This edition of the 5 minute interview is with a new(ish) member of RAF Triathlon, Jodie Ward. Jodie has only recently taken up triathlon and by her own admission isn't a great swimmer (she only learnt to swim last year, but the improvement she has seen is massive).


1. The reason I started triathlon was...I was offered a free holiday in Lanzarote if I could swim, bike and run a bit. The holiday didn’t end up being free and I needed to swim, bike and run a lot.

2. To balance family life, work and training...I try and train on the way to and from work, or in my lunch time. I also try and get my partner to train with me but he is a bit reluctant (I think it is because I kick his ass!!).

3. Before a race I..have a massive panic attack about the swimming. It is my worst discipline and I worry about being so inefficient in the water that I’ll have nothing left for the rest of the race.

4. During a long training session I...listen to my i-pod and remind myself to relax into it.

5. The last time I stacked it was...not yet, but I have only been doing it this year!

6. My most embarrassing triathlon moment was...nothing form racing but many people have commented on the fact that the only pictures of me from La Santa this year were on the final night drinking in the bar, there seems to be no evidence of my making any training sessions – but we all know about the Tai Chi running!!

7. I prefer...a one piece.

8. Something that not many people know about me is...although I come across as being strong-willed and independent; I let Debs Pratley bully me all of the time.

9. My pet hates are...negativity – bad things happen, it is inevitable, but there is usually no need to dwell and dissect them down to the tiniest detail over and over. I believe that you should take the positive message from any situation and move on with that additional knowledge.

10. The thing that saps me of energy (beyond triathlon) is...negativity in the work place – having a really hard time on my project at the moment.

11. In the event of a house fire I would rescue...my goldfish Tabitha and Templeton.

12. If I could live anywhere it would be... Barcelona. A beautiful city, with a beach, amazing atmosphere and chilled out approach to life and sunshine.

13. My favourite holiday destination is...the beach.

14. My ideal day would be...early start with a training session before breakfast. A leisurely afternoon with friends and family, with yummy cake and coffee.

15. y ideal night out would be...y I admit it, I love the cheesy 80’s club in Bristol city centre, hours of non-stop bopping to awful music that I seem to know all the words to!!

16. My favourite film is...Ghostbusters – suits any mood and there is always a new joke to be found in there. I do have a Ghostbuster fancy dress costume that is home-made and I am extremely proud of!

17. In another life I would have been...Elizabeth I. Very strong, independent, lots of men chasing after her and a wonderful wardrobe!

18. My greatest fear is...losing my ability to be doing a million things at once. My partner often finds me with only one sock on, brushing my teeth, on the phone and making a cup of tea all at the same time – I think that is why I like tri, 3 activities in one race.

19. My earliest sporting memory is...being taken to hospital after being hit in the face with a hockey stick – I still have the scar.

20. My favourite smell is...creosote – just to make it clear, I am not into solvent abuse.

21. If I could time travel I would...re-live my university years as they were the best time my life (so far) and start triathlon sooner.

22. Describe triathlon in 3 words...need more sleep.

23. The most important lesson life has taught me is...you can never have too many friends – talk to everyone, find out about them and there is always something you will have in common.


Wise words Jodie, very insightful. And don't let Debs bully you anymore!

On behalf of Miss Pratley I just want to clarify the alleged bullying situation between Miss Ward and the accused.

Miss Pratley firmly believes that making somebody run hill is not bullying. Likewise suggesting an early morning swim is not bullying. In addition, telling somebody who is racing their first triathlon to stop talking should be considered encouragement not bullying.