Andrew Schindler
1. Red Dog AOTM, how do you feel about that?
I finally get to sit beside Captain Kirk Purchase! Honestly, I thought this honour would go to someone who wins races. As for me, I’ve managed three third place finishes in my last three events. I’ll take it — and proudly carry the name SCHINDOG in gold rather than bronze.
2. When did you join, and what attracted you to the club?
I believe I joined the kennel around 2015, though I can’t recall the exact year. Since then, I’ve been chasing my tail across all three disciplines of the sport. I was drawn to the club to sharpen my performance, and with so many top dogs in the squad, it’s the perfect place to learn from the best. What I value most is that these athletes are just like me — juggling family, work, and still having a good bark at a tough sport.
3. How much training do you do at the moment?
I do something every day, and no two days are the same discipline for at least an hour per day. It keeps me from doing any “real work” while still marking my territory and maintaining my family with ‘Super-dad’ status. Whether I’m chasing my tail in the pool, sniffing out speed on the bike, or running with the pack, I’m wagging my way through triathlon life.
4. What’s your favourite session and why?
Probably track on Tuesday mornings — it’s always a tough session, but at least you get to wear your everyday fur instead of expensive fancy lycra. Sometimes the coach Trent lets us off the leash for a time trial, then there is the legendary Christmas Rum Can Relay! That’s when I’ve been known to really chase the pack, running at top speed and giving Dimsey and Storchy something to bark about . Sadly, I’ll have to stay in the kennel this year as I’m nursing an injury
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5. Who’s your ideal training partner and why? Swim, Bike, Run.
Chasing Big Kev in the pool, fetching coffee with bike superheroes, and running with the Double D pack — that’s this dogs way!
Swim – Big Kev. He’s simply too good, and I’m always working hard to chase him down. Then there’s the rest of the fast lane crew at Reddog squad sessions — you break me every time, but you also keep me motivated.
Bike – My superheroes: Craig Alexander and Sebastian Kienle. I could never keep up with them, but the post‑ride coffee chat would be legendary.
Run – Then the Double D! Dane and Dae‑mo, when they both show up to track, it’s like being let off the leash for a proper chase.
6. Favourite motivational quote?
I’ve got plenty of favourite sayings and I’m always sniffing around for more to add to the list.
For our sport: “It’s the journey, not the destination — every lap is just another walkies.”
For work–life balance (and sport too): “Make sure you leave some bones for tomorrow!”
7. The one bit of advice I’d give to a newbie is?
Make sure you wag your tail and enjoy the training — the long walkies matter more than the big race day. The preparation is the real bone to chew on; the event is just the fetch at the end.
8. What’s your next event?
I’ve just been to the vet and am now recovering in my kennel. While I’m resting, I can’t help but wag my tail thinking ahead to perhaps Mooloolaba, Challenge Canberra, or an Ironman in 2026.
9. What do you do outside of training?
I’m a proud Super‑dad, training hard to keep my tail wagging and my ‘Super‑dad’ status intact — all so I can fetch endless fun for my 5‑year‑old pup and keep our sleek black cat amused. The pup loves the chase, while the cat prefers to sit back, judge my form, and pounce only when it suits him. Between wagging tails and twitching whiskers, I stay in shape to keep the whole kennel — and cattery — entertained.
10. What’s your one guilty pleasure?
Chocolate — especially in July. I’ve been known to devour a whole family block of Cadbury like a hungry hound, all while curled up in the kennel watching the late‑night Tour de France.