Member profile - Jon Horsman

What inspired you to try a triathlon?A bet with a fellow work colleague (very cocky) who needed to be beaten.

Where and when was your first triathlon? What was the distance?London Olympic 15 years ago.

Do you have a favourite race? Swanage is a race you could once turn up on the beach and enter and has fond memories, it requires all the skills required for triathlon and is fair to all disciplines.

Describe your first ever bike Two wheels and very heavy!

Where does your bike live? They all live in the shed

One piece of advice you would give a triathlon newbieRace and train hard but never lose sight of enjoying the experience.

Where's your favourite place to ride?Anywhere hot. (Right: Jon cycling in Spain 2010)

Do you have any pre-race rituals and meals? What are they?In the words of Jacques Anquetil “To prepare for a race there is nothing better than a good pheasant, some champagne and a woman”.

Favourite post-race drink/snack?Anything that doesn’t make me go to a portable toilet.

Do you prefer to train alone or with a group?I have to train mostly alone due to work, but enjoy training with like minded souls.

What do you carry with you when you train?For swim; trunks and goggles, bike; card, phone,cash, get me home gel, run; shorts, top and ipod nano.

Do you run to music? If so, what's your favourite?If alone I always run to music, anything upbeat and edgy!  But never on the track as you need to be in a different zone.

Legs shaved, waxed or hairy?Shaved in race season or when its hot.

Ironman - Yes/No/Again?Ask me a sensible question.

Ironman tattoo - Yes/No/Where?Do you need a tattoo to remind you of pain!

What do you do in the real world, outside triathlon?Coach and look after Harry and Elle, I also enjoy a holiday.

Three people you'd like to have dinner with?Groucho Marx, Oliver Reed and George Best.

What are you currently reading?“How I won the yellow jumper” Dispatches from the Tour de France by Ned Boulting.

What was the last film you saw?“ Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy”

What’s next for you?Help Sheila complete the Marathon, help Harry and Elle reach their sporting goals and continue to enjoy racing.