

I like those chilli nuts and KP do cracking salt and vinegar peanut...not technically nuts but y'know...

littlemsfickle

MrCreosote wrote: »

On the bike would you prefer a 20k grinding ascent or a screaming 20k white knuckle descent?
What's your appropriate punishment for drafters?

*ascent/descent
No contest - I'd take climbing any day. I'm crap at descending.

*punishment for drafting
Death I think the two minute penalty is appropriate enough it's the lack of enforcement that I think is the issue.

littlemsfickle

Green&Red wrote: »

This is all very serious, lets get onto the fussy stuff

Dogs or cats?
Whats the best (non-sporting) moment of your life (if thats not too personal)
Where do u see urself in 10 years?

Seen as I asked Kurt, what would ur patronus be?

"Meath is a kip" - discuss

*Dogs/cats
Dogs definitely. People are hard enough without having to work for an animal's affection

*Best non-sporting moment
Probably the moment I was announced as a Trinity Scholar, I really wasn't expecting to get it.

*in 10 years...
Hopefully marrying the two areas I'm currently passionate about and working in sports medicine. Still with my boyfriend of 7 years. Healthy and well....
Oh and having a pool in my basement:)

*Patronus
Gandalf. Dementors SHALL NOT PASS.

*Meath is a kip
Meh. I wasn't born here, I'm just a blow in.