A conversation with Stuart Hayes
Stuart Hayes grabbed the runner-up spot at the 2010 ITU Mooloolaba Triathlon and is currently focused on gaining a spot on the British team for the 2012 Olympic Games. He was kind enough to have a few words with us.
Slowtwitch: You had a couple busy weekends, what is up next?
Stu: I am off too Clermont to do a little bit of training for the St Anthony's triathlon. This winter I have been training for ITU style racing, so I might struggle on the bike leg but I feel the non drafting racing make you stronger for the ITU races. After St Anthony's it is back to the UK for a couple of weeks and then back to the US for Hy-Vee triathlon. I always stay with TJ Tollakson before this race. His family really looks after me, and after the race he takes me on some great bike rides through the Iowa corn fields.
ST: Nice podium finish in Mooloolaba.
Stu: I was a little shocked myself. It usually takes a couple of races for me to get some form so first race and a podium is a good sign for the rest of the season
ST: Was a week enough time between Mooloolaba and Sydney?
Stu: I thought it was, but I felt a little tired on the run. I was not the only one. Most athletes that raced well in Moololaba struggled in Sydney. Moololaba is a very hard course, I think it is between a half and Olympic distance race so that would be the reason for feeling a little tired in Sydney.
ST: How did you feel in Sydney?
Stu: I felt great on the swim and bike. I was at the front during most of the bike, which kept me out of trouble. I just struggle after 5k of the run. It was a great race and I will be back next year but may give Mooloolaba a miss.
ST: How tough is that course?
Stu: The swim was normal, the bike was fast and technical and the run was as tough as it gets, with a large hill to run up on every lap of 4.
ST: Were you amazed by the speed of Docherty on the run?
Stu: No he's a great athlete and on his day can out run any one.
ST: What else is on your schedule this season?
Stu: I am going to concentrate on draft legal racing all season and do a couple of non-drafting races like St. Anthony’s and Dallas. I love non-drafting, but with the Olympic games being in my hometown I am going to give 100% too draft legal racing for the next couple of years.
ST: Does the British Federation pretty much dictate your schedule until London 2012?
Stu: No they don't. I am not a funded athlete so I can do anything I want.
ST: There are a bunch of very good British athletes racing, but who will be your toughest competition for an Olympic spot?
Stu: We have a number of good British athletes that could go to the games for GB. It all depends on the year of the Games and who is in shape. I have seen some of the best athletes in the World miss out on selection for their country. At the moment Alistair Brownlee is our best hope for a medal but things change every year and no one is a guarantee, especially in triathlon.
ST: Talk to us about your athletic background.
Stu: I have the same background as most triathletes. Cross Country running and swimming during my youth. Got bored of counting the tiles in the pool and running in the mud so had a go at triathlon and fell in love.
ST: When did you get engage to Michelle Dillon?
Stu: We got engaged on Christmas Day 2009.
ST: So when is the big day?
Stu: We haven't decided on a date yet but it is coming soon. Hopefully this year if we can find the time in our busy schedule.
ST: How about a wedding location?
Stu: Australia will probably be our wedding location. When we get married it is likely to be in the winter, as we always go to OZ so that's were it will happen. It also gives my family a good excuse to escape the cold of Britain.
ST: Tell us about Team Dillon.
Stu: Team Dillon is an online coaching business, which Michelle founded and began working on when she retired from triathlon 1.5 years ago. Michelle has a few ex-athletes and top coaches working with her and coaches up to 45 athletes between them. Team Dillon has been successful in a short space of time because Michelle is very passionate about her coaching and in creating what she is trying to achieve for her Team. She is proud of Team Dillon see teamdilloncoaching.com for more information.
ST: Our readers would love to know more about your training. Stu: Last winter I tried to race 70.3, non-drafting Olympic and ITU. So I was trying to do lots of speed work and plenty of miles, which I found out for me didn’t work, I just ended up extra tried and run down. So this winter it has been a lot less bike mileage, more running speed and bigger swim sets. I will also be doing some crit style racing on the bike to help my bunch skills and short-term power, but no bike racing over 90 minutes. These days you have to specialize in one area. If you try to race all distances you end average at all.
ST: Do you think you will face some scrutiny if you show up as a triathlete trying to race crits?
Stu: No. Most cyclists in the UK like triathletes thanks to Alistair. If I turned up on my TT bike to a criterium, then I would have a problem. Using my road bike I will fit in with every one else.
ST: What is going on for you in terms of sponsorships?
Stu: Wiggle is my main sponsor. Wiggle is an online bike store based in the UK. They supply all my triathlon equipment. Also Team Dillon is a big part of my business too so I want to go out there and help Michelle promote it. Patrick Hardy from the Hyatt Hotel at Sanctory Cove helps me with my travel and hotels on my journeys. My supporters for equipment are: Asics, Oakley, & Sailifsh wetsuits.
ST: Do you care about other sports?
Stu: Pro cycling is a favorite of mine. I love the Tour De France and the one-day bike Classics.
ST: Can you share with us some of your food likes and dislikes?
Stu: I like a lot of bad foods like Burger and Chips, Currys and Chinese. During the race season I try to eat healthy so my favorite salad is a well-made Caesar.
ST: What music do you like?
Stu: I Love Dance Music epically when I am training. I also like motivational music like Eye of the Tiger and some of the Rocky songs. I think every athlete at some point would have had these types of songs on there play list, especially when there getting ready to race.
ST: What was the last book you read?
Stu: Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins
ST: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Stu: Maybe doing 70.3 racing or working full time with Michelle on Team Dillon coaching.
ST: Is there anything else we should know about you?
Stu: I enjoy the dance floor and a Pina Colada when the season is over.
ST: Well since it is your birthday today, we hope you'll be able to enjoy a Pina Colada today. Happy Birthday Stu.
