AOM January - - Sonia Knox

Name: Sonia Knox

Age: 40

Occupation: Joint owner of Pest Solutions Pest Control Service (used to be a Human Resources Officer – rats are easier to deal with than people!!!)

Years in Triathlon: My friend from Galway persuaded me to try Cobh sprint triathlon in August 2012.

Triathlon Highlights or recent performances: My first triathlon in Cobh on my little yellow 10 speed bike and my attempt at swimming for the first time in open water (a mixture of freestyle, breaststroke and gasping!!!) I was delighted with my time and absolutely loved the experience.

Dare I mention the Belfast Titantic Triathlon – a major learning curve for me – read the information they send you and then read it again - two laps does not mean one lap!!! My daughter wrote a story in school about this entitled “The false victory” – need I say anymore. I crept away from Belfast and headed to the Harbour Bar.

Current Goal: To swim without gasping for air.

Next Year’s Goal: Not to be disqualified from any race and maybe try a time trial on the bike.

Favourite Training Sessions: I love the Portrush parkrun – great atmosphere and it’s good to see a community event bring so many different people together.

I also enjoy the cross country sessions at the university and when I can make it, the Ballymoney sessions – always made to feel so welcome. Sunday mornings on the bike with Causeway Cycling Club is a great way to end the week.

What made you take up the sport? Mid Life crisis and my frustration with long distance running injuries.

Favourite food/drink: Everything – I love food and drink!!! I always think about the Harbour Bistro fillet steak and a glass of Pinot during the last few miles of a race.

Favourite bit of kit/equipment: My new triathlon bike if I ever decide which one to buy.

Who do you see as your main rivals? My inner voice and nervous energy.

Finish this sentence: If I wasn’t training I would be the size of a house!!!!