Random AG Rob Whitehead
Aussie age grouper Rob Whitehead has lived and raced in North America for quite some time, but recently moved back to Australia for a new job and a new beginning of sorts.
ST: Rob, are you well?
Rob: Very Herbert. Have taken a good break from structured training and feel very refreshed.
ST: The weather in Australia is certainly more becoming than in North America right now we would suspect.
Rob: I am in Perth Western Australia and this is the sunniest city in Australia. I think it has rained 1 day since I got here in the start of December. Can get hot like Arizona, very dry.
ST: You lived quite a while in the US, what had brought you here originally from Australia?
Rob: I was backpacking in the 90s and met a young lady who I married. I spent 8 years in St Louis mainly. I decided to try my hand at coaching and personal training – which worked out well.
ST: 20 years of triathlon is quite a long time. Does it feel long to you?
Rob: Yes. I have been in the sport this long because I take breaks to refresh. This has kept my body injury free for the course. Like now, I will always be doing triathlon but currently just enjoying the SUP on the Swan and Canning rivers, a little weights, running and when my new 29er gets here I will hit the trails, all with random lack of structure. I always treated racing and training as a way to explore the world and try to see new places, even if it was just a new trail.
ST: What would you consider the biggest changes from when you first started?
Rob: The bikes and gear. I had an old diving wetsuit and a $100 Cannondale for my first race. The over complication of how people train and the revolution of GPS, power and how I coach athletes using Training Peaks. I hate to say it but there are a lot of things we don’t need. I am old school, just lots of very hard work.
ST: When you coach folks now with power and GPS etc, do you think you are not completely true to yourself?
Rob: I like that I can watch every move my clients make. It’s about accountability.
Macca did a great article a few months ago about training by feel. I have my clients run or bike with a GPS/power meter and tape over the data screen then do what they think is 30 minutes out then back at a certain HR, pace and power.
ST: 2012 though will be a year of work and not much play. Is that correct?
Rob: Yes and no, trying to find a balance is always important for me. I am backing off my sport because I wanted to come home, get back into the mining industry and spend more time dating and meeting the girl of my dreams. Haha. I will still be coaching about 10 athletes as well. So that keeps me up to speed on the sport.
ST: We assume that means you are no longer married to the woman you met on your backpacking trip.
Rob: Yes am very single now so look out Perth. haha
ST: So is this move back to Australia also a new beginning of sorts?
Rob: Yes, it is.
ST: What exactly are you doing for Caterpillar?
Rob: I work on 850 ton dump trucks commissioning the new ones for the mines. It is a great job and very physical. I have got back into the gym to get some strength back.
ST: So you actually have to lift heavy parts? And wouldn't the strength come back on the job?
Rob: Sort of. Just want to develop those guns Herbert.
ST: Looking back at 2011, are you happy how that season went?
Rob: Very, the only disappointment was no Kona slot. I did a time in Louisville that would have got me a slot every other year but the fast boys all showed this year.
I won my AG 4 times and was very pleased with that. Did my second fastest Ironman marathon ever after 20 years racing. (Did my fastest in 2009 at age 43!)
ST: You competed in a new age group last year. Was that helpful or are the 45-49 year olds just as fast?
Rob: Just as fast. I am still racing fast but so are some of the old Pros etc.
ST: What are your thoughts on Pros returning to race age group?
Rob: Love it, especially if you can get close to them. Gives me some incentive to keep improving. Maybe they could have a Veteran Pro group for 40-50 AG?
ST: That is what we need, even more sun divisions. ☺ Any race in 2011 you are especially proud of?
Rob: I would have to say Ironman Louisville. I did a great time and even had energy for my “Greg Welch” leap across the line. I was very excited at the finish as I won a duel with a guy who we ran together for 20k or so and I thought that may have got my slot but no. I really trained the best I ever have for that race. I had great focus, support and motivation.
ST: Do you think you'll be able to stay away from racing and training this year?
Rob: No. haha…….
ST: It actually should be quite interesting to compete against completely different folks and be the unknown quantity.
Rob: Yes the stealth factor. There are a lot of members in Triathlon WA especially with Ironman WA here. Some fast times in 45-49AG.
ST: What about coaching and personal training?
Rob: No personal training, I am just too busy. Coaching yes, I do this via Training Peaks remotely.
ST: Are you a healthy eater?
Rob: Sort of, I do like a meat pie or 2. I told my mate Jay Orr in St Louis that I missed meat pies when living in the states and he started calling me “meat pie.”
Too funny.
ST: So how many meat pies have you had since returning to Australia?
Rob: 1 per week is my limit.
ST: Anything else we should know?
Rob: I love Aussie rules footy and am excited to see my first game here in 8 years. Go the Crows!!
