Continuing the brilliant series of team member questionnaires – Chris (that’s Mister Stack to most of us!) takes a shot at it. He can be diplomatic at times… just not very often!
What’s the first thing to enter your mind when you wake up on a training day?
Normally how many coffees do I need to get me through! Followed by where are my socks/shoes/shorts etc and a half naked run to the washing line!
Tell me your favourite F4L story.
One of my favourite moments was the inaugural F4L Milkshake Cup Treasure Hunt. Key highlights were Trigg and James actually making us feel guilty for disqualifying them for cheating (they drove half of the course), they were so convincing when they pleaded their innocence and secondly Paul riding off looking defeated when Kendall told him the clue wasn’t on the Weir. Who believes Kendall?!?
Who trains and who complains the hardest?
I can’t pick out one person who trains the hardest, every member of the team has their own challenges to overcome in order to fit in the training, and I am always amazed at the commitment throughout from the juniors excelling in sport as well as at school to the older guys managing family and work commitments alongside competing to a high level in their respective age groups.
Having said that what a bunch of moaners! They all bloody complain about work, school, training, hills, kids!!! But for the worst moaner it has to be a tie between Paul who never stops moaning about someone/something, and Steve who whinges when I plan a ‘flat’ ride/run!
What’s your favourite / least favourite type of training?
My favourite sessions are the group rides and trail runs, it is always great to explore new areas and catch up with everyone in a fun environment. I also really enjoy getting out on the bike on my own, particularly on the mountain bike. It is a good way to clear the mind and have fun.
My Least favourite is pool swimming, particularly on my own. Whilst I love swimming open water, I find pool swimming can be a bit hard to get motivated for. Paul does a good job of keeping the sessions fun and varied though so that helps!
If you could have any superpower – what would it be?
Gravity switch on/off power! How cool would that be when you are slogging up a hill knackered! Maybe this could be a feature in the MagLid™ (Patent Pending).
What’s your typical meal and snack line up on a training day?
On a weekend I will start with a boring breakfast of cereal, maybe an energy bar or gel whilst training and then a big brunch of eggs benedict. Usually a nice filling dinner like lasagne, chilli, fajitas (or all three)!
What’s your usual pre-race routine?
Wake up, check bike for mechanicals/overnight punctures, find my socks, trainers, shorts etc… get to transition super early, (I hate being late I get flustered), chill and chat to everyone, then go!
Describe the perfect 2016/17 for you.
2016/17 will have a few new challenges with a new Stack Member on the way. My main goal for this year is to keep the training/racing fun, race some new races in new places, stay fit, and achieve a good balance between work/sport/family life. Also I am looking forward to supporting Mrs Stack on her post pregnancy return to world beating form.
Also I would like to regain my Araluen crown from Cate!
Quick fire round:
Favourite training music?
I don’t really listen to music training, however I do enjoy a good singalong. Obviously anything T.Swizzle is great, also Is this the way to Araluen? and Bohemian Rhapsody are some of the regulars!
Favourite chocolate bar? (If you have one!)
I love a rocky road slab, but I am a bit of a lolly addict, so a full bag of black cats from Allen’s Mix would be the ultimate!
Favourite film and why?
You can’t go past Madagascar 2 cracks me up everytime!
Biggest inspiration?
I’m not really one to idolise a hero as such, I find most of my inspiration comes more from everyday guys who have to overcome some challenge to achieve something. I see a lot of this in the guys in the team.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever received (that you’re able to share!)?
Always remember why you started doing triathlon (or anything). Most of us are not going to be Olympic/Kona Champions, so keep it fun. Whilst setting goals and pushing yourself is good, achieving them is not life and death, when you look back you will remember the fun sessions and friends made more than a 1 minute PB or a top 50 finish at a race, so if life gets in the way or you miss a session, don’t stress and just enjoy the next one, you will at least have fresh legs!
