An Interview with Mark Allen.

When did you start racing triathlon?
In 1982

What was your first race?
USTS San Diego. I was fourth behind Dave Scott, Scott Molina and Scott Tinley. Not a bad start.

What did you do before triathlon?
Athletically I was a swimmer, but very mediocre with no great results.

How do you think triathlon has changed since you raced?
The main thing is that most athletes specialise in either the short or the long distance. When I raced we did all distances and expected to be competitive in all of them.

What’s your favourite aspect of the sport?
It was like a huge puzzle that had to be figured out. How do you do three sports at once and come across the line in first? There are so
many variables to deal with that you cannot think of all of them. So I liked the unpredictability of it all. I also liked the inner element of
Ironman. It was the toughest race, but also the most liberating at the end of the day because it took so much on all the levels of being a human being ...physical, mental, spiritual.

How has triathlon changed your life?
It was a huge part of my adult life growing up for 15 years. I met a lot of lifelong friends through it. It was what led me to the study of Shamanism, which became the key to my success at Ironman and continues to be my main source of good energy and growth as a person.

If you could change one thing in triathlon what would it be?
I would get the sport into schools more so that children could have the opportunity to experience it.

What's your favourite memory from racing?
I have two, both at Ironman in Hawaii. One was the first win in 1989 when I finally beat Dave Scott after seven years of trying. The second was the final Ironman I did in 1995 coming from more than 13 minutes behind off the bike to overtake the lead. This one took all of what I could possibly give to make it happen.

What is is your favourite win?
The two above plus my victories in Nice, France. These were in many ways some of the best memories for me because somehow I was able to win 10 out of 10.

After all the attempts at winning Hawaii did you ever think it’s not meant to be?
For sure. It took all the willpower and trust I had to keep throwing myself back into it, especially in 1989, which was a year that I almost didn't go back ever again. But fortunately I did.

Did you ever dream you would have the success that you did?
I had no idea. I just wanted to cross the Ironman finish line and I thought if I could do that I would be fulfilled. I had a different destiny I guess.

You’ve been described as the greatest triathlete of all time and the fittest man in the world - how do you keep your feet on the ground?
Having a child keeps you humble. Being a parent doesn't allow you to be anything other than human.

What was your worst moment in racing ironman-triathlon?
1988. Dave Scott pulled out just before the race and he was the only one who could beat me. Well, that is unless I got three flat tyres on the bike, which I did and ended up fifth. This was the worst moment for me in Ironman racing.

Why do you think today’s ironman racers can’t run the marathon as fast as you did?
They can, but the race dynamic has to be just right for that to happen. And so far, it has not materialised yet. But it will. Someone will run under 2:40.

Do you think today’s competition is as hot as it was between yourself and the three Scotts?
More so. There are more guys and more variables to deal with. It may not always look like it but it is.

Would you consider racing again?
No. I was totally satisfied when I quit and there was no unfinished racing business for me. I am lucky in that way.

What do you do now?
Speaking to companies, coaching online, teach a seminar called “Fit Body Fit Soul” with Brant Secunda, who was my key to success in Kona.

Can Simon Lessing win Hawaii?
Yes.

Do you know who David Beckham is?
No.

Bikes - Aluminium or carbon fibre?
Steel is real. But for racing I went for carbon fibre.

You were renowned for training hard, what was the hardest session you ever did?
Ironman days. Hour swim, seven biking, 45 minute run. All quite fast.

We’ve heard Dave Scott talk about what he was thinking when he was going to 'kick' in the ironwar race and try to drop you, what where you thinking at the time you left him behind?
I was thinking absolutely nothing. I was just responding to what was going on and something inside said GO and that is what I did.