Mark Yeoman Maximuscle ambassador

Mark Yeoman - Q&A

Tell us about yourself and how you got involved in Triathlon..

My name is Mark Yeoman and I am a PE teacher from Surrey. I have always led an active lifestyle. My sporting background lies with rugby where I played 2nd and development teams for both Harlequins and Richmond RFC. After a series of nasty injuries, I moved into running to keep fit. To date I'm a GBR age group triathlete who races in both Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons. Last season (2008) I dominated my age group and further more I featured overall in all the races I entered.

How did you become involved in your sport?

After completing four London marathons and countless 10km's and half marathons, I was getting tired of the relentless miles. Some friends mentioned that they were going to do a triathlon. After coming back from France where I was running in an internal video for RBS and when I came back I give swimming a go. My times soon came down and the rest is history.

What does your weekly training programme consist of?

A typical week consists of 6am swim starts Monday to Friday covering between 3 - 4km a session. With teaching commitments, I can squeeze in two run sessions during the course of the school week, but the majority of my training is after school with high intensity run sessions or bike to run sessions. The weekends are more family time, but Sundays are my standard long bike ride. In total I do on average 15 - 18 hours a week.

Which Maximuscle products do you use?

Viper Boost, Viper Boost bars, Viper Active, Recovermax, Promax Crisp bars, Promax and Viper Active Capsules.

How do Maximuscle products help you during your training and whilst you compete?

Maximuslce products have helped me to take myself to the next level. They ensure that I can train and perform to my optimum without the concern that my nutritional supplements might let me down. As a result my training results have improved and the knock on affect to my confidence to perform to my best has taken a great leap.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Last season saw me dominate my age group (30 -34), however, finishing 2nd overall at the world famous Nokia Windsor triathlon was a highlight - even more so considering that the week before I was in Vancouver at the World Champions which due to the weather conditions wasn't the race I expected. Naturally I have plans to win it overall this season. Winning Northampton by over 3 minutes in serve tough conditions was the great way to end the season. Setting the fastest bike time in the process was testament to the hard work I put in to over turn a two minute gap from the swim.

Who are your heroes?

Lance Armstrong - anyone who can come through such adversity, dominate his sport to such a degree that everyone else attempts to copy him and then can come back and shake the sport up once more is a true legend! John McEnroe was my first sporting ideal. I admired his battles with Connors and Borg as well as everyone else to be fair. Chris Hoy and Michael Phelps both deserve a mention for their sheer determination to set the bar so high.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?

If I'm not putting my feet up and resting, then I'll be with my family. My wife is a gifted water skier so we spend a lot of time down the lake. My daughter, who is three, keeps me on my toes too, so the amount of rest I get is normally cut short.

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

I use a lot of mental imagery and relaxation techniques, such as mantras. I will often practice various race scenarios where things are going well or wrong so that when they happen, I can control my anxiety. Practicing these during intense training sessions allows me to apply them during the race and therefore reduce mental break downs.

What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?

Without doubt this would be the Viper Boost. This product is a pure buzz. When I've got a evil session to get through or I need to hit the race hard, then this is the ideal product. No wings here - just millions of angry lions.