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Sportsister catches up with triathlete Non Stanford

July 14, 2024
non-stanford

Getting advice from athletes at the top of their game can be so beneficial to us mortals. With a season of triathlons to take part in over the coming months, who better to give us some top tips about that tricky cycle/run transitional phase than current U23 World Triathlon Champion Non Stanford.

Sportsister’s Lizzie chatted to her at the ticket launch of the World Triathlon Series Grand Final to find out a little more about her love for the sport, her doubts at continuing and of course get the low down on the most efficient ‘brick’ sessions around.

non-stanford

When did you take up triathlon?

I got into triathlon when I was 19, about five years ago now. I was at the University of Birmingham primarily of course to study, but I’d chosen there specifically because the running was really good - they have a really good athletics set up.

I initially went as a runner, but got into triathlon in my second year. I got quite injured a lot with running, so I decided to mix it up and did a bit of cross-training and swimming. From that, I decided to join the triathlon squad and basically got sucked into the dark side! Since then, I haven’t looked back.

What do you love about the sport?

Its diverse. You’re doing three events, so it keeps you interested all the time and it’s really challenging, that’s what excites me, the opportunity for a new challenge.

There are technical elements and also a lot of endurance elements to it too, and it’s incredibly challenging tactically as well. There are so many parts to a triathlon, it really isn’t just simply swim, bike, run.

The transition from bike to run is notoriously challenging, how did you find it to begin with?

It takes a bit of practice, and that’s all I can say, if you’re struggling with it, practice practice practice. It does come second nature to me now, I know exactly what I’m doing without thinking about it too much, but it has taken a lot of work.

What specific training would you advise someone who is struggling with the transition phase?

If you’re really struggling when you first start running I think its important just to focus on keeping your cadence really high (the rate at which you pedal). But if you also do some sort of bike-to-run within your training it will really help and make your life a lot easier when it comes to race day.

All the brick sessions that I do are a bike then a run, so I wouldn’t get back on the bike after that. But I do know people who do ‘bike, run, bike, run’. But from my point of view, just go for a long ride, get off and then do maybe a 15/20 minute run as your training session.

What’s your training schedule like at the moment?

In two weeks time we’re off to Hamburg for the World Sprint and World Mixed Relay Championships, which is exciting. Hamburg is a fantastic venue so I’d love to do well there.

Then we head off for 5 weeks of training at altitude, with the Series Grand Final being the main focus whilst we’re out there.

We’ll do Stokholm just before, which is another race in the World Series, but the main focus will be for here in September, so it will be great to arrive ready and perform well.

london-World-triathlon-launch

How much are looking forward to competing in London at the World Series Grand Final?

Being here today and listening to everyone talk about it, makes it sound really exciting! The weather is beautiful today and everything looks great, so if its like this in September then it will just be fantastic. I cant wait to get here and get racing!

How much does a home crowd really help you?

It’s a massive advantage, just knowing that those people are there to watch you and they genuinely are there to support you. It’s fantastic, it really does lift you to that next level and you’re able to find something else from yourself, so if we can get as many people down here as possible then that would be brilliant.

Stats show that triathlon is the fastest growing sport since the Olympics last year, have you really felt that in the last twelve months?

Definitely. The momentum in triathlon is amazing, and the press attention that we’ve had after races has been crazy. It’s a great thing.

It can be difficult trying to balance your training and your media commitments, because we’re so keen to keep promoting the sport, and encourage and inspire more people to get into triathlon.

But we’re very grateful that people are taking an interest and we’re getting more exposure for the sport.

You are the current U23 World Champion, how did it feel to win the title?

That was great. I was out in Auckland and had a rough few weeks in the build-up to the race. I was feeling really unsure, but on the day I just felt ready and confident. It was a weird experience beforehand, but everything just went to plan which was fantastic and to get your first World Title is really special.

Has it given you more confidence this year?

I think so. I think going into the winter, it gave me extra motivation, it reaffirmed that I was doing the right thing. You do sometimes have doubts, should I instead be getting proper qualifications and get a ‘real’ job? I was worrying about my future, but the win just made me believe that I can really make a good go of this in the future.

And looking ahead to your future, what are you thoughts on Rio?

In terms of sport, Rio is very far away, a lot can happen in a season let alone 3 years. I would absolutely love to be at Rio, but I’m just going to take each race as it comes and each year as it comes.

I just want to enjoy now, and enjoy doing well now and take all the opportunities that I’m given at the moment, and if it continues to Rio then fantastic, I’ll count myself very lucky.

Non will be competing in the Grand Final of the ITU World Triathlon Series at Hyde Park from 11-15 September. Spectators can watch for free, but for special grandstand seats tickets are available to buy here.

More info: london.triathlon.org

Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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