Name: Dave Freeze, Age 49, proud member of the Clydesdale racing division.

 

 

     Picture of Dave being a Dad on a field trip to Barkerville                                      

The Day before Ironman 2005

 

 

1. How many years have you been involved with the KTC?

 

I probably did my first talk to club members 5 or 6 years ago and seem to average about one every other year. My Tri talks usually attract very low numbers which I am getting therapy for, but I have developed some great friendships with club members. I work one on one with a few club members on a season long basis.

 

2. Congratulations on being named Kamloops 2008 Sportsperson of the Year!  You are a well rounded athlete, with many athletic accomplishments. From outdoor adventurism to dragon boat racing, it seems you have a passion for sport and the outdoors.  At what point did you begin to focus on triathlon?

 

Thanks for the compliment. In 1986 I retired from the National Whitewater Slalom Team and was looking for an individual sport which was simple to train for and you could do anywhere. I got invited to join a “team” for the Vernon triathlon and like the idea and decided to do it alone. Even though there where not many bikes left on the rack when I got out of the water, it was great fun and I committed to do Penticton Ironman shortly after. I did Penticton 89, 91 and 93 but still longed for travel and racing at the world championship level which is what got me headed toward Dragonboating. I made the National team in 1992 and stayed committed to the training and racing schedule for 4 years until Deb and I got outnumber by our children.

 

3. What unique experiences do you feel triathlon brings?

 

I love a lot of things about Triathalon: the balance the three disciplines brings to training, the complexity of having to get good at many things, the limitless possibilities in terms of improvement, and most importantly I love that most of us are out there competing against ourselves and/or the clock. I went from trying to be the best in the world in 1985 to wondering if I could finish the race in 1988. The most unique thing I find about Ironman, and the thing that keeps me committed, is knowing at some point during the day I am going to have to dig incredibly deep to keep going. Not often am I forced to draw upon my mental resources is such a profound way to get the job done. That alone is worth the price of admission and the hours of training.

 

4. Was there a pivotal moment or inspirational individual that attracted you to the sport?

 

Absolutely.  In 1988 Deb and I went and watched the race in Penticton and cheered others on. I loved the look on people’s faces coming down Main Street as they got close to the finish line. It was a very inspirational day and I remember how exhausted we were from just being spectators!! I think there is something very rewarding about deciding to do something that you are not sure you can accomplish. Ironman scared me in 1989; it was like I put my entire credibility on the line saying I was going to do it. It made that first run down Main Street very very sweet.

 

3. As a sport psychology consultant and speaker, do you feel that mental training techniques are adequately utilized in popular triathlon training programs? 

 

There is a lack of mental training emphasis in most tri books and magazines but that is common across the board with all sports. I think many have come to see the importance of a sound mental training program in triathalon, but there is still a lack of resources out there for athletes and many coaches are not well versed in the techniques used in the development of a mental training program.

 

4. Do you feel training the mind is equally or more important as training the body?

 

It really depends upon your personal make up, your sport, and the level you compete at. Some athletes are easily affected by mental and emotional challenges, some sports are much more mentally demanding, and most athletes as they rise up through the completive ranks, have metal challenges effecting performance. I am working with three athletes in preparation for Beijing right now (equestrian and target sports), they spend and hour or more daily focusing on mental preparation, and we talk weekly. They have not given up any or their physical, tactical or technical training, we have just added another dimension.

 

4. Are you currently training for an event for 2008? 

 

I am doing Osoyoos this summer but have not been training hard for it, and I will do my 6^th Ironman next year as an official member of the 50-54 year old age class!! It will be 20 years since I did my first. I am looking forward to it as it may be my last full length event.

 

5. Last question!  If you could accomplish any athletic endeavour anywhere in the world, what would it be?

 

At this point in my career the endeavour comes down to staying healthy and fit and being able to keep shuffling along. I feel very lucky to still be training and racing given how I abused my body for sport for so many years. I love to travel and travelling as an athlete is a great way to see the world. While I will always have some small personal athletic project in the works, my attention has shifted to assisting others who are chasing the big athletic dreams.

 

Thanks for agreeing to be featured as a KTC Athlete!  Have a great summer

You are welcome, and I will once it eventually arrives!!