Mike Kearney
1. Red Dog AOTM — how do you feel about that?
A total surprise, but I couldn’t be more proud!
There are so many great athletes who turn up every week and are deserving of this nomination, so it’s a real honour to be recognised.
2. When did you join Red Dog, and what attracted you to the club?
My very first track session was in July 2021, and I have to give a shout-out to Foundation Member Hamish Bowman for inviting me along.
Shortly after, the UQ track was under refurbishment, so the New Farm Tuesday sessions were local and easy for me to join. Trent then did what he does best — inviting me along to additional sessions — and before long, I was buying my first road bike and completing a Half Ironman (or two!).
3. How much training do you do at the moment?
At the moment, I swim three times per week, run three times per week, hit the gym once a week and ride once a week.
With Noosa coming up, I better get back on the bike, so I’ll be adding a Wednesday morning ride again shortly!
I’ve increased my swimming significantly over the past several months, and it has gone from being my least favourite session to one of my favourites.
4. What’s your favourite session and why?
Track Tuesdays are always such a great session.
There’s a great group, but you’ve always got to watch out for an athlete improving and trying to take your spot — while I’m trying to get faster to catch the athlete in front of me!
There’s a lot of friendly competition, but also a fair share of heckling, which makes it even better.
5. Who’s your ideal training partner?
🏊 Swim
The Valley lunch sessions — particularly the entire crew in Lane 6 who have pushed me to now be at the back of the fast lane!
They’re always turning up, cracking a joke and heckling me to get faster.
A shout-out to Roger, who is just an absolute great bloke and pushes me every week. Also Jarrod — we pushed each other in Lane 7 and both took the leap into the fast lane at the same time.
🚴 Bike
Darren, Robbie, Steph and Matt, with our weekend rides out to Redcliffe.
Although I need to encourage a few of them back onto the bike!
🏃 Run
We have such a great group at the 5:30 Tuesday Track sessions.
Sean, Tim, Amanda and Mike L have been regulars for a long time and always push me to keep up with them on the best efforts!
6. What’s your favourite motivational quote?
“Discipline beats motivation every time.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to hit the snooze button, but knew I would be quizzed by both Trent and the regulars about why I was missing!
Sometimes, knowing you’ll have to explain yourself is motivation enough.
7. What’s the one bit of advice you’d give to a newbie?
Simply show up.
Even if you’re not 100% motivated on any given day, the team around you will encourage you, and you’ll improve by osmosis.
8. What’s your next event?
After completing the Sunshine Coast Half Ironman for the last two years, I’ve eased off the competition a little this year.
I did, however, complete Bridge to Brisbane last weekend. I’d love to crack 40 minutes for that one day!
Next up is Noosa Tri, so it’s time to get back on the bike.
9. What do you do outside of training?
I have an amazing wife and, when I’m not training, we enjoy regular walks along the river to New Farm Park.
Chelsea is an amazing cook and recipe developer, so I’m very fortunate to always have an endless supply of lunch and dinner ideas – especially when carb-loading for an event!
I also love balancing out all the training with a few cheeky beers with friends on the weekend.
10. What’s your one guilty pleasure?
Definitely sweets!
In my desk drawer at work, I always have a packet of Mars Bars, Snickers or something similar to help me get through the 3pm slump.
At home, I have a dedicated space in the fridge ready for me to smash some more sweets after dinner.
I’d be worried about consuming that amount of chocolate and lollies if I wasn’t training as regularly!