Fast Facts:
- Name: Natalie Barnard
- Age: 21
- Occupation: Student / Triathlete
- Location: Loughborough / Luton
- Weight: 50kg
- Height: 160cm
- Sport: Triathlon / Biathle
Natalie Barnard - Q&A
Tell us about yourself and the sport you compete in..
- Currently undertaking a degree in Sport & Exercise Sciences in Loughborough (hope to graduate this summer).
- Have Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy + Deep Tissue.
- Level 1 Triathlon coach.
- Currently undertaking my level 2 Tri coach award.
- Been an elite triathlete since I was 16yrs old where I have represented GB at the Junior Tri champs 2004-5 in Japan, Greece and Madeira.
- Represented GB at world biathle champs 2004-2008 where my best results were 1st and 3rd.
- European and National Biathle Champion 2008.
- Member of a French Triathlon Team: Beauvais since 2008.
How did you become involved in your sport?
- Been an elite triathlete since I was 16yrs old where I was a National swimmer and biathlete beforehand.
- Talent spotted at the National Biathlon Champs and was put onto World Class Start and then onto World Class Potential for Triathlon.
- Have been at Loughborough since 2005 and have trained with the High Performance Squad there up until 2007 and now am self-trained under the supervision of Dave Parry.
What does your weekly training programme consist of?
Usually 16-18hrs at present which involves 4-5 swims, 2-3 bikes, 1 gym, and 4-5 run sessions
Which Maximuscle products do you use?
Viper Extreme Bars, Promax Diet Bars, Viper Extreme Capsules, Immune Support and Ache Free.
How do Maximuscle products help you during your training and whilst you compete?
- I really feel a benefit when I have taken a Viper Extreme capsule especially before my morning swimming sessions.
- I also think their bars are great for energy and a quick snack when you are on the go before and during training.
- Promax diet protein bars are great for recovery also.
- I think that the Ache Free capsules are also great for tougher gym or turbo sessions. I feel less tight and fatigued the following day
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
- Top 20 at the World Junior Tri Champs in Japan, being 1st Brit home.
- Winning the World Biathle Champs in 2007 and holding up the GB flag proudly.
- Top 10 at the French Grand Prix in La Baule 2007- my first ever race for my French Team.
Who are your heroes?
Paula Radcliffe, Lance Armstrong and Michelle Dillon.
What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Chilling out with friends, going for coffee or shopping when I have some money! I do find it hard to relax on a rest day though, I feel as if I need to be training!!
How do you stay relaxed and focused when the pressure is on?
- Take everything piece by piece, try to focus on the next thing and not get over-worked when things don’t go quite to plan during a race or in everyday life.
- Self- talk helps to maintain arousal levels and also focussing on the positive elements of your performance.
What is your favorite Maximuscle product and why?
Viper Extreme Bars: They are easy to digest, great for on the go and provide adequate energy for before, during and after a session.
WDo you have any future goals?
- Make 2012 Olympics, if not then the next one until I do!
- Make commonwealth games team in 2014.
- Make GB Team for U23.
- Get onto the World Cup series to get more International racing under my belt
- Top 20 in the French Grand Prix Series.
