Competitor Spotlight – Lucy Pye

Competitor Spotlight – Week 10.

This weeks spotlight moves to the Mourne county…Co. Down. Lucy Pye. Now a  regular on the Adventure Race circuit, Lucy is a self confessed outdoorsy nut, some one who just cant sit still. A perfect recipe for multi-sport racing…And lets just say the rest is history 🙂

How old are you?
45

Where are you from?
Co. Down

Occupation?
Retail Store Manager

What got you into Adventure/Multi-sport racing?
What got you into Adventure racing? I have always had real passion for great outdoors a bit of a fidget never could sit still, never been able to stick or commit to one sport as hiking, biking, running and kayaking all makes me smile in a fun and fulfilling way sense of adventure.. In 2011 I did a 20 mile sponsored challenge walk in the Mourne Mountains and I got hooked wanting to see more of Ireland I decided to put myself outside my comfort zone so I hiked I biked and I ran my way to my first adventure race determined to explore

How many races have you done? 
8 (7 finished 1 DNF)

When was your first race? 
2014

Which race was it?
Gaelforce North Sprint Race

Favorite race?
That’s a hard one as they have all been my fantastic loved them all once I have crossed the finish line … But recently sticks out Quest Glendalough what a day the route, weather and atmosphere was fantastic can’t wait to do it all again…FEARmanagh completed previously but once I have complete every adventure in my to do list I will come back to this question but they are all special adventure races and totally recommend each and everyone so far..

Dream race?
Ultra Trail Mont Blanc and The Race 250km 24hrs

What inspires you?
Me of cause lol never stop exploring. Adventure racing takes you through the places you wouldn’t normally see off the beaten track off road on road across rivers up mountains what’s not to inspire the people that do adventure racing inspires me so friendly always great craic and banter on the way round giving each other words of encouragement.

What’s the plans for the upcoming calendar year?
 Moxie Adventure Race and FEARmanagh

What music are you currently listening to when out?
Anything with a good beat uplifting .. good variety of most kinds of music.

Runner of choice?
Salomon Speedcross 3.

Bike of choice?
One with 2 wheels good slime tubes sharp brakes and a decent seat for comfort.

Do you use GPS watch? If so, which one?
Garmin Forerunner 225

Week before race…what do you do?
Light runs and cycle generally do very little plenty of rest, food and drink plenty of water.

Morning of race…what do you do?
Eat a big bowl of porridge and banana 1 hour before race and wake the muscles up with a good stretch.

Any race superstitions?
Nope.

Any embarrassing moments you wish to share?
On this point, blushing face other than the best advice I can give to newbies is get chamois cream…Need I say more…

Ideal distance?
For me now in around 50km WAAR.ie felt great but for anyone starting out start on a short distance build up just enjoy the event, surroundings and atmosphere depending on training etc…

Post-race…do you spoil yourself, if so, how?
Cheesecake any kind

Some people race for the medals, some for the jerseys, are you either of these people?
I like the jerseys and medals nice keep sakes but if we didn’t get them I would still be out there doing it for me. It’s the exploring adventure of new places challenging myself along the way and meeting great people along the way..

Strangest thing you have seen on a race?
I think I may have seen a chicken running the Quest adventure race but not sure if I was hallucinating with the heat.

Most beautiful scenery?
Ireland never disappoints far too many places I have been and seen to mention never fails to blow me away

Hydration/Gels? Do you use them? Do you use any particular brands?
Not until recently I used Science and sport gels but when I started out it was just jelly beans. Its getting the body use to gels. Worth trying them out before a race..

Sporting Hero?
Jonny and Alistair Brownlee. Really enjoy watching triathlons

Advice for absolute beginners?
Just don’t take on too much in distance go experience the atmosphere youll get hooked, check out the weather don’t over dress just a good waterproof windshield is good, don’t forget midget spray,suncream and chamois cream lol.. Drink plenty before the event… good tyres on your bike slime tubes or tubeless the off road sections can be great craic.. Go out and enjoy it take in the beautiful surroundings they are breathtaking they truly are addictive for any level you’ll have a blast.. I go do these on my own so if you don’t know anyone to do it with don’t worry these events are the most friendly events everyone will make you feel welcome.. Just do it.

Do you have any social media links we can follow your progress on?
Lucy Pye on Facebook / Twitter

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If you know of anyone who would like to go under the spotlight, email us at greg@kayathlon.ie.

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