Annie Emmerson talks to Michelle Parsons, Bronze Medallist at last year's European Long Distance Duathlon Championship and the current Powerman World Series women’s leader.

If you’ve ever thought you didn’t have enough time in the day, well think again! Superwoman, as Michelle Parsons has been affectionately named by her friends (and coach), is primarily a mum, and a great one at that. Both her girls are bright, bubbly, academic and sporty. She runs a very organised house with, of course, a little help from husband Phil, who also participates in a bit of triathlon and duathlon. She works 20 hours a week as a sports therapist, treating a wide variety of patients, including Tom Lowe (national duathlon champion). By most people’s standards that would probably equate to a pretty full week, but for Michelle this is only where it starts! She also trains very, very hard (about twenty hours a week ) even by a full time athlete’s standard. Michelle’s background in sport was in athletics and cross country until her late teens. Then, after having the girls, she took up cross training and indoor rowing competitions. In 2000 she decided that it was time for a change and a new challenge, so she took up triathlon and duathlon. This year she has set herself another new challenge and will be stepping up the distance when she competes for the first time at at the Ironman distance in Nice!

AE In the last eighteen months you have gone from being an excellent age group duathlete (Michelle is a World and European duathlon gold medallist) to a highly successful, long distance elite duathlete. Was this a bit of a surprise or was it something you expected?

MP Not so much as a surprise, because I knew what I had to do to become an elite long distance duathlete and I have really worked hard to achieve what I have done so far.

AE What do you think was key to breaking into elite level racing?

MP Several factors. Firstly using you as my run coach – my running has improved massively since we have been working together. Secondly, using Phil (my husband) as my bike coach – he sets the sessions and we ride out together (usually me hanging out at the back!!) And thirdly, I have stopped doing huge upper body weight sessions (from my cross training years) and the muscle mass that I had has slowly come off and allowed me to move more freely as a runner (and swimmer!!)

AE Do you ever think your life is to hectic?

MP No, not really – I am not one for sitting down and doing nothing anyway – there is always something to do.

AE How on earth to you juggle being a wife, mum, sports therapist and elite athlete?

MP Time management – it is second nature to me.

AE Can you give us some tips

MP I have a set routine of work hours and the girls’ school hours (with extra curriculum) – so training slots in around it all. I usually prepare my kit, drinks, etc. the night before so when everyone has left for school and work – then training starts straight away, followed by shower, food then work.

AE Are your daughters interested in Tri/Du?

MP Yes they are – both are superb swimmers and runners – but they also row on the river with the rowing club, play hockey, netball, cross country, karate, piano – they will choose what they want to do and settle on one at some stage – until then we are the taxi service to all...!

AE Surely sometimes you must get really tired do you have a special diet – be honest, we don’t mind you mentioning Diamond White, which we know is your favourite drink!

MP I do get tired sometimes, but doesn’t everyone?  No special diet as such, just normal healthy eating – but I do have a passion for cheese and red wine, it used to be Diamond White but I decided to give it up (after 15 years!!)

AE Oh no, you’re not taking things too seriously are you?

MP No, I can challenge you on it any day!

AE How many hours sleep do you get a night?

MP Enough – Phil my husband thinks I suck the sleep out of him in the middle of the night – I get up earlier, but he looks more tired!

AE What’s enough?

MP 7 hours is a lot – you adapt when you have children and get used to less sleep, the last time I had a blissful lie in was the morning before I went into labour 14 ½ years ago

AE We know that last year was a big birthday for you (40) – do you think this hinders you in anyway in your racing and training?

MP Absolutely no way whatsoever, I feel as though I am getting stronger and faster.

AE What are your dreams and aims for 2007?

MP I would like to achieve some more podium places in the Powerman Races this year – and in the middle of all of this I am doing Nice Ironman! I tell myself that it would be good just to finish it, but I do feel as if I’m capable of actually racing it and not just competing to finish and for fun. A top five finish would be awesome, and I’m sure with your help with respect to the swim and run, and Phil with the bike, it will be achievable!

AE You mentioned earlier that Phil also trains and races, do you train with him?

MP Yes, he is a good training partner: he says and I do (or follow). Phil does do triathlon and duathlon and he will also be doing Nice Ironman.

AE Sporting heroes and why?

MP Sir Steve Redgrave, I have met him a couple of times (in my previous indoor rowing life) and have a lot of respect for him – the hard work he and his team mates did in their training, his diabetes, his lack of youth as he still gained gold medals, and he is such a nice person.

AE Any advice you would give anyone who is new coming into the sport, but also has a very busy life like yourself?

MP Most importantly enjoy it, there is no point in doing it otherwise. If you want to improve in certain areas, whether it be swim, bike or run, there are plenty of clubs and coaches all over the country who are willing to help you. Set yourself realistic goals – even if it is just to finish. Triathlon and duathlon are extremely sociable sports, whether the athletes are elite, top age groupers or novices everyone is happy to help and cheer you on – it’s a great sport!.