An interview with Nicola Beck; a nervous swimmer to training for Kona!
Introduction
Hi, I’m Nicola Beck. I’m 52 years old and I’m a Health and Safety Manager for Tesco, a mother, and a Triathlete.
Why triathlon, and how did you get into it?
My first encounter was when my husband started training with NEWT triathlon club regularly, and I was stuck at home with teenagers and I got a bit fed up. At the time I was a smoker, unfit and a little overweight. I was feeling frustrated and wanted some enjoyment, so I started taking part at park runs. I absolutely hated swimming and was a very nervous and unconfident swimmer at the time. In November 2011 my husband booked me into a duathlon at Dorney Lake. The event was in March 2012, and at the time, I didn’t even have a bike to train with! My husband took me out where we bought a heavy bike and a big helmet so I could start training and that is where my journey began.
What events have you competed in?
After competing at Dorney Lake in March 2012, I competed at the Llanelli Sprint in 2014. At the time I started training for triathlons, NEWT wouldn’t even take me on as my swimming was so poor, so I had to train with my eldest child in the pool at Caldicot. By 2014, I was part of the club. At Llanelli, it was my first open water swim, I had tears going down my face as I was so scared of swimming, and I was the last person to get out of the water. By then however, I had upgraded my bike and I was much more confident with biking and running. When I crossed the finish line NEWT were all waiting for me, and after that I was hooked.
After 2014, I booked an Ironman for 2015. My husband was so supportive and ended up paying for me to have a coach to help me with my training as my Christmas present. Hannah from NEWT helped me progress with my swimming, although I was still extremely nervous. Since then, I have competed at Ironman’s across the world, Barcelona and Austria to name just two. At Herning 2017 I wore the Team GB vest for my age group. Then in 2018 I completed Ironman Wales, at this point I had changed my coach to Russ Cox from Bristol. At that event I felt confident, as I knew I had had a good swim, however during the ride I ended up having chronic stomach pain. I still ended up coming third in my age group. The next day, I found a lump and was diagnosed with a hernia, not long after I ended up having an operation.
Having changed my diet and training extremely hard, I competed at Challenge Roth in 2019. Then also in 2019 I came back to Wales to complete the Ironman with my husband, we are both extremely competitive especially when it comes to each other. The goal for this was to qualify for Kona. I completed a 6-hour bike split and was being told on my way round that I was second in the Wales age group, I ran a 3hr 40 minute marathon to finish and completed in 11hr 3 minutes, and was the Wales second age grouper over the line and first in my age group. This got me my Kona slot!
If this year goes the way I plan it to, I will compete in an Ironman in Estonia and the World Champs in October and this will take me to 10 Ironman’s completed between 2015-2022.
What support have you had along the way?
Obviously, my family have been so supportive, following me around the world to watch me compete. My NEWT family have also always been there, from the first time I crossed the finishing line in Llanelli.
Kathryn Richards has been my inspiration from the beginning, alongside my husband Gareth. Kirsty and Hugh Morgan have done a great job of keeping my head in a good place, Kirsty knows me inside out and whenever I have any doubts, she is there to pick me up. Also, Russ Cox my coach has been amazing. I have been with him for 3 years now and he has been so supportive and understanding.
There have been so many more people that have helped me along my journey, especially the people that message good luck messages the night before the race on Facebook or text, and help me with my self-confidence.
How is your training for Kona going?
I love the training more than the actual event! I find training really good for my mind on a day-to-day basis. I do rides with members and non-members, and I enjoy the social side of training. Most of the training however, I train on my own, as I find I can focus better as I am in a strict regime. When training doesn’t go well, I am hard on myself and that also helps me stay focused. However, training is going very well, and I am on schedule. The journey is still a while off but my coach is happy. I am going to be flying to Kona 2 weeks before the event to help me get used to the climate. I have Challenge Lisbon in 5 weeks’ time, and I have just done Wokingham half marathon and got a new PB!
What is the best thing about NEWT and volunteering within your club?
I enjoy giving back to the club. I appreciate what the club has done for me, and that everyone there is doing something for nothing. As race director I think it’s important to make it inclusive and enjoyable to everyone and we have that type of environment at NEWT.
What would you say to anyone looking to get into a triathlon either as a participant or volunteer?
Anyone can do it. I am a mother, wife and friend, who is now going to Kona. I started off my triathlon journey with very little kit, I had to buy a bike to practice! Take up any opportunities you can, start off small and work up. Anyone who is not feeling confident with swimming, find someone who is patient and do whatever you feel comfortable with and don’t compare yourself to others.
If you are interested in joining NEWT Triathlon Club please click here to find out how. Alternatively, for more information on clubs across Wales please contact our Participation Officer, Steph Makuvise at stephmakuvise@welshtriathlon.org to find your nearest club.
