Selsmark’s Tri-Addiction
A split decision to try a triathlon changed this Funkita athlete's sporting life.
Funkita athlete Alise Selsmark may have started triathlon on a whim, but now the professional triathlete can't imagine her life without the sport. Having spent her childhood and teenage years heavily involved in competitive swimming and middle distance running, Selsmark was taking a break from sport when she saw an advertisement for an eight week women's triathlon training course.
"I saw the ad and thought to myself 'yep, I can commit to eight weeks just for fun!' The training course led to a women's triathlon where I placed second and from there my competitive nature quickly kicked back in and I was hooked," Selsmark reveals.
Alise wears Mosaic Magic X Fit Crop and Electric Runner7/8 tights.
She found herself signing up for more races and gradually increasing the distance. By 2015 after meeting the criteria to receive a professional license, Alise raced her first triathlon as a pro at the Mandurah 70.3 Half Ironman finishing in fifth place.
Alise breaks her training into blocks and mixes it up depending on her racing schedule. Her typical training week consists of four swims, three bike sessions, three to four runs, one brick session (which is a bike session and then a run straight away) and two to three gym sessions. Recovery is crucial so she ensures that she never misses her massage appointments and follows a strict nutrition plan.
Alise wears Black Bondage Rapid Racer 3/4 tights.
Alise's is racing Ironman 70.3 Bintan in Indonesia on August 28 before re-locating from Perth to the Sunshine Coast to continue her training. She's excited about the move as she hasn't lost any of the enthusiasm that attracted her to triathlon in the first place.
"I love that it challenges you daily both physically and mentally. Sport changes you from the inside out and helps you to grow into a strong, confident and resilient person. Triathlon builds character and teaches values that you draw on in all the other areas of your life," Selsmark says.
Alise wears Mosaic Magic X Fit Crop and Electric Runner7/8 tights.
Alise's Top Tips for Triathlon Newbies!
- Have fun! It's great to have big goals but be sure to enjoy the process.
- Surround yourself with a positive and supportive group of people.
- Get a good bike seat (trust me on this).