Meet the Yoppers - Craig
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Bloke, 60 years old, a bit skinny with the beginnings of a beer belly. Adore watching West Ham matches in the Globe. Love food, its the only thing I eat! Retired and living the best life.
Do you have a sporting background?
Played pub football when young but nothing until the menopause hit and I couldn’t afford a Porsche so took up running instead.
What's your biggest sporting achievement?
Definitely qualifying for Team GBR for the 2022 World Standard distance Triathlon championships in Abu Dhabi (Vet 60 age group).
How did you become a Yopper?
I was racing and training well on my bike, but my coach kept telling me that strength was the thing I needed to incorporate. I hadn’t a clue where to start with strength and how to learn technique.
What do you enjoy about being a Yopper?
I have known Kate for a long time but my first professional contact was with going to see her in her ‘shed of pain’ for some physio back in 2018 (or maybe 2017). When she launched YOP it was brilliant to be down on Tyne Green doing stuff I hadn’t done in 35 years. It was a natural development to sign up with Kate as my coach as my triathlon goals developed.
How has YOP helped you?
My plan is specific to me and takes in to account my age and physical condition. The game changer has been strength and conditioning.
What's the best thing you've learned whilst being a Yopper?
Its ok to be tired. Eat well and lots when training. Listen to your body. Variety is the spice of training.
What goals do you have for the year?
Unfortunately I am injured and am waiting on spinal surgery which should happen this year (fingers crossed). I can’t go to Abu Dhabi and my training plan has been reduced and my S&C is ‘back’ friendly. In the meantime, I am swimming a lot as it is pain free and am marshalling several events during the summer. It’s nice to put something back into the triathlon sporting scene.
At YOP we are creating BEAR athletes - Balanced, Empowered, Adaptable, Resilient.
What does that mean for you?
I have to focus on resilience. Plenty of S&C to create a stronger musculoskeletal system capable of allowing me to race into my seventies. A focus on form both racing and in the gym will be key to being able to maintain my activities.
Focus for this year:
I have to focus on resilience. Plenty of S&C to create a stronger musculoskeletal system capable of allowing me to race into my seventies. A focus on form both racing and in the gym will be key to being able to maintain my activities.
Favourite YOP Exercise
Cool down! And mobility.