Chester-based BBC presenter Louise Minchin has admitted to fans that her nutrition is poor when training for triathlons but would not be drawn on the pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre in a Q&A session on the BBC Breakfast Facebook page and Twitter this morning.
Fresh from her challenge representing GB at the IRU World Championships on Saturday (September 19), the mum-of-two was praised for finishing 71st in her age group (45-49) and constantly asked how she juggles work, training and family.
Donna Redding said: “Well done on your achievement in Chicago Louise. How do you find time to train with your BBC breakfast commitments, and time with your family. Do you have a planned diary week by week.”
Louise replied: “I struggle to fit the training in, and yes I do have a plan for it week by week, but don’t always stick to it.”
She admitted that the juggling act is difficult but that ‘patience from my family’ is key to her success.
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Many asked what her plans were for the future, to which she replied: “More triathlons next year, fingers crossed The European Championships, I have a qualifying time but not a place yet. I am already booked in to Leeds next year, Olympic distance, which is the same as Chicago. 1500m swim. 40K bike 10K run.”
Mary Tandy, 59, asked if it was too late for her to take up triathlon.
Louise replied: “I think it is never too late, just start slowly. Good luck.”
Despite being given top tips from Olympic triathlete brothers Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee prior to Saturday’s race, who told her not to change anything or do anything new, the BBC Breakfast presenter admitted the heat in Chicago proved a challenge for competitors and that she learnt a lot from the experience.
She said: “The run in the heat was very difficult and inexperience meant I didn’t have enough to drink on my bike, so I think I started it dehydrated, which really slowed me down. I finished thanks to the fantastic support of the crowds who shouted encouragement every step of the way. It was an incredible experience.”
It was Claire Tucker who asked if she has a training programme and a nutrition plan.
She replied: “I do have a training plan but am very poor on nutrition which I am beginning to realise can make a huge difference."
And Martin Dixon was unsuccessful in his attempt to draw her on local town planning.
Using the hashtag #askBBCLouise, he tweeted: “@louiseminchin - What do you think about the pedestrianisation of Norwich City Centre?” but no answer came the firm reply.
Louise finished the 750m swim in 11.28 mins, 37k bike in 1hr 12 mins and 10.7k run in what she described as ‘a very slow’ 1hr 5mins. She said she loved the cycling but her best discipline is swimming.
