Episode 91 - Life of an Elite Australian Triathlete with Emma Jeffcoat

Life of an Elite Australian Triathlete with Emma Jeffcoat

Meet Australian elite triathlete Emma Jeffcoat! Ex-surf lifesaving Ironwoman athlete turned triathlete and all round legend.

Emma’s achieved some pretty epic things in her relatively short triathlon career so far.  She represented Australia in her first Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, placing 26th in the individual event and 9th in the mixed Team Relay. She was also named the Elite National Champion and Elite Super Sprint Champion by Triathlon Australia in 2021. Currently ranked 114 in the world (although she’s working hard to climb the ranks post-Covid), with 21 podiums and 13 wins under her belt!

So what’s it like being an elite triathlete? What does a day in the life of Emma look like and importantly, how does she support that with nutrition?

Emma shares very humbly her experiences, the ups and downs and everything in between on the journey to becoming the best Supercharged Triathlete she can be!

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Episode Transcription

Episode 91: Life of an Elite Australian Triathlete with Emma Jeffcoat

Taryn Richardson  00:00

Welcome to the Triathlon Nutrition Academy podcast. The show designed to serve you up evidence-based sports nutrition advice from the experts. Hi, I'm your host Taryn, Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Advanced Sports Dietitian and founder of Dietitian Approved. Listen as I break down the latest evidence to give you practical, easy-to-digest strategies to train hard, recover faster and perform at your best. You have so much potential, and I want to help you unlock that with the power of nutrition. Let's get into it.

Taryn Richardson  00:41

Joining me today on the podcast is Australian elite triathlete, Emma Jeffcoat. Welcome, Emma.

Emma Jeffcoat  00:47

Thank you for having me. It's a pleasure to be on.

Taryn Richardson  00:49

So good. I've actually wanted to have an athlete on the podcast for the entire time I've been running a podcast. But for so many reasons, it hasn't happened. And you are actually the first - the OG. So you can lift the tape, take the first prize, get the win whatever you want to call it. And yeah, congratulations for being the first athlete on the TNA podcast.

Emma Jeffcoat  01:09

Oh, that's actually an honor. That's exciting. I like that. Hopefully I can offer a different or yeah, alternate perspective. So yeah, I'm looking forward to it.

Taryn Richardson  01:18

I couldn't think of anyone better, right? Someone that I sort of know personally a little bit, just, you know, break the ice into the athlete world. But yeah, you're right. I wanted to get your insights today on what it's like being an elite triathlete, particularly from the nutrition perspective. Because you've got some pretty amazing achievements to date. Do you want me to tell the people how awesome you are? Or do you want to do it yourself?

Emma Jeffcoat  01:39

No, I will not be doing that myself. So, I'll humbly leave that one to you.

Taryn Richardson  01:43

Okay, awesome. Well, we could spend a whole episode talking about all the things you've done in your career so far. But a couple of the big ticket items would be Tokyo 2020 in the individual race, as well as the mixed team relay. Currently ranked 116 worldwide. But you've had 73 starts, 21 podiums, and 13 wins and a very, you know, you've only been doing triathlon for ... how many years?

Emma Jeffcoat  02:05

I think it's coming on that seven years with my professional license. So sounds like a lot but in comparison to some. Yeah, relatively quite new still to the sport.

Taryn Richardson  02:16

Yeah, very new. You're just like a little baby in the elite space, but you're not a baby. You got your big girl pants on. You're also named the Australian Elite National Champion in 2021. And the Australian Elite Super Sprint Champion in 2021. Plus, lots of golds in things like Tizzy World Cup, Abu Dhabi mixed team relay, Hamburg WTS mixed team relay World Championships - that was a bronze medal in 2019, Mooloolaba World Cup - I remember you winning that, that time. And so many other races.

Emma Jeffcoat  02:47

I mean, as athletes, I feel like sometimes you just gloss over results. It's probably been the last 12 months that I said to someone I was, oh I don't take podiums for granted anymore. But yeah, it's always humbling when you hear back these awesome achievements you've had over the years.

Taryn Richardson  03:01

I think it's part of being a competitive athlete. You just like, alright, tick, next, what's next.

Emma Jeffcoat  03:06

Literally. I think until COVID when all of a sudden you like pump the brake and didn't get any racing for like what was nearly two years. It put things on its head and actually made you appreciate the smaller things and getting back to racing. And yeah, more the day to day rather than having those cherries dangling in races, like every weekend to look forward to and yeah, and tick off. It became more about the day to day which definitely changed my perspective. But yeah, what a roller coaster.

Taryn Richardson  03:31

What a roller coaster. We'll talk about that today. But you came from a very swim focused background, very good swimmer. You're like a super fish in the water and very strong in surf open water as well. But tell me about your journey into triathlon as an elite triathlete.

Emma Jeffcoat  03:47

Yeah, so you're right. I grew up doing Surf Life Saving and swimming. So Surf Life Saving, my kind of pet event was the Ironwoman. So swim, board, ski, and then you would run through transitions between the three on the sand. So got to that at like a National Australian Team level through high school. And then when I left school and was in Uni. And I kind of always saw myself being a professional athlete, and I just always thought that I would do that through Surf Life Saving. And it wasn't until I did my first triathlon in Year 12 at the All Schools event. So I hired a bike and just had literally, like, lace up runners and I didn't outfit change in between legs. But yeah, my teacher at school entered me because he thought I'd be handy at it. And yeah, made the State Team for Nationals and off I went to Busselton in WA and raced Nationals over there. And so that was kind of my first taste to triathlon and I really enjoyed it. But to me, like I was fully invested in to Surf Life Saving.

Emma Jeffcoat  04:47

And whilst I'd been doing a little bit of cycling and a little bit of running kind of on the side. It was yeah, probably a few years later that my Surf Life Saving coach, we kind of had a heart to heart and he kind of said, you know, what do you want to do? And I said, I'd love to be a professional athlete where I'm actually a professional. I want to be traveling the world, racing the best in the world and getting the best out of myself. And for surf, whilst it's like such a competitive sport here in Australia, it doesn't really offer that. And so he nudged me towards triathlon and taking that seriously.

Emma Jeffcoat  05:16

So, yeah, I got started with a triathlon group back then called HPT, so High Performance Tri under my first coach Mick Delamont and was someone that always trained hard and gave my best. And came into the sport really late in post Junior. So everyone else had done the whole Junior thing and I was coming in like about 20 years old. And I was racing as an age grouper and raced as an age grouper for a few years. And then that's how I earned my professional license was winning Nationals in my age group down in Devonport, which is a race we still race on as elites to this day. So, yeah I've got my professional license in 2014, and started racing with the big girls. And yeah, I guess, never looked back.

Taryn Richardson  05:59

It's such a awesome journey to here. Kind of like an underdog in a way - you come into the sport late, you haven't had that usual development in the sport. Like athletes that are at the same level as you now, they're doing it from like primary school, early day high school, and you're like, yeah, come in late and start smashing it.

Emma Jeffcoat  06:16

I actually think it was a blessing in disguise, because I think it meant that I was so enthusiastic and excited about the sport late. And I feel like I've had that ability to develop other skill sets through surf. Whilst there wasn't that much land based activity, which probably caught up with me later, in terms of, like, then having run loading and injuries happen later. But I feel like it definitely meant my career in the sport is going to be one with some longevity to it now, given I am still quite fresh, and the sport itself still excites me. And I feel like I've still got so much more to give now - at the ripe, old age of 28.

Taryn Richardson  06:54

So old, Em.

Emma Jeffcoat  06:55

I know.

Taryn Richardson  06:56

And did you expect to get to Tokyo or the Olympics in that timeframe or trajectory of your career?

Emma Jeffcoat  07:03

I think it was probably around 2016 where I started ... things started coming together and 2017 I had my first World Series opportunity and I actually came 11th. And I remember that was like a real kind of wake up moment. And I was like, okay, wow, like, I can do this. Like, I can race against the best in the world and actually like race and compete. And I definitely think that was a step in the direction of me being like Tokyo 2020 is a realistic goal to have and to set for myself. And then yeah, in the following year, I went to win like Mooloolaba World Cup and Chengdu World Cup in that 2018 year. And results just came really nicely over that period. So I feel like yeah, Tokyo 100% was like a realistic goal that I was aiming towards and trying to project towards.

Emma Jeffcoat  07:51

And then obviously, we had the hiccup of COVID, which meant it was 2021. And the way my journey shaped over that period, it was probably a blessing in disguise mainly given I had a change in coach in the end of 2019. So it just meant that I had that extra time with my new coach Daniel Stefano to really, I guess, get some work done. And yeah, it came out in 2021 and had some great results and some great form and that got me on the team for Tokyo. And it definitely made a dream come true in becoming an Olympian. But it was probably a dream that came later in life once I got into triathlon rather than being one of those kids that watched, say, the Sydney games and wanted to be an Olympian since they were six. That was probably not me but it definitely was me in probably the more recent years.

Taryn Richardson  08:34

So cool. And what's the next big thing that you've got your sights set on? Like, what's the racing calendar look like for 2023 and beyond?

Emma Jeffcoat  08:42

Yeah, so obviously, this time around, we've got a shorter cycle. So after the five years to Tokyo, it's now three to Paris. So it actually blows my mind that were talking about an Olympic Games next year in 2024. So for me, that's like the next big goal. You know, I'm not scared to put it out there and say that that's 100% what I am aiming towards in getting selected on that Aussie team for Paris. And for me this year, we're in a base block of training now ahead of the international season. And for me, it's all about trying to get some consistent racing back under my belt and improving that world ranking.

Emma Jeffcoat  09:20

You know, I didn't race for nearly two years over COVID and was like stuck in Australia. So my world rankings are definitely suffering at the minute. So it'd be awesome to get back to that World Series level of racing consistently, staying healthy, having fun. And I think, you know, I'm a strong believer in one, the awesome team I've been around me and two, if those underlying factors are then, you know, healthy and happy and looking after myself, that then flows into really consistent training and then that flows into results. And I think if I can do the basics well and have a strong season, then I think that'll set me up really nicely to go after getting selected onto that team next year in Paris.

Taryn Richardson  10:01

You definitely have a good life. Like out of any athlete that I follow on Instagram, you are like one of my favorites to watch because you do such cool things outside of triathlon. It's not just all swim, bike, and run - like, horse riding, lighthouse adventuring, drone flying, like so many cool things. I'm very jealous of your life. But can you give us a sense of what a day in the life of Emma is like. You know, it's not all like happy, fun Instagram shots, like being a professional athlete is actually really tough. Like, walk someone through what a typical day might involve?

Emma Jeffcoat  10:32

Yeah, people always make fun and say like, how do you manage to squeeze like 26 hours in a 24 hour day kind of thing. That's definitely me but you know, I'll put like a clause on that and we'll say Instagram is like a highlight reel. And 100% I am someone that has so many interests and I, like, thrive when I'm having fun and able to do things that give me like enjoyment. Whether that is, as you said, getting away to up the coast to the lighthouse or riding my horse or going surfing. That's what keeps me happy. And I think like a happy athlete is a fast one.

Emma Jeffcoat  11:05

But there's definitely days where it is not glamorous. And they're long days and it's tiring. And that's just the reality of the sport but I do love it. So for instance, Wednesday for me is one of my bigger days. And so this morning, it was a 12 kilometre easy, aerobic run. And then we went into a 5k threshold race pace swim session. And then I had 90 minutes of gym, and then I went and saw my physio for a session with them. And then tonight, we have crit racing, so about a three hour ride all up. And I do the Men's C Grade Crit and then I followed that up with the Women's A Grade Crit. So over an hour, nearly an hour and 10 of racing all up. And the women's race starts at 7:30pm. So by the time I'm home, it's close to 9pm. And it's a massive day.

Emma Jeffcoat  11:40

So that's five sessions! Five sessions in a day.

Taryn Richardson  12:02

Yes, it's a big day. But that's triathlon, right? And I don't know what to do with myself when like we have a recovery day on a Friday and a Friday just looks like gym and a 90 minute easy ride. And I literally finish, and I'm like, what do I do with all this time? So like lo and behold, I've got and got myself a job at the Urban Surf the Wave Pool down here in Melbourne. That's what I'll do, I'll go and work at the pool, and I can use my nursing skills and I can surf before and after work. And I remember my coach is like, you know, you could also just rest.

Taryn Richardson  12:32

Nah!

Emma Jeffcoat  12:33

Exactly.

Taryn Richardson  12:34

So how do you support a day like that with nutrition?

Emma Jeffcoat  12:38

Good question. It's definitely been something that I've worked really hard on the last two years. Like, my journey in triathlon, performance and racing wise, you could almost draw a parallel line in terms of the journey that I've had with nutrition as well. And I've come a really long way and my kind of understanding and my beliefs around nutrition. And also, like, just my daily habits have come so far. It's something I'm actually really proud of, because for a while there it wasn't great and it's been something I've managed to turn around. And like the effects that that we've seen on other factors within my life that nutrition has played a direct role in in terms of whether that's hormones, or bone density, or pure performance has been pretty incredible to see.

Emma Jeffcoat  13:20

So, yeah, nutrition is a massive one. Now I spend nearly an hour almost most afternoons or evenings getting myself ready for the next day. And part of that is packing a lunch box for the next day. And I said to you before we jumped on the podcast, you know, I've got like a cooler esky bag in my car and that's got like, snacks galore. But also like overnight oats, it's got a sandwich in there, it's got a protein shake, it's got snack options. So that I can support the training and also manage the recovery so that I'm able to do those big days and back them up and not fall into under fueling which is something I've definitely consciously and unconsciously been stuck in like negative cycles in the past.

Taryn Richardson  13:59

What do you think has been the biggest shift in your nutrition over that time?

Emma Jeffcoat  14:02

The biggest difference apart from how I view nutrition, and I guess the much healthier relationship that I have with food myself, would be 100% like I'm more proactive, and I guess aggressive around eating. It's all about, like, fuel the work required. So that's the way I view it now in terms of being, like, reactive and almost I would have to earn the right to eat through exercising. Now, it's "I'm going to pre fuel so that then I can go and exercise and get the most out of myself and then I'm going to fuel again post workouts and then recovering and getting the benefits from that session."

Emma Jeffcoat  14:36

And that's something I definitely wasn't doing in the past. And I had to go through some injuries and some RED-S and energy availability mismatch to have to learn that the hard way. But yeah, it's a lesson I'm really grateful in because now I'm so comfortable and confident with sharing that story and trying to educate other elite athletes or age group athletes or anyone really. Even friends of mine when they talk about nutrition, I'm like the first to be like, no, no, no, like you're not skipping breakfast. That's the meal you never skip. So it's been a journey. But it's definitely been a really positive one, especially the last kind of two years.

Taryn Richardson  15:12

I love that you've said that, you know, you're fueling the work required and being more proactive. And I use the word aggressive, too. And it doesn't mean that you yell at your food, but it just means that you are more diligent with your nutrition. Because I see a lot of age groupers fall into that sort of hole as well and that mentality of carbs are bad, carbs are evil, carbs are going to make us fat. And having to earn nutrition is definitely a counterintuitive mindset when it comes to trying to fuel for three sports, not one. Obviously, an elite athlete should have a lot of things nailed but that you've had to go through that journey to learn that too firsthand, unfortunately, you know, some hard lessons along the way. But everyone has those hard lessons, right? And it just prompts you and encourages you to just do better and be better.

Emma Jeffcoat  15:56

And that's exactly yeah, like it very much was like an attitude of, yeah, having to earn the food or then like earning it and still feeling guilty for having carbs. And then all of a sudden you get educated and upskilled and you're like, holy crap, it's almost impossible for me to meet my calorie requirements for the day. And like continuously under meeting that is literally just putting me into like energy availability issues, injury risk, illness, or just not being able to perform in training, so therefore not getting like those adaptations and not being able to back up.

Emma Jeffcoat  16:30

Yeah, like I only recently sat down at the start of this year with the dietitian I work with and kind of re looked at that. And we realised that even, whilst I've made such positive changes, like I still just unconsciously wasn't fuelling quite enough on those big days. And for me, like that looks like nearly 5,000 calories, like on those big days. Like it is huge amounts. But it's again, that education piece and the aggressive kind of proactive fuelling, that once I kind of laid it out, I was like, oh, actually, it makes sense. And it's not hard to meet those like requirements. And I feel like early on too, one of my biggest worries was that I would put on weight from eating so much. And I actually think it's so fascinating to see that I'm fuelling ... like at one point, I nearly doubled my calorie intake and actually over time, put on lean muscle mass and lost fat and ended up leaning down to a more complimentary body composition for racing. And it just blew my mind that I was eating nearly double and wasn't having to restrict my calorie intake to get there. So I think that's something that again, is such an important lesson and sometimes you have to learn that through experience. But yeah, it's been a game changer for me.

Taryn Richardson  17:41

Yeah, it's another great lesson. And something that I talk to athletes about all the time too, is sometimes eating more helps you to fix your body composition, puts on lean muscle tissue that increases your metabolic rate, and therefore you burn more at rest. And then your body composition kind of sorts itself out in a way. You may not want to dive into this and we don't have to go down this hole. But like where do you think the mindset of restriction and having to earn your food comes from?

Emma Jeffcoat  18:08

I feel like for me it came from - and I'm like more than willing to be completely like open and transparent in that, like - I guess I came to the sport from a swimming and surf lifesaving background. And definitely I feel like when I came into the sport, it was more leaning towards, especially in the women's racing, like, quite a lean physique. And there was just really not much to the girls at that point. It was quite biased towards a running race. You weren't really getting those kind of swim bike breakaways at that point that you do see now where it's almost like, you need to be a strong athlete, otherwise, you're not going to be able to like cover the level that the swim, bike, and run is that now at a World Series and Olympic level.

Emma Jeffcoat  18:49

So that was like almost like a cultural piece - I feel like when I came into the sport, in that, that's the way the sport insinuated you needed to be or needed to look like and I didn't look like that. You know, I was broad shouldered, I put on muscle so easily, I'm naturally quite muscular and solid in my build. And you can't change that. Like, I could lean down as much as I like. I'm not changing, like my basic physiology and anatomy. So I feel like I was just throwing myself against a brick wall trying to like make a shift happen that was never going to happen in terms of that body image. But that's definitely where I feel like the restriction and the kind of negative habits around food came from - was trying to strive for like what I saw is like an elite athlete. And what I thought an elite triathlete should look like. I felt like I didn't look like that. So the 'uneducated, younger athlete me' thought the answer to that was just cutting back what I ate and not exercising more, but just doing the exercise we do is enough, right?

Emma Jeffcoat  19:47

So that definitely was a habit I had. And then I guess as a result of that then is when the guilty feelings came in because then when you would eat carbs or you would have finished a long ride and have like adequate fueling afterwards, it's like, why am I feeling guilty for just refuelling after a long ride? Like I would feel good if I could eat less after a long ride. Like it was just really negative and spiraling behavior and I think to an extent, it was probably led by the people I was around - in that other females especially were doing the similar thing to me and had similar attitudes. So that's probably something that in the last few years has been such a positive change to see. And a really big shift in the sport and it's amazing to see. And I think it's like setting us up so well for the next generation of females and male athletes coming through the sport to hopefully have healthier habits and healthier body image.

Taryn Richardson  20:38

Yeah, fit and strong, not skinny.

Emma Jeffcoat  20:40

Yeah, I remember someone saying to me, like, your strength is your strength. Why are you trying to get rid of it? You know, and I was like, yeah, wow, you're actually right. That's exactly it. Like when I play to my strengths and I'm strong and I'm healthy, that's when I race my best. So why am I trying to change that?

Taryn Richardson  20:57

Sometimes you just need things like that pointed out to you in a different way or at the right time that makes you suddenly, like, shift your thinking in that.

Emma Jeffcoat  21:04

Exactly. And it's such a hot topic. I feel like there's so many different bits of wisdom that you could pass on to people in the nutrition space, especially. I don't think as an elite athlete, you're exempt or like above the rest. I feel like very similar. Almost age groupers sometimes have more complex fuelling and nutrition needs, because they're balancing families and full time work alongside full time training hours. It's crazy.

Taryn Richardson  21:28

It is crazy. They don't necessarily train five times a day but they still fit a lot of training into full time work and family commitments. So yeah, it's nuts. And I think it's nice and refreshing for them to hear too, that even an elite triathlete has the same challenges and like even some mental battles around food and nutrition. It's so personal, it's so emotional. And it's definitely not something we're taught at school. And depending on what type of background you come from, you might come from, like a gym background, or a dieting culture or mentality and then you go to do triathlon, and you there's no way you can meet the demands of that sport with that type of mentality around food.

Emma Jeffcoat  22:08

100%. And I think like how long is a piece of string? But, you know, the world we live in now with social media too, like it's really hard to kind of look at an athlete and say, like, people do like 'my day on a plate' kind of thing.

Taryn Richardson  22:09

I hate those things. I hate them!

Emma Jeffcoat  22:23

Yeah, me too. Me too. Just so fake. And I'm like, no way! Like it's a wild world out there when it comes to nutrition. So I just think the more people (that) can be educated with the right people around them and the right information, it's so critical.

Taryn Richardson  22:37

I'm working on it, I'm working on it. So if you're taking your break, and you can do whatever the heck you want for a while, what would be the first type of food or thing that you would do?

Emma Jeffcoat  22:49

I'm such a sweet tooth. And honestly, like I have the same thing for breakfast. Like my first, not breakfast like my first like pre almost like meal one, yeah, literally every day and I love it so much. It doesn't change whether it's race day, or whether I'm on a break and it's crumpets with Nutella and Biscoff. And I took crumpets to Tokyo. That's how much I .... like they're just a staple. And it's just ... literally some days, when I'm like quite tired, and I've got to get up early and I'm like, wake up and then I'm like, every day it makes me excited to like have that first meal in the morning, and it's delicious, and it satisfies my sweet tooth. So there would be chocolate in there or I'm quite a fan of a sorbet ice cream.

Taryn Richardson  23:33

I've seen this obsession with Biscoff. Like I've seen you travel with it all around the world, like jars and jars in your suitcase.

Emma Jeffcoat  23:40

I take it everywhere. I need to get a sponsorship off Biscoff. So if they're listening, hit me up.

Taryn Richardson  23:47

Alright, so you've been to the Olympics already. You are like the Elite National Champion. What's the big goal? Like another Olympics or is there something beyond that? Do you want to go long course one day? Like what's the grand plan? Can you give me some insight into your mind?

Emma Jeffcoat  24:00

Yeah, I think definitely post Tokyo, like it's not so much like tunnel vision anymore in terms of like it all being about like you know, Olympics and like triathlon, triathlon. Like, whilst I am 100% in on trying to qualify again for a second Olympics and looking beyond Paris even towards the Com Games in 2026 down in Melbourne and LA, like I don't feel like that's off the cards at all. But in saying that I also am so excited to give 70.3 a shot and I think it's something that would really suit my kind of physiology. So that's something I'm definitely excited to kind of look at post 2020 for however that year plays out.

Emma Jeffcoat  24:42

So that's definitely something. But I feel like for Emma, as a person, like it's been really exciting post Olympics to take a step back and like do a lot of work on myself. And what actually excites me is like goals I have and like dreams I have for me outside the sport as well. So you know, like I did a nursing degree, and honestly like getting to work in that field and hopefully yeah, like as a Paramedic, or like an Advanced Care Paramedic, that's something to me, that like, now more than it ever did before, is like really exciting.

Emma Jeffcoat  25:13

And just, you know, like I was at one of my best friend's weddings last week. And even that, like I think as I get a bit older, meeting someone and becoming a mum and having a family - like they're all things that make me so excited, and are big dreams that I have that I feel like post Tokyo, I guess my focus just widened that little bit. And it's been really refreshing to take a look at what Emma wants to do as a triathlete but what Emma Emma wants to do as well. So yeah, there's so many big goals and dreams I still have in the sport of triathlon. And I feel like I've still got so much to give. But yeah, definitely have been giving a little bit more thought to also what Emma wants to do after sport. And that's been exciting. And it's something that a few years ago would have been really daunting to me. But, yeah.

Taryn Richardson  25:56

That's so exciting. Amazing what an Olympics does to your mind. I have no doubt that you won't achieve all those things that you set your mind to. Like, you're very humble, but you're also very, like driven and competitive and committed to the things that make you happy, which I love about you

Emma Jeffcoat  26:13

Thank you. Yeah, definitely something I feel like, is me. Like, I'm very dedicated. And I just am such a strong believer in, don't lose sight of the things that make you happy. You know, you don't have to give those things up to be a professional athlete and make it in the sport which I sometimes feel like you might feel you need to or you're like you're not taking it seriously enough. And I feel like if there's one thing that I'm quite proud of, of my whole journey is that I feel like I haven't lost that part of me that has always still just loved adventure and fun and is a bit quirky. And I honestly believe that's what's kept me in the sport and is keeping me in the sport for years and years to come.

Taryn Richardson  26:52

So cool. And you're also very humble and very grounded.

Emma Jeffcoat  26:55

I don't know, I feel like I'm just like everyone else. And I think maybe that's because my journey in a sport, I came to it late and I was an age grouper and went through the racing channels that a lot of age group athletes do. So having been to Uni and doing a nursing degree. I just think lots of elements add just maybe that wider perspective and keep me probably quite grounded or down to earth.

Taryn Richardson  27:16

Yeah, life skills outside of triathlon, which is nice.

Emma Jeffcoat  27:18

Yeah, thank you.

Taryn Richardson  27:20

So any advice for the triathletes listening? Any famous last words?

Emma Jeffcoat  27:23

Great advice. Thank you so much for taking some time out of your massive day, particularly on a Wednesday to talk to me, Emma.

Emma Jeffcoat  27:24

Well, my little motto has always been like, 'Dare to Dream'. And I love that motto but it's less probably about the dreams, more probably about the daring. I just think go after things that make you excited and make you want to get up in the morning and  set goals. And I feel like providing you do that, win or lose, you're always going to get something out of yourself and learn something about yourself, and you're hopefully having fun and enjoying the process. So, one, 'Dare to Dream". And then also, as we've touched on - don't forget to have fun along the way. Life's too short.

Emma Jeffcoat  27:53

My pleasure.

Taryn Richardson  27:53

And good luck for the racing season ahead.

Emma Jeffcoat  27:58

Thank you so much. And yeah, it's been a pleasure. Hopefully I've given some different insights as an athlete and yeah, I'm stoked to be on the podcast today and having a chat. So thank you.

Taryn Richardson  28:16

First athlete. Woohoo!

Emma Jeffcoat  28:18

Woohoo!

Taryn Richardson  28:20

Thanks for joining me for this episode of the Triathlon Nutrition Academy podcast. I would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or want to share with me what you've learned, email me at [email protected]. You can also spread the word by leaving me a review and taking a screenshot of you listening to the show. Don't forget to tag me on social media, @dietitian.approved, so I can give you a shout out, too. If you want to learn more about what we do, head to dietitianapproved.com. And if you want to learn more about the Triathlon Nutrition Academy program, head to dietitianapproved.com/academy. Thanks for joining me and I look forward to helping you smashed in the fourth leg - nutrition!