BIG LIME ATHLETE PROFILES
Athlete Profiles
We wanted to showcase some of the amazing athletes who have competed over the Big Lime Weekend - take a look at some of their profiles below.
If you would like to take part in our profiles, please email us at participation@hartlepool.gov.uk
Name: Heather Gould
Age: 61 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
Lifelong runner but realised at 50 I needed to cross train more. North Shields Poly had just launched their triathlon section, so I learnt to swim front crawl and with the support of my club was encouraged to have a go!
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
My first triathlon was the Spanish City triathlon in my home town, about 9-10 years ago, I just had to be there!
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
I like all the elements of triathlon. Each one offers something different to the athlete, even transition.
What does your training programme look like?
I train every day at something. The biggest element of my routine is stretching, around 5-6 hours per week, I run with NSP twice a week, plus my weekly parkrun and the bike, I go out three to four times a week. I do try to have an active rest day once or twice a week, where I may just stretch.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
The Big Lime Weekend offers something for everyone! A safe open water swim, a flat bike and run. It celebrates all age groups in the category winners, giving everyone a great sense of achievement. A great timing system allows participants to submit times to British Triathlon to be considered for selection as an age grouper in the European and World Champs. My result last year from the Big Lime has given me this chance this year!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
It’s never too late to get into sport. Multisport offers people the chance to take part in Aquathlon, Aquabike and Triathlon. Everyone is so friendly, whether you do a go-tri event right through to long distance triathlon events. If you can swim, ride a bike and run you can do it, you don’t have to be fast, just smile and enjoy it.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Pilates, cycling time trials, cold water swimming, swimrun events
Name: Sian Salter
Age: 41 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
Always wanted to do a tri as had watched my Dad do a few but couldn’t really swim, just a few lengths breaststroke. Then slipped a disc in my back and couldn’t do much else after the surgery so started going to the pool and doing aqua fit then added a few lengths, but breaststroke hurt my back so taught myself to front crawl from YouTube and did a bit extra each time and found I enjoyed being in the water. Next step was getting into the open water which took a long time to be comfortable with.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
My first tri was Spanish City Sprint in Whitley Bay a mile from home in 2016. That was going to be my only event but it escalated!
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
My favourite part of a triathlon is whatever is coming next. When I’m in the water I can’t wait to get out and get on the bike, when cycling can’t wait to ditch the bike and get running. Probably best at cycling and most comfortable at running and with running not much can go wrong, no mechanicals etc just me mentally motivating my body on.
What does your training programme look like?
My training plan is pretty much make it up as I go. In a week I always do a club run 5 miles, a 3 mile parkrun and an open water swim. I try and do a longer and a shorter/hilly ride once a week. When training for ironman it was run before work and cycle/swim after, long rides at the weekends and long brick runs, last year or so it’s been do what I enjoy doing and when I can fit it in and having fun. Next year will be focusing on sprints and getting faster so may need a more disciplined schedule but depends what you want to get out of each race.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I did the Big Lime for the first time in 2021 and loved it. Spent the weekend in the area camping. Did the predictor swim Friday night which was great to get used to the water as it’s a unique swim course. The local parkrun Saturday but next time will do Aquathlon. The Tri on the Sunday was a fast and flat course, very friendly, all types there from GB athletes to those just for fun.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
My advice to anyone thinking of entering is do it, best motivation is to commit to a place. You can use what equipment you have, don’t need the best of everything. When you’re in the water you are a swimmer, on the bike a cyclist, running you are a runner and when you cross the line you’re a triathlete. Don’t worry about the next stage just one step at a time.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Other than run, bike and swim, I hike. Love being out on the fells with no one about and think the strength I get from that helps.
Name: Martin Pout
Age: 50 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I saw a book in the library in the early 1980s that talked about a race called “Ironman” and so I started getting involved in triathlons from the mid-1980s when the sport was in its infancy.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
I can't remember the year but it’s was around the mid-1980s. Back in those days, races were few and far between and were generally organised amongst friends.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
I used to be a useful runner back in the day so running used to be my favourite but now I really enjoy swimming. Wetsuits have come a long long way from the 1980s when we used to have to use windsurfing wetsuits, which were not designed for swimming.
What does your training programme look like?
I currently have a long-term leg injury so I am all about the pool and open water at the moment.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I like it that it is local, brilliantly organised and has a closed roads bike course!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
It’s not as physically hard as it’s looks like from the outside!
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Mainly open water swim events nowadays.
Name: Kathryn Dickinson
Age: 26 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
After playing hockey at school and college for many years I decided I wanted a different challenge so joined my local triathlon club, West Country Triathletes down in Burnham on Sea.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
I completed my first triathlon in 2013, it was a local sprint distance and I barely got to the finish after underestimating how hard it would be running off the bike!
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
This seems to vary depending on how well my winter training has been going and which discipline is going well, currently my favourite is running.
What does your training programme look like?
I train for on average 12/13 hours a week, this involves 3 bike sessions, 2 run sessions, 3/4 swims and then some strength work if I have time around working.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I love the atmosphere around the race, everyone is really friendly and the course is great. There aren't many races with closed roads. This race also feels special as my grandad lives in Hartlepool and isn't able to travel to any of my races so this means he can see me racing in his Hometown.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
If you can, definitely join a triathlon club. They're great for all abilities and a way to meet people with a similar interest to you.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Triathlon takes up most of my free time but outside of triathlon I love mountain biking, skiing and surfing when I can get to a beach with waves!
Name: Marty Smith
Age: 53 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
Diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2018 and needed something to take my mindset away from worrying. Met Kath from Cleveland Triathlon in my mates shop Godleys Cycles.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
Fist triathlon was Cleveland Sprint Triathlon 20th May 2018
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
Favourite is cycling as that’s my strongest
What does your training programme look like?
Active all week with swimming 3 times a week, cycling 3 times week and running 3 times week. Gym strength training 6 days a week for 30 - 60 mins doing a body part a day. Work schedule can change this depending if I am onshore or offshore.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
It’s local as live in Middlesbrough. Lots of members of my club which is Cleveland triathlon attend. Closed road event, fast and flat, people and atmosphere and support and beautiful location. Triple event. Medals from 2018 was awesome as they interlinked.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Don’t think about it just do it. Once you do one you will be hooked and the new people you meet and places you will travel to compete are endless. Your challenge and goals get greater.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Other sports are mainly now running events, duathlon, swim events and gym.
Name: Dr Helen Godfrey
Age: 44 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I grew up as a competition swimmer and later in life after having my children I decided to try triathlon. In 2019 I qualified for the GB age group team in aquathlon and competed in the World championships in Spain in 2020.
I'm due to fly to the world championships the day after the Big lime. I do the big lime every year and this year I'm doing the predictor swim and the triathlon relay.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
2013 but had a big gap between 2016 and 2019 as I had a big knee injury. I dropped the bike and do aquathlon now.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
The quiet calm just before the start horn goes. I love that feeling of excitement and anticipation.
What does your training programme look like?
I swim 5 times a week with 2 masters clubs and in Summer some open water and I run 5 times a week.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
It is open to anyone of any ability. In fact my relay team has people who have never done a triathlon before!
It's a brilliant event and puts our area on the map. I'm proud to promote it each year
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
It's the most welcoming environment I've experienced in all the sports I've done, all different sizes shapes and backgrounds. An event like this gives you opportunity to try some or all of it in one of the shortest distances.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
I swim and run separately but with aquathlon as my main focus.
Name: Hannah Blacknell
Age: 31 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I did a triathlon first with a netball teamie who was wanting to have a go before she turned 50. That same year she had me doing a tough trail half marathon and a few others thing, but I drew the line at the marathon in York and instead went for tea at Betty's and drove her home after.
I was involved in a car crash in 2018 a few weeks after completing the Race to the Stones ultra which damaged my back. I was in a lot of pain and of course couldn't exercise or work or walk for a long time. In 2019 I had another health scare with my heart, so I was waiting for answers for 5-6 months and was of course very anxious about raising my heart level too much. After the all clear, I kept trying to come back to triathlons, but the time away and the complete loss of fitness was mentally too tough I think. Also my back hurt everyday, all day. About a year ago I started to do functional pilates and where physio had never worked in removing the pain, something about this did. I felt like I could exercise again. I started back with swimming and slowly introducing the others although it really is like starting from ground zero. I was never fast so I'm used to being at the back, but the fitness and toll it takes on my body has increased now.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
We did a super sprint go tri up in Ponteland in 2016, I absolutely loved it, and my pal thought it was the most awful thing she had ever done. I followed it up with joining the Hartlepool Triathletes club a month or so later and doing a bunch more go tri pool triathlons and eventually getting a taste for trying open water.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
I think the swim is my favourite discipline, but I used to be terrified of open water still and so the run was my favourite. It felt the safest to me. After a lot of practice, I have got my fear of open water a bit more under control although I definitely am still easily spooked. After a branch in the river the other day sent me into a tail spin, I can't say I'm over my fear!
What does your training programme look like?
I had a focus this year on swimming, so I try to swim three or four times a week. As Big Lime approaches though I am shifting my focus away from the swimming and trying to get the running and cycling under control. I am doing 2-3 runs, swims and cycles per week along with one or two strength and conditioning sessions.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
The Big Lime is the one race where I know there will be a hoard of screaming teammates regardless of whether you finish first or last. They are all there to cheer everyone on and I love that comradery and the friendly nature of the event.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Don't second guess yourself and dive right in. And whilst you are doing it think about how impressive it is that you are doing a triathlon!
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Before covid I was a huge netball player, I absolutely loved it but with moving area a few times and being off for so long because of the pandemic, I never really got back into it and now I can't decide on a new club that works for me so it's triathlon for me for the moment!
Name: Sheree Lyons
Age: 45 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
A friend asked me to do the big lime aquatint, I said yes. After I was plucked out 3/4 of the way around I decided I should learn to swim properly. I always loved cycling and running so thought I would give it a try.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
I did my first in Sunderland - Sun City Tri club, it was 2017 I believe, I haven't done that many. I did do some of the Go Tri events that Kay Stokes organised. It was great fun and she is an amazing woman to learn from.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
The swim, definitely. I love the other two, but I have found a fab new love for swimming since learning at Thornaby baths for my 40th birthday
What does your training programme look like?
To be honest, I mainly wing it!!!!!! I swim on a Friday with TriLife Triathlon team, and run or cycle whenever my crazy life allows
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
The friendliness of all the triathletes. Swimming in the Marina. The mixture of events that are available over that weekend.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Just try it. You might like it.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
Running, Cycling, Boxing (just training no fighting!!!)
Name: Andrew MacRae
Age: 36 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
At University – I was looking to join a cycling club however, the university didn’t have one but had a Triathlon club. I knew that I could Cycle and I ran a little, however I had never swam before.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
My first triathlon was Alnwick Triathlon in 2007 where I came 4th overall!
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
Running off the Bike.
What does your training programme look like?
I train every day, mainly consisting of 4 swims, 4 bikes and 4 runs per week of around 15 to 17 hours.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I have taken part in a number of Big Lime Triathlons however I have since moving away from the North East. What I love most about the Big Lime is the great atmosphere and being able to see and catch up with many of my old triathlete friends.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Find a local triathlon group to train with and gain advice from. Practice open water swimming. And most importantly enjoy it!
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
In winter I cross country ski and backcountry skiing.
Name: Christopher Nicholas
Age: 45 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I walked into Cycleworld in Sunderland to browse bikes and got talking to somebody who is now a very good friend, Paul ‘Rocker’ Robson. He spoke so enthusiastically about triathlon (I think he did a Jedi mind trick on me) that I walked out having agreed to join a triathlon club.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
My first mutli-sports race was the Sun City Duathlon in Sunderland, which I was terrified about but crossing the finish line felt awesome. My first triathlon was the Sun City Triathlon, which again had me very nervous, but I honestly felt like an Olympian when I finished.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
Crazy mass swim starts, the finish line feeling, and the community spirit I’ve found within the sport are equally up there.
What does your training programme look like?
Unregimented and haphazard! As well as swim/bike/run sessions, I do three kettlebell sessions a week and take a cold shower every morning.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
There’s very much a ‘club’ atmosphere to the event. Lots of genuine support and ran by people who really seem to care about putting on races that people will enjoy. It is why I keep going back.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Don’t worry about your fitness or ability levels. As I found, triathletes come in all shapes and sizes and from lots of backgrounds and no matter your starting point, you’ll get help and encouragement to develop as far as you want to.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
No. I haven’t got time!
Name: Dotty Bouck-Standen
Age: 34 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I got into triathlon by chance: a work colleague organised participation in the corporate wave at the London tri and persuaded me to join. I didn’t even know what a triathlon would entail but it sounded like fun so I signed up for the standard distance - thinking “how hard can it be”?!
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
London tri in 2015.
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
Crossing the finish line! I honestly love and enjoy all three disciplines equally, but nothing beats the buzz and relief crossing the finish line in one piece.
What does your training programme look like?
I’m coached by TriForce Endurance and my program is tailored towards my race calendar. Generally, we fit my sessions around my work day, training most mornings and/or evenings.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I love the variety of events at the Big Lime Weekend; a weekend of swim-bike-run, what more could you wish for? The atmosphere was so friendly and supportive, and all athletes were made to feel welcome and special. We came all the way from Glasgow and will add the Big Lime Weekend to the calendar for next year!
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Just give it a go! Get in touch with your local tri club and join a friendly event like the Big Lime Weekend - this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try and see what the buzz is all about. I don’t have a swim, bike or run background (I had never ridden a road bike before my first tri) so if people like I can do it, so can you!
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
I play golf and badminton to “relax” from tri training!
Name: Jack Rees
Age: 33 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I swam initially as a kid and then moved into Triathlon when I was 13/14. I found during that time I enjoyed the cycling element the most so for the next ten years I focused on that, riding and racing across Europe, Asia and Africa with the Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling team. It's only in the last 18 months or so I have come back to triathlon, while I still have a few more years I can focus on sport.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
12 or 13 years old
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
My background is in cycling so I enjoy that part, but I like the whole process of connecting the three disciplines together as effectively and efficiently as you can in the race.
What does your training programme look like?
I train 12-15hrs per week, x 5 bikes, 3-4 runs, 3-4 swims. It’s a real balance to try and develop each discipline whilst not neglecting the others. Depending on what events I have coming up I structure and tailor the training I’m doing at any given time around the demands of the event, e.g. longer rides at race intensity for longer races, hillier runs if that’s the terrain of the race, same for hot or cold conditions.
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
The site itself, event HQ proximity to the swim and transition was all very straightforward and simple, which sometimes isn’t the case. It was great to have closed roads on the bike and the run was flat and fast along the promenade. The atmosphere was nice around the event too with families and plenty of spectators watching and encouraging.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
Give it a go! Have an open mind and put yourself into that situation. If it’s your first event try to replicate the demands of the event in the lead up to it so you have confidence when it comes to putting them together and competing strongly on the day of the race.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
I still try to manage some bike races through the year, but its getting harder and harder to manage the more I get invested in triathlon!
Name: Alex Noonan
Age: 31 years old
How did you get into triathlons?
I started taking part in triathlon in 2012 after I watched my dad complete an Ironman race- I was hooked! I didn’t know anything about training or what the actual event entailed, I just knew that I really wanted to give it a go.
When was the first time you competed in a triathlon?
The first time I took part in a triathlon was an Olympic distance in 2012. I came dead last, they’d even taken the course down but that didn’t stop me. I’ve loved the sport ever since!
Which is your favourite element of a triathlon?
I love the training, surprisingly! I am part of a triathlon club and although I do a lot of my training by myself, the camaraderie, encouragement, advice and friendships that have formed through being in the club makes the sport just that bit more enjoyable.
What does your training programme look like?
I am a mum to a 4 year old and I also work full time so my training looks like a lot of very early mornings or evenings. I spend a lot of my time on my turbo trainer or treadmill listening to my music. I generally spend an hour a day training and occasionally do some longer easier bits at the weekend if life allows. Navigating triathlon training with family life means I make the most of my 60 minute work outs and do some really intense work, but those are my favourite types of sessions!
What do you like about the Big Lime Weekend?
I loved the big lime weekend, I didn’t expect to see so many athletes taking part. There where so many different clubs, everybody from super fast athletes to first timers and every single person was so friendly. The course meant you got to see people the entire way which keeps you going, some courses can be very lonely if you don’t see anybody for a while. There was a tonne of encouragement for the entire way too, which always helps keep a smile on my face.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is thinking about entering the world of triathlons?
It’s not as scary as you think! You don’t need to be fast or have the best kit money can buy, you just need bring your enthusiasm and enjoy it, most importantly.
Do you take part in any other sports outside of triathlons?
I don’t take part in any other sport, I’ve not found anything else I enjoy as much.