In 1995 he retired from cycling and in 2006 he took to the triathlon lifestyle. Growing up in South Africa, this gentleman is a husband and a father and he will be racing in Clearwater, Florida 70.3 this year. Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome: Robin Frankland

KK: Robin, please tell our readers a little about yourself. Where did you grow up?

RF: Cape Town, South Africa although my father was a traveling man, something I have inherited, so I lived all over South Africa in my formative years

KK: What sports did you play growing up?

RF: Cycling, Athletics (1500m), Cricket, Tennis, Baseball, Cross-Country, Soccer, Squash, just about anything that involved a ball.

KK: What is your academic background?

RF: High School with some diploma studies in Project Management

KK: When did you start doing triathlon?

RF: 2006 as part of a dare by a friend. I had been pretty inactive since 'retiring' from cycling in 1995 and was horribly out of shape

KK: What is your favorite triathlon race? Why?

RF: Ironman Western Australia, although I have only done it once. The bike course just sets up so perfectly for me and the people of Busselton are amazing.

KK: What does a day of training usually consist of?

RF: Weekday's its 4AM wake up call followed by 1-2 hours of running or biking. Lunch time I dash off for an hour in the pool and when training for an Ironman event I may take in another hour of running or biking in the evenings. Weekends I do a long run on Saturday and a long bike on Sunday with a brick run thrown in every 3 weeks.

KK: What types of challenged does training in South Africa pose?

RF: It's not that much different to other parts of the world. We have the same challenges with motorists which tend to keep me indoors on the turbo during the week but other than that it's fine.

KK: Is there a strong triathlon community there?

RF: Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and there are large numbers of children participating in the sprint and off-road events. Ironman racing (full and 70.3) also has its own clique of ultra-distance junkies and both local 'Ironman' events are heavily subscribed.

KK: What race would you recommend to someone if they came to South Africa for a race?

RF: Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth. It has established itself amongst both the local and international community and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay are the friendliest in South Africa. The organizers, Triangle, also put on a world class show which makes for a hassle free event (if you don't count the 140.6 miles of course)

KK: What is WHASP?

RF: Whasp is a locally made range of nutrition and hydration products. They are similar to many of the major brands out there with the key differentiator being the use of amino acids and protein. They also happen to be my main sponsor to whom I am extremely thankful (see www.whaspgel.com).

KK: When you are not training or racing what types of thing do you like to do?

RF: I am a husband and father so I try spend time with the family when I am not training. My two boys are very active and keen sportsmen so it usually involves hitting a ball or running around. I also yearn for the perfect cup of coffee and can quite easily spend a few hours in the pursuit thereof.

KK: What is you idea of the perfect race?

RF: One where I win? I am not sure the perfect race exists but given that my weakest discipline is running I would have to say one where I am able to run strongly to the finish and to be greeted by my family and friends.

KK: Have you ever had to overcome any injuries?

RF: I have been very fortunate in this department and have only had the occasional strain and niggle. I am not a big fan of the RICE method and tend to just continue training through most minor injuries.

KK: What is the funniest thing you have done in a race?

RF: I probably need to lighten up a little because I am always too serious when racing. I was a bit of a clown in my cycling days but that was a long time ago. Perhaps the funniest thing I have ever seen at a race is a new triathlete about to undertake his first open water swim with his wetsuit on backwards (zip up the front).

KK: Where do you spend most of your time training?

RF: Just north of Johannesburg. From my house I can be out of town in 10 minutes and enjoying the beauty of the African bush in and around the Cradle of Humankind

KK: What is your greatest triathlon accomplishment?

RF: I have a 9h17 Ironman PB and finished 3rd in the 35-39 age-group at Ironman 70.3 South Africa this year but I would have to say my greatest accomplishment was my 7th place at the ITU World Long Distance Championships in 2006. I had been in competing in triathlon for less than a year and despite a dose of flu the week before the race still managed a good result.

KK: Who is sponsoring you this season?

RF: I am part of Team Whasp whose sponsors include Orca, Puma & Triathlete Magazine South Africa. I also ride a Planet-X Stealth thanks to the kind folk at www.planet-x-bikes.co.za

KK: Best advice anyone has giving you?

RF: It's not so much advice as Tom Flemmings famous quote - "Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you race him, he will win."

KK: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved with triathlon?

RF: Go for it! There simply isn't anything else I would rather be doing.

KK: What is on your schedule for 2009?

RF: Being in the southern hemisphere our summer is drawing to a close so its back to base training before I head off the Perth for the World Long Distance Champs and then onto Clearwater.

KK: What else would you like our readers to know about you?

RF: Check out my website www.trilifeadventure.com or follow me on http://twitter.com/TLAdotcom

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