Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property CT_Text_Block::$css_states is deprecated in /home/u785419026/domains/baysidetriclub.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/oxygen/component-framework/components/component.class.php on line 2407

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property CT_Text_Block::$states is deprecated in /home/u785419026/domains/baysidetriclub.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/oxygen/component-framework/components/component.class.php on line 2408

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property CT_New_Columns::$css_states is deprecated in /home/u785419026/domains/baysidetriclub.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/oxygen/component-framework/components/component.class.php on line 2407

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property CT_New_Columns::$states is deprecated in /home/u785419026/domains/baysidetriclub.com/public_html/wp-content/plugins/oxygen/component-framework/components/component.class.php on line 2408

Hey Barry – thanks for being a member of Bayside Tri Club 😊 Let’s go back in time first – where did you grow up?

In Whitley Bay, an old seaside resort on the North-East coast of the UK.

Oh, lol – I’ve always thought you were Welsh!

What sports did you do growing up? In England.

Funnily enough everything except running, cycling and swimming.

Why did you emigrate to Australia?

About 20 years ago all my Aus/NZ mates in London had finished their 2-3 year’s overseas experience and were heading home so I thought why not (or else be left with no friends). Also, the weather in the UK is atrocious.

It is! And now you’re here, what do you particularly like about our club?

It’s very welcoming and inclusive. I’ve made loads of friends over my 8 years in the club – and I’m constantly inspired by others better/faster/stronger than me.

Who’s faster than you?

There are a few people in my age group who are 10 minutes faster than me. You know who you are. Gator. Clint. Mikey. Damn you all.

Ha ha. Which distances have you raced?

All of them! Lots of Sprints & Olympics. 18 half IMs and 3 full IMs (+ 2 Port Mac IMs I trained for ‘til the bitter end and then they got cancelled at the last minute due to covid or floods).

That is A LOT of triathlons! Which sporting achievements are you most proud of?

My first half ironman in 2015 at Ballarat. I was a heavy smoker and when I signed up I couldn’t swim a lap of the pool. I smoked 6 cigarettes before we started, I was so nervous. I came pretty much last and it was the best day ever. I stopped smoking 2 weeks after that and signed up for my next half – and I’ve been smoke free ever since.

Great job 😊 May I ask your pbs?

2h 13m for an Olympic, 4h 28m for a half, 10h 43m for a full. And 1h 26m for a half marathon. But most proud of finally getting a 3hr 30m marathon run leg at Busso a couple of weeks ago.

Speedy and impressive! Well done on finally getting that sub 3:30 mara.

What are your future race aspirations?

It’s changed. I was fixated on PBs and places for a while. I was very proud to get ranked 6th in my age group in Australia for Ironman (for about 3 weeks(!) 3 years ago) but then age and life and reality kicked in. Honestly now it’s to have a great day with new friends and old and if you can finish strong with a good run off the bike it’s a great way to finish. Most people can’t run for a bus so finishing any distance tri is up there. My 70+ year old self will thank me for this in due course.

Hmm, unless you have no knees and hips left, then your 70+ year old self might rather you’d taken it easy and watched more Netflix!

Where are your favourite places to do a triathlon?

A destination race is always good. IM Switzerland 70.3 was brutal but amazing. Every time I breathed in the swim, I saw snow-capped mountains, and, on the ride, I rode past cows that had actual cow bells. Quite surreal.

Idyllic! Shame to ruin it with a triathlon. What was your toughest race and why?

My first full at Taupo in New Zealand. I got a bit carried away and drank too much but didn’t want to stop to pee and gave myself temporary cystitis. I ended up peeing blood with 10km to go and ended up in the medical tent twice afterwards. (Still finished and it remains my PB 😊)

Goodness me! The lengths we go to, to get a PB – lol.

What’s your spirit animal and why?

The way I swim obviously a beached whale, bro.

Which age group are you in for triathlon?

The wrong side of 50 but the right side of 55.

What would you sing at a karaoke night?

I would not be seen dead at a karaoke night.

Ha ha. Who would play you in a movie?

Ryan Phillipe. When I was younger I was told, often, I looked like him.

Hmm, we’ll have to see some younger pics of you to verify that. What work do you do?

I’m an IT program director. They all think I’m mad. “You ran 38km before work????”

Lol. Who’s your greatest supporter?

Post separation…me! Triathlon has showed me an inner mental strength I didn’t know I had.

Have you had a tri-related accident?

Nearly. Just did the Busso full and it was 40+ km winds and sideways rain on the bike for a bit. It was so hard I lost concentration and rode into a ditch. It was in the middle of nowhere but randomly there was a group of spectators right there. It was really embarrassing.

Doh! How else have you stuffed up in a race?

I dragged my partner at the time all the way to IM Switzerland only to get my nutrition and hydration all wrong on a 35C day and I was reduced to walking on the run after only a few km. I learnt that day it was possible to have a great day but a crap race (racing in Switzerland was amaaaazing) – and now I focus on having great days.

Who’s in your family?

Two dogs who really don’t understand my need for a nap after a big 7-hour Saturday training session. Only that they need to be walked. Then and there. Or else.

Ha ha. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

A half or a full is a long way. Something will go wrong every time. You can’t prevent it – it’s all about how you handle it and staying calm.

What’s your hidden talent?

DJing! I’ve DJ’d for 30 years – and was a right raver in London playing out hard house and trance. I’m a vinyl junkie and collect records. It’s my way to switch off and I’ve noticed playing hard techno sends my dogs to sleep…

Ah, well you need to turn on the hard techno when you get home from your 7-hour Saturday sessions, and have a snooze along with the doggies!

What else should we know about you?

I am somewhat obsessed with head-to-toe colour co-ordinated race outfits and have at least 10 pairs of runners on the go at any time. I am that wanker.

Ha ha, but a very nice wanker at that. Best of luck with your next tri adventure, and maybe we can hire you to DJ our next end of season party! No karaoke though.

December 20, 2024

Member Spotlight – Barry Williams