Barbie by day, IronWoman by night....just who is the "real" Oryx??

Dory Dory

I think it's time we delve into the mind of our resident tough gal, Oryx, to find out what makes her tick. Is she more glitz and glamour, or is she more mud and muck?? Inquiring minds want to know. So without further ado, let's get this week long party started!! Whoop whoop!!!

1. Barbie or IronWoman? Which better describes who you are, and why?

2. Barbie or IronWoman? Which better describes who you want to be, and why?

3. When and why did you get into structured training with goals? When did you first decide to target an IM? What did your mom think about you targeting an IM? And do your kids understand what you accomplished?

4. Why "Oryx"?

5. Who has been/is your biggest source of inspiration and/or influence regarding training/racing?

6. Rituals or superstitions prior to or during a race?

7. Approximately how many pairs of pumps do you own, and how many inches are the highest? Oh, and what color are those tall stilettos?

8. I know how much you love Christmas decorations, especially if they are put up super early. <cough, cough> So, is your tree up yet? Real or artificial? How many?

9. Favorite Disney character?

10. If you were getting ready to run a very important marathon, um, let's say DCM, but had to pee and the loo line was miserably slow <ugh!>, would you ever consider getting out of line and dropping trou right there on the street behind the loos? Could you, would you be so bold?

catweazle

1) How many bikes have you?

2) Did the Argon end up being a good buy?

3) You do a lot of UK races - for easy travel or have you family there

4) How many kids have you?

5) Have you thought about joining a cycling club

6) Did you enter the Norseman lottery this year

7) IM UK this year isnt it - will an IM become a regular thing or will you take a break after this one

mossym

Biggest advantage to being a woman in tri in ireland? Biggest disadvantage(changing in transition not an acceptable answer after this years rulings by judges)

What sort of effect do you think it has on your kids seeing you this committed to exercise and being healthy? (missed Dorys reference to the kids above so you've already answered this)

Will you train Christmas Morning? If so what?

Biggest change to training for next year?

Oryx

1. Barbie or IronWoman? Which better describes who you are, and why?

I dont like titles, but of those, I'd have to pick Ironwoman. I'm so not a barbie. I don't know where you got that idea. My idea of glamour is wearing clean training shoes.

2. Barbie or IronWoman? Which better describes who you want to be, and why?

Again, Iron(wo)man I suppose. Once upon a time I wore heels and stuff, but now my wardrobe is filled with sportswear and I still spend all my money on shiny things, but they go on my bike.

3. When and why did you get into structured training with goals? When did you first decide to target an IM? What did your mom think about you targeting an IM? And do your kids understand what you accomplished?

Next year will be my 5th year of tri, but I only really got my head around training properly last year, for IM. Before that I was doing it, but with no real plan, but you cant kid around with long distance, youve got to put in the training.
Doing the IM was a snap decision, made when I was at the funeral of a a girl who died of motor neurone disease at 32. I realised that life is short and you need to take the opportunities you can.
My mom worries, like all mothers do. But I think she is proud too, though I know she wishes I would stop and take it easier on myself.
All my kids know is mam goes off and does stuff and comes back tired. They go 'great, you did an ironman, whats for tea?'

4. Why "Oryx"?

She is a character from the Margaret Atwood book Oryx and Crake. The main protagonist falls in love with her from the moment he first sees her in a porn film. She ends up with his best friend, though.

5. Who has been/is your biggest source of inspiration and/or influence regarding training/racing?

I tend to be influenced by lots of people, rather than one. I gravitate towards those who are driven and tough. People like your good self, the boys and gals here, my clubmate Marie, and one or two others Ive had the good luck to happen on in life. Not big names, real people.

6. Rituals or superstitions prior to or during a race?

Nothing nailed down that I have to do, no. I'm funny about what socks I wear, and I like time to myself before a race when setting up so I can check everything fifteen times or so! But no rabbits feet or turning clockwise three times or anything.

7. Approximately how many pairs of pumps do you own, and how many inches are the highest? Oh, and what color are those tall stilettos?

Very few. Five or six? I have more training shoes than heels these days. The highest are four inch heels, they are a strange steely metallic colour, and I look good standing still, but when I walk in them, I totter.

8. I know how much you love Christmas decorations, especially if they are put up super early. <cough, cough> So, is your tree up yet? Real or artificial? How many?

I was away last weekend, and the tree was put up in my absence. Just the one, its artificial, we inherited it from my mother in law, its forty years old and HUGE. My house is full of giant twinkling stars, feathery wreaths, and tinsel right now. I had nothing to do with any of it. Bah humbug.

9. Favorite Disney character?

Dumbo. He can fly. :P

10. If you were getting ready to run a very important marathon, um, let's say DCM, but had to pee and the loo line was miserably slow <ugh!>, would you ever consider getting out of line and dropping trou right there on the street behind the loos? Could you, would you be so bold?

The end justifies the means. And its easy when you have a brazen partner in crime. Once noone gets arrested, its all good.

Oryx

1) How many bikes have you?

2, my storck roadie and my argon tt. 3 if you count a steel hybrid that I take out when riding with my kids.

2) Did the Argon end up being a good buy?

In terms of using it, well, no. Cycling has not come easy to me, but the argon is there, and I will race on it, and when I do, I will know I'm finally okay at this stuff.

3) You do a lot of UK races - for easy travel or have you family there

I have friends I've met over the years, but tbh, I like to travel. Its an escape. Plus there are some great races there.

4) How many kids have you?

Two. A boy of 11 and a girl of 8.

5) Have you thought about joining a cycling club

I should, but the local club go out too late for me to do their rides, so I never bothered. I'm making a point of getting out for group rides this year though, more for skills improvement than anything else. I also avoid tt's, so thats another issue I need to get over.

6) Did you enter the Norseman lottery this year

No. I'm not ready. If I get in, I want to be ready to race it properly, not just hope I get around. So I will be working on my hilly cycling for a while longer yet.

7) IM UK this year isnt it - will an IM become a regular thing or will you take a break after this one

I love long distance races, not just IM. If I dont continue with long distance tri, I will probably have a look at doing some ultra runs or swims. I'll see how Bolton goes and then decide whats next.

Oryx

mossym wrote: »

Biggest advantage to being a woman in tri in ireland?

A relatively small pool of competitors. I have never seen my gender as an issue in tri at all, I just compete with others, I am kind of gender blind.

Biggest disadvantage(changing in transition not an acceptable answer after this years rulings by judges)

The relatively small pool of competitors! Apart from the top few girls, I don't know how seriously women are taken in the sport, or take the sport themselves. So many women I know who train for tri, never consider getting competitive at all. That is a pity.

What sort of effect do you think it has on your kids seeing you this committed to exercise and being healthy? (missed Dorys reference to the kids above so you've already answered this)

While my kids see what I do as normal, it is nice that they see it that way, and it does influence them. They both swim, and my son is in athletics, and I think if they didnt see me do it, they wouldnt want to themselves.

Will you train Christmas Morning? If so what?

Yes, I'll get out for a run before I start cooking Christmas lunch.

Biggest change to training for next year?

The biggest change will be the mental attitude I bring. Less faffing around, more focused training, with hard targets. For too long I coasted along happy to just get around. Now I want to hit times, and for that, you got to get your head ready to suffer.

pgibbo

What do you work at?
Do you have running battles/bartering with your husband regarding training hours?
How do you balance family life and IM training?
What's your most treasured piece of kit?
Favourite meal?

RayCun

Did you jump straight into triathlon, or did you run/swim/cycle before?
Why tri?

Oryx

pgibbo wrote: »

What do you work at?

I am qualified as a retail jeweller, but somehow have ended up selling motorbikes.

Do you have running battles/bartering with your husband regarding training hours?

We have had a few. The training is okay because I get up and do a lot of it very early, or at times that don't interfere with him. But evening club stuff causes strife, as does the amount of travel I do. (He doesnt come)

How do you balance family life and IM training?

Its hard. While I try to imagine it doesn't have a big impact, my kids do sometimes say 'please stay home tonight'. So as mentioned, early mornings and turbo sessions help, but its not easy. Corners do get cut, and I have to make sure my kids see enough of me.

What's your most treasured piece of kit?

Funnily enough the accursed argon that I never ride. I love it which is one of the reasons I wont sell it.

Favourite meal?

I went gluten free three years ago, and a while back I had my first (gluten free) dominoes pizza. It was an almost orgasmic experience. Though if I had to choose a death row meal, it would be, funnily enough, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Oryx

RayCun wrote: »

Did you jump straight into triathlon, or did you run/swim/cycle before?

I started running in August 2008. After DCM 2009, I knew I had to change things up a bit. I was doing obstacle runs and road races, but they would get boring over time and I was already getting niggly injuries. I couldnt swim, and I (really) couldnt ride a bike, but I thought what the heck. I ordered a cheap bike online and so it began.

Why tri?

It involved two disciplines I couldn't do, and I like a challenge I suppose. A few years prior to me starting running, we had friends to visit, who were into tri, and they were so fit, and healthy, and happy, I suppose that may have planted the initial seed.

pgibbo

Do you ride motorbikes too? I'm guessing not if you have bike handling skills.
Do you have a nemesis?

Oryx

pgibbo wrote: »

Do you ride motorbikes too?

I rode a bike for a while, years ago, but most of what I've done would have been messing around offroad. When I went to get back into road riding I got pregnant instead, and I haven't felt drawn to it since. I still like to get out and rip up the mud in a quad though. One of the benefits of being in the trade, is you get to play with the toys.

Do you have a nemesis?

I did, but I've beaten her now, so I need a new one. I think everyone should have a nemesis or two, to keep the competitive fire burning. Actually, one of the club guys who shall remain nameless has a bit of a target on his back for next year.

Kurt Godel

Howdy Oryx:

How far can you swim underwater on one breath?

Will you take your kids to any Kidathlons this summer? Would you like them get into Tri?

Give us all a critique of your favourite pre-20th century painting?

Are there any adult-sized paint brushes in your household, (expand on any yes/no answer pretty please)?

Would you consider inclusion in any potential "hot chicks caked in mud" photobook?

Whats the most annoying thing about being sober in a pub while listening to some drunky talk shyte?

Oryx

Howdy do yourself, KG.

How far can you swim underwater on one breath?

Ive only tried once, I got one length, 25m.

Will you take your kids to any Kidathlons this summer? Would you like them get into Tri?

I would like to, though I don't know if they want to yet. The eldest is quite introverted, and the wee girl is far too dizzy to concentrate on a race, she would get distracted and talk to everyone I think.

Give us all a critique of your favourite pre-20th century painting?

Ah! Tough question! I have eclectic taste and find it hard to choose a favourite. My all time favourite doesnt fit, as it is too young; Klimt's The Kiss. It is just the epitome of the spell of romance, from its gilded finish, to the swoon of the female lover. I used to be quite fond of the Bar at the Folies Bergere because it is a picture puzzle. Simple to look at but actually full of contradictions. But at this stage in my life, I am inspired by the likes of Turner. His paintings are powerful, and of the many I like, I would choose Snow Storm - Steam boat off a Harbours Mouth. You get totally lost in the storm yourself in this painting, the swirl of muted colours draw you in to the almost obscured steamboat that you fear is doomed.

Are there any adult-sized paint brushes in your household, (expand on any yes/no answer pretty please)?

No. I dropped out of art college a very long time ago, because of frustration at my hands being unable to recreate what my mind could see. I never painted again.

Would you consider inclusion in any potential "hot chicks caked in mud" photobook?

At my age I'll consider inclusion in anything described as hot.

Whats the most annoying thing about being sober in a pub while listening to some drunky talk shyte?

Spittle.

Kurt Godel

Great painting choice- Turner is the bridge between realism and abstraction. The paintwork in the storm is amazing; you'd stand in front of it for hours.

Oryx wrote: »

No. I dropped out of art college a very long time ago, because of frustration at my hands being unable to recreate what my mind could see. I never painted again.

Practice! That, and the fact that its an old mans game (I discount the current pop/fashion/media art). Thats what keeps me going anyway- I still want to be an artist when I grow up. No reason you can't take it up again (there are 26 hours in a day, right?)

Oryx

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Great painting choice- Turner is the bridge between realism and abstraction. The paintwork in the storm is amazing; you'd stand in front of it for hours.



Practice! That, and the fact that its an old mans game (I discount the current pop/fashion/media art). Thats what keeps me going anyway- I still want to be an artist when I grow up. No reason you can't take it up again (there are 26 hours in a day, right?)

When I'm old and my knees give up, maybe. But back then my tutors wanted one thing and I wanted another, and I honestly just gave up. I tried Dun Laoghaire for photography the following year and didn't get in, that was that. But by that time I was working for a really good guy in a jeweller's and he encouraged me to get a qualification in that.

RacoonQueen

What are your swim PBs? 100m, 200m, 400m, 750m, 1500m, 1900m
What are your run PB's?
Which frustrates you more, swimming or cycling?
Any plans to run further than marathon distance?
Fave swim session?
Fave run session?
You have two hours and really need to get a quality session done, do you run, turbo or head to the pool for a swim or sit on the couch?
What's your favourite flavour of crisps?
Have you ever participated in any other sport?
Do you watch any sports?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you want to be now, when you grow up :P (a.k.a dream job?)

interested

Hey Oryx
Have your kids had the pleasure of seeing you compete / complete ?


p.s make it happen if it hasn't

Oryx

RacoonQueen wrote: »

What are your swim PBs?

100m, 1:38
200m ?,
400m, 7:59
750m, 15:??
1500m, 31:??
1900m 41:?? (IMUK 70.3)

What are your run PB's?

10k 44:??
10mile 1:17:?? from 2009
Half mara 1:38:??
Marathon 3:32:??

Which frustrates you more, swimming or cycling?

Cycling. Though both frustrate. The training input vs result output is soul destroying.

Any plans to run further than marathon distance?

Yup, though nothing definite as yet. A 50m ultra is on the list for some point in the future.

Fave swim session?

As a regular thing I like pyramid sets, but my favourite one off swim was an open water swim in majorca where we were practicing mass starts and it turned into a bit of a brawl.

Fave run session?

I love and hate speed sessions in equal measure. Horrible while you're doing them but you'e elated when they're done. Fave one off was the crazy Boards Mountain Lake Swim Run from last year.

You have two hours and really need to get a quality session done, do you run, turbo or head to the pool for a swim or sit on the couch?

I turbo, doing the custom made wimbleball hill set. Its two hours of purgatory and I love it.

What's your favourite flavour of crisps?

Hunky dory Sour cream and onion. Thank you for reminding me and waking the craving monster in my tummy cos I'M OFF CRISPS RIGHT NOW.

Have you ever participated in any other sport?

Nope. I hated sports of all kinds, equally. I ran away from the ball in team sports, and had been known to fake an asthma attack or two to get out of hockey in school.

Do you watch any sports?

Triathlon, Cycling, Red bull diving championship, anything in the Olympics. Soccer or Gaelic leave me cold, I think because as kids we always had to be quiet while 'the match' was on.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to work in a shop just like my daddy when I was a kid. Funny how things turn out. If I could get hold of the useless teenage me I would shake her and tell her to cop on and get an actual career.

What do you want to be now, when you grow up :P (a.k.a dream job?)

I ask myself that every day. I would like to write for a sports magazine. (Hows that for random?)

littlemsfickle

Hi Oryx.

I see that you do a good bit of strength work as well - do you prefer a kettlebell workout to tri training?

Did you go gluten free as a lifestyle choice or do you have an intolerance? What benefits do you notice from having made the change? Would you recommend it?

Do you have a long-term goal in triathlon?

Savoury or sweet?

Oryx

interested wrote: »

Hey Oryx
Have your kids had the pleasure of seeing you compete / complete ?


p.s make it happen if it hasn't

They came to see me race in Bunclody a while ago, and they saw me come second in a 10k at the seaside a few months ago. (Woo!) When they were small, I ran past my mums house during a half marathon. My youngest ended up in floods of tears because mummy was running away. I tended to race without them after that.

You try to enthuse them, but they are kids. Its like 'yup there you are, running. Can I go back to the pinball machine now?' Though my son does like to tell his friends what I do. I think hes a bit proud of his daft mum.

Oryx

How do LMF.

I see that you do a good bit of strength work as well - do you prefer a kettlebell workout to tri training?

I love strength work. If I didnt do tri, I would do weights. But pure strength work has such different requirements, I cant do too much of it. That said, I need to do more tri specific strength and flexibility work, its an area I'm lacking in at the moment. I'm getting more interested in tri specificity in terms of flexibility, form, power and strength, its a massive part of any improvement, and neglected by a lot of AGers. I would still choose a tri workout over kbs, though, as I feel its more valuable to me.

Did you go gluten free as a lifestyle choice or do you have an intolerance?

I had digestive issues. My mum is severely intolerant and I seem to be following her.

What benefits do you notice from having made the change?

For me, less pain and digestive disturbance. Though I'm still not right and am currently working with a nutritionist to get it sorted.

Would you recommend it?

No, but only because food exclusion is a dangerous thing. If you are healthy, why exclude a food group for no reason? That said, too many people don't think enough about what they eat, and I would encourage more intelligent choices. If giving up wheat makes people focus more on what they are eating, that is a good thing.

Do you have a long-term goal in triathlon?

To come first in my ag in an IM event before I get to the point where I have no-one else left in my ag.

Savoury or sweet?

Savoury unless youre talking chocolate. Me and chocolate have an abusive relationship. I love it, but it hurts me.

elvis jones

Oasis or Blur ?

RacoonQueen

How strict are you with gluten? Will you have a sneaky burger?

I know I'm not 100% right and still have it in bits (sausages, maybe if I'm eating out etc beer )

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

You get a qualifying slot in IMUK, what do you do?

Have you secretly already checked the times in your AG in IMUK for the last 2 years, be honest now:)

Oryx

elvis jones wrote: »

Oasis or Blur ?

Duh? Blur, of course. Damon Albarn has talent to his toenails, and he is on my secret list, too.

Oryx

RacoonQueen wrote: »

How strict are you with gluten? Will you have a sneaky burger?

Its gluten and wheat. I don't check the ingredients in things like burger meat and sausages, and I should. But some things are worse than others. I would never eat anything in breadcrumb or batter, and I dont drink beer so thats something.

Oryx

Melina Nutritious Mischief wrote: »

You get a qualifying slot in IMUK, what do you do?

Probably cry because I wont have the cash to take the slot.

Have you secretly already checked the times in your AG in IMUK for the last 2 years, be honest now:)

Of course I have, and not secretly either. My bust my ass, best day ever goal time, would have got me 4th last year, and 2nd the year before. :cool:

Dory Dory

Oryx wrote: »

Probably cry because I wont have the cash to take the slot.

If you get in, we'll have as many car washes and bake sales as it takes to raise that money and send you on your way!!!

Oryx

Dory Dory wrote: »

If you get in, we'll have as many car washes and bake sales as it takes to raise that money and send you on your way!!!

I doubt you'll need to do any baking. a) I think I'm seriously underestimating that bike course and b) you have to come up with around £500 on the spot or your slot rolls down. :P

RacoonQueen

Oryx wrote: »

I doubt you'll need to do any baking. a) I think I'm seriously underestimating that bike course and b) you have to come up with around £500 on the spot or your slot rolls down. :P

start baking!