Paul Davies - Triathlete

PROFILE

What’s your biggest sporting achievement?

2 World Xterra Championships and racing for the GB team at the European and World Champs

What are your goals?

Swim faster ! I’m not a great swimmer so need to improve. Also, to see and race in as many different countries as possible.

Who is your coach?

Self coached but do often ask others for words of wisdom.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Married for the last 4 years, fully qualified accountant. Triathlon is effectively my 10th sport after gaining Blackbelts in Jujitsu and Judo, playing first Division Badminton, Gaining a Scholarship to the US to play American Football (knee injury prevented this from happening in the end).

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Tell us about your career history to date

I switched over to Mountain Biking (MTB) after a fun trip riding over the Atlas Mountains. I progressed through the ranks and managing to get Top 10 in the Masters Nationals races (over 30s). I also achieved 1st / 2nd in the Men’s pairs at ‘Dusk Til Dawn’ (a 12-hour night MTB race), 2 wins at SITS 24-hour race (Elite and Mixed), as well as two Podiums.

I then looked at doing something different and, in 2008, my friend Sam Gardner nudged me towards racing off-road triathlons. I learnt to swim again (still very badly) and had my first race in Sardinia 4 months later – it was tough but I got round and made up almost 200 places on the MTB. I then plotted and planned the whole season hitting as many countries as possible (to explore if nothing else). After racing in 5 countries I had finished 2nd in the European Xterra Age Category and qualified for the World Championships in Maui where I was 12th in my age group. I nearly repeated the same in 2009, finishing 3rd in the series and 12th in Maui (even though I was 10mins quicker!) and I managed to overtake in excess of 300 people on the MTB!

2010 was a year of trying some road triathlons, mainly Ironman 70.3 races where I had mixed results, Top 50 finishes, 15th overall in the Vitruvian. 2011 sees more off-road triathlons and heading up the Scott X-Tri Series with the odd random road triathlon thrown in for good luck.

How did you hear about Care for Health?

Recommendation from friend Sam Gardner, a local pro xterra racer.

How has CFH treatment/advice helped you?

Care for Health have kept me racing hard and my body is in good shape considering the abuse I give it these days. After a back injury three years ago and some intense work from them they sorted it perfectly. Now we agree on a regular ‘maintenance’ plan so that nothing ever gets too far out of place. I have learnt a lot about my body from them as well, along with what warning signs to look out for.

What’s the biggest difference in performance you have seen following CFH treatment?

Fewer injuries and more consistent training.

What does your training routine involve?

Roll out of bed to my home office (when I’m not in Surrey), do a few hours work and then go for a run or bike and throw in a swim in the afternoon for good luck, fitting work in during sessions so I can also rest a bit.

What do you like best about triathlon?

The people I meet/friends I make and places I get to visit – who can complain about going to Maui every year for the World Champs?

What’s your proudest moment?

Completing the Xterra World Champs race in my first ever season in Triathlon (I only learnt to swim properly about 7 months before!), and marrying the wife of course.

Who or what is your inspiration?

To have fun and enjoy what I do - no point otherwise. To do the best I can with the time available.

Do you have any race day rituals?

Not really.

How do you know when you’re due a visit to Care for Health?

I have a regular schedule of maintenance set up but if I have any specific areas that feel tight / sore I get in before then.

What’s your top tip for someone trying to improve in your sport?

Look after your body and it looks after you. And, more importantly, train as consistently as possible and get rest - it’s the fourth discipline in a triathlon.

What’s the best way for people to follow your progress?

I have a twitter account on @pauliandavies and I am also the Event Director for the Scott X-Tri Series launching this season – www.xtriseries.co.uk