Courtney Atkinson and XTERRA

Whilst Ironman Triathlon is Courtney’s real job, XTERRA is quickly becoming his passion. In this blog post Courtney Atkinson explains why he is pumped to take on XTERRA again in 2014.
__
Put simply - because it’s different, it’s enjoyable, and it puts me that little bit on edge...which of course means adrenaline. I still try to win, but it really doesn’t matter...it’s my hobby. All I want to do is ride my MTB and run trail. There’s just something about being out in nature, in the forest...its real adventure.

The MTB
After the 2012 Olympics, I was dismissive of off-road as I didn’t ride the MTB variant of a bike. But then I hopped
one for an adventure ride and my passion for new challenges took over. I can’t say I was anything flash! Actually I was probably at the other end of the scale, I was pretty average. But, this began my passion and drive to improve.
It was like I had started triathlon all over again training for an XTERRA. I had all the fitness needed in spades but new skills to be learned...I was hooked.

The biggest question I now get asked is ‘how skilled do you need to be on the MTB to race XTERRA?’ Here’s my golden rule, you can get off the bike and walk over any terrain you are not comfortable with. I had to do this to start and in my local forest still do. I would also suggest that it is best to get out on an MTB in a trail area before a race to get some confidence at least a few times. You’re not going to be starting at the UCI Downhill World Champs anytime soon, but if you’re like most triathletes the need to improve and get quicker will have you wanting more in no time.

It’s great to have skills, but in XTERRA there is still plenty of places that you need to simply ride your bike fast
and strong over the non-technical fire trials. It even outs, and remember most of the racers coming from a MTB background will be weaker in the swim/run areas. The race is still a triathlon and it’s all about putting the best combination swim, MTB, run together to the finish. That aspect doesn’t change.

The run
The run. I love to run....but I love to run trail more. If your normal triathlon training routine has you in the city most of the time, I suggest getting out on a weekend to where the mountain trails start. Not only is it great for training, and the softer surfaces good for the legs, the real beauty is being away from the cars, concrete and buildings. It’s a sensory overload, running at your limit while being able to negotiate differing surfaces, terrain and I bet just a few unusual obstacles thrown in for good measure.

Let’s break it down one more time. XTERRA is TRIATHLON but it’s different. It’s challenging but with that comes self-reward and a whole heap of good times. More than anything if you have been at the same triathlon caper for years now I dare you to just let go, let it hang out just a little and try off-road racing. You won’t be disappointed.

I’ll look forward to seeing if you take up the challenge at XTERRA Great Ocean Road in Anglesea in March, which is also the official Victorian Off-road Championships!!

I also look forward to seeing you at the start line of the XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships in Jervis Bay in April without a disc wheel but with big disc brakes instead!

Courtney Atkinson

XTERRA Great Ocean Road, Sunday, March 30, Anglesea, Victoria
XTERRA Triathlon, XTERRA Sprint Tri, 21km Trail Run, 10km Trail Run/Walk
Find out more at: www.xterraaus.com.au

XTERRA Asia-Pacific Championships, April 25-27, Jervis Bay, New South Wales
XTERRA Asia Pacific Championship, XTERRA Sprint, XTERRA Kids Sprint, 5km and 10km Trail Runs,
Ocean Swim
Find out more at: www.xterraasiapacific.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/xterraaustralia
Twitter: @xterraAUS #xterraGOR #xterraAPAC

Source | Back to News