RICKY STILES | TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR/ CERTIFIED TRIATHLON COACH
Where do you live?
Living happily in Moncton, NB. It is so central to everywhere else.
What position do you hold on the board?
Training Co-Ordinator/ Certified Triathlon Coach
When did you start competing in triathlon?
I’m not exactly sure the year I started but think it was around 2010. It has been a wild ride since with plenty of competitions in Sprint, Olympic, and 70.3 distance races.
Who is your favourite sports hero?
I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking about sports hero’s but athletes like Lionel Sanders that have such an impressive life story are my favorites.
What is the best part about competing?
I think it is the competition aspect – not against a friend or another athlete but myself against the course. Each race course is different and requires a unique race strategy which makes them fun to do.
What is your favourite sports quote?
I don’t have one.
Who do you wish was watching you compete at all your events?
No one in particular. For me, I think having people there adds extra pressure to the already stressful race. I can be pretty hard on myself to perform come race day.
What is your favourite song to listen to – to get you pumped for competing?
On race mornings, I like to just chill and not hype myself up to much. I find the calmer and more collected I am, the better I do. Usually 30 minutes before the beginning of the race, I will find a quiet spot to be alone and just meditate and review the race course and game plan in my mind.
What is your favorite Triathlon race distance?
I think it is a 70.3 (Half Ironman) for sure. It is the perfect middle distance race for me – not too short and not too long. It gives you time during the race to really get settled down and comfortable for each leg of the event.
What is your favorite race?
This is a tough question! I really like the 70.3 Quassy race in Connecticut. It is a very fair rolling hills course with the swim in a beautiful clean lake. I remember one occasion during the race there were baby sheep that had gotten loose from their pen and had to be gathered up. It was really funny.
How/Are you staying fit, healthy, and happy during this pandemic?
For me, the biggest thing is connecting with nature. Spending time outside in the spring/summer/fall walking, hiking, and exploring whether alone or with friends makes a huge difference. In the winter months, snowshoeing is my go-to activity usually. Yoga and meditation regularly play a role as well in keeping my mind and body in balance.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sport of triathlon?
Definitely! I love to read about new things, play other sports like squash, badminton, racquetball & volleyball and go hiking around the Maritimes with the dog.
What is your must-have training accessory?
I would have to say a Power Meter. It really helped my training. It is hard to use excuses when your are training to a ‘power output’ number.