This edition of Meet the Athlete features French triathlete Guillaume Germain. When he’s not training, Guillaume enjoys bulking up his triceps and writing his phone number on them with a Sharpie. Ladies, if you see him out on the beach, jot down his digits and give him a call!
Current place of residence: Ventura
Hometown/place of birth: Reims, France
Day job: Engineer
Favorite sports or hobbies (besides triathlon): Surf, ski, hike
Most recent race: Escape from Alcatraz
Best triathlon race leg (swim, bike, run, T1, T2, beer garden): Bike
Dream race: Half Ironman in the Alps
Race mantra: The faster I go, the quicker I get to that cold beer!
When/how/why did you start triathlon? Some friends had been doing triathlon for years, but I never really took the time to look into it. One day while in a gondola in Mammoth, I heard those people talking about a triathlon in June Lake. It seemed like a good reason to go there during the summer and “tri” it on a fun course. So, the next year I signed up, got me a bike and started training. It also helped that I landed in the “lovely” town of Bakersfield for my job (for some obscure reason) and had a lot of free time after work then…
Hardest race you’ve ever completed: Lake Tahoe Xterra triathlon. While the scenery was amazing, the 25 mile mountain bike leg felt like it was just uphill all the way! At each corner I was hoping for the uphill to end. It was my first time on the trail, and I learned since to go check out the race before if possible…
Most memorable race moment(s): Escape from Alcatraz- halfway through the swim realizing I was in the middle of the San Francisco bay. Wildflower triathlon- training partners and other racers supporting each other, and having friends waiting for us at the finish line. It makes a big difference to have friendly faces at the finish line to share your joy with.
If you had to remove one leg of the triathlon and swap in a new sport, what would you subtract, and what would you add, and why? (I’d swap) the run out for surfing cuz I’d rather train to go surf…
Words of wisdom to someone considering training for their first triathlon/endurance event: Follow a plan, train regularly and don’t start too hard at the beginning.
Something you’ve learned about yourself through triathlon/endurance sport: With the right training, you start building your confidence to tackle the race on the right foot, and be able to achieve or out-perform your goals.
Pre-race ritual or superstition? Put my time chip on the night before
Race tips: Check the transition area the day before and get your bearings as it can be pretty overwhelming after the swim. And ride/run the course prior to the race if possible.
Training/racing pet peeve(s): Pet what?
Why do you keep Tri-ing? Because of this feeling of accomplishment once you cross the finish line!
What does “Fuel” mean to you? Food that’s good for you (recovery, protein, etc) but that also tastes good.
What does being “Fit” mean to you? Loosing another 5-10bs!
Pick one:
Long swim, long ride or long run? Long ride
Open water or pool? Open water
Trail or track? Trail
Solo or group training? Group
Chocolate or cheese? (French) cheese
Watch on your left wrist or right? Left
Morning or evening workout? Morning
Hat or visor? Hat
Swim cap or no cap? Swim cap (too much hair)
Cheerios or Wheaties? Croissant!
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Strong Coffee
Want to see yourself featured in a future edition of M.T.A.? All BrittFit Athletes are eligible. You could be next!