Triathlete Feature - Whittier Skaug

Triathlete Feature with Whittier Skaug!

I have lived in Calgary, most of my life originally from Eugene, Oregon.

I came into triathlon through my daughter Emma. She said she wanted to give it a try, so I said I'd do it with her. 

My race usually starts a few days before the horn blows. Pre-race jitters let me know I care about what is ahead and that it's time to get down to business. I visualize race day from the moment I rise to crossing the finish line. Once in the race, I never wish for the finish line. Instead I focus on each segment of the race as it is unfolding. When I am within 500m of the finish, I let it all out and start smiling. I'm not particularly talented at any of the disciplines, but when you put all three together, it comes together and of course that is the beauty of this sport. 

My drive and inspiration mostly comes from the people I train with. For race preparation I look at the starting roster and pick out the fastest person in my age. He is my "nemesis". For me it's super motivating. When things really hurt, I speak to Steve Prefontaine. He was the greatest middle distance runner of his time at University of Oregon in Eugene and where I am from. He reminds me that pain is temporary and to push through.

No single event has been a favorite, rather moments of races. That said, racing Ottawa in 2016 sprint nationals, was a race perfect day. Everything clicked and I led from start to finish. I came out with a 1:03 time for the win. More recently racing World Sprint Finals in Montreal, I was able to put together a draft pack with another Canadian and two Aussies. We ripped up the course. It was so much fun and it set me up for a 3rd place finish. In preparing for Abu Dhabi I got super focused over a 5 week block. Every session was very specific and focused, physically and mentally. My personal outcome exceeded expectations. I scored Gold in the Supersprint and a 6th place out of 47 in the Standard. 

For 2022 I raced every distance from Supersprint to Full Ironman, so checked all the boxes and a long-time goal of mine. In terms of future aspirations for the sport, It's time to step back a bit. It'll be much more recreational and try variations like Aquathlon or Duathlon.