Emma-Kate is 2008 European Amateur Triathlon Champion and was silver medallist at this year's World Amateur Triathlon Championships. She is now widely regarded as one of the most promising female amateur triathletes in the world and believes that success as a professional athlete is around the corner.

Emma-Kate Lidbury - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and the sport you compete in..

I'm 28 and took up triathlon – swimming, cycling and running – as part of a feature in 2005 when I was working as a journalist on a newspaper. I'd been a competitive swimmer as a teenager so had a good head start, but had no idea that within three years of my first race I'd be quitting my job to focus on triathlon full-time. Triathlon is a fantastic sport which welcomes people of all ages and abilities – and it's truly addictive. After my first race I was hooked and I'd achieved a good result on next to no training, so lots of people told me I should start training properly. I did exactly that and was soon winning National, European and World Championship medals and titles as an amateur. Driven by the desire to achieve my full potential and see just how far I can go, I set aside my journalism career earlier this year to concentrate on training and racing. I realise it's a brave - and some might say risky - move, but I think there's nothing worse in life than having regrets and thinking about what might have been.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

When I was balancing training and work life was definitely busy. I would train six out of seven days a week often doing two or three sessions a day. I am now in Australia training here through the British winter to escape the cold weather and put some quality miles in under the Aussie sun. Life is a little easier here as there isn't the usual work hassles or distractions. I expect to spend between 20 to 30 hours a week swimming, cycling and running. There are also other training sessions which are just as important, such as strength and conditioning and massage to help keep the injures at bay.

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

I use Promax both the flavoured powder and the natural powder, as I find it a great way of ensuring I refuel with quality protein after training. I also find the Promax Meal Bars are terrific as post-gym session snacks when you want something quick and on-the-go which is nutritious and provides a good protein hit.

Out on the bike it's essential to take on enough energy and I've found both Viper and Viper Extreme really help me to get the most from every session. If you're riding hundreds of miles a week, you need to have the right energy in your tank and having tried plenty of energy drinks and products, I know how disastrous it can be when you haven't found the right product. Viper and Viper Extreme always hit the spot.

When in heavy training, I also use Protrient to ensure I'm taking on all the right nutrients.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

As an amateur in 2008 I won the European Championships by almost 10 minutes and a month later won the silver medal at the World Championships to add to the bronze medal from this event the year before, all of which were proud moments and made all the hard work and training worthwhile.

Who are your heroes?

Adrian Moorhouse has long been a hero of mine, ever since he won gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Seoul Olympics in 1988. His victory is one of my earliest sporting memories and I can distinctly remember watching him closing down the gap on the leading swimmers and snatching victory by one one hundredth of a second. The photo of him - arms stretched up to the sky, fists clenched, eyes closed, grinning - as he realises he has won Olympic gold is one of my all-time favourite images and is ingrained in my mind. To me, his face says it all in that picture: if you work hard, you will eventually reap your rewards.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

I think it is important to have a non-triathlon related focus so that life doesn't become totally consumed by my training and racing. This means days off are treasured and I will often spend them catching up with friends and family, socialising, writing (I'm a journalist by profession) and generally just chilling out.

How do you stay relaxed and focused when the pressure is on?

I concentrate on the most important factors which will ensure I perform at my best and don't worry or fret about what others are doing. I can only control what I do and staying cool, focused and strong enables me to do just that.

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

It has to be the Promax Meal Bars – I don't tend to eat that much chocolate (even though I love it!) so they are the closest I get to a choccy treat!

Do you have any future goals?

Yes, plenty – I would like to establish myself as one of Britain's leading professional triathletes. Whether this is over short-course triathlon (Olympic/standard distance) or long course racing (Half Ironman and Ironman) will be a decision I make as I see how my training and racing progress throughout 2009. I am still young and fresh in triathlon and have lots I would like to achieve – world domination would be nice!