The Ironman Vet
Sam Westhead: The Ironman Vet
1. How and where are you employed in the veterinary profession?
I am employed as a full time vet in a newly formed companion animal practice in Farnborough, Hampshire. The practice is called Castle Vets Ltd.
2. What is your sideline?
Ironman Triathlon, which involves up to 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling and 26.2 miles of running.
3. How did you get involved in your side interest?
I have been involved in triathlon since 1984 but started participating in the long distance event when I lived in Saudi Arabia between 1996 and 2001.
4. What do you enjoy most about this activity?
Going to exotic locations to race. For example, California, Hawaii, Singapore and Florida.
5. What has been your greatest achievement so far in this field?
First place in my age group in the Singapore Half Ironman in September 2008, which qualified me to race for the UK in Florida on 8th November in the world championships.
6. What are your ambitions – immediate and distant – in this area?
My next goal is the London Marathon in April, and I’m aiming for a 2 hour 30 finish. After that will be another Half Ironman, possibly in Florida again, with the aim of getting a place for the world championships.
7. Has your sideline taught you any important lessons?
How to organise my life! Training for triathlon means that I have to live according to very tight schedules: getting up early, out on the bike, shower, food, work, run, food, work, food, sleep!
8. Does it take up a lot of time and, if so, how do you manage this?
Yes, it takes a lot of time! I never believe people when they say that there is no time to exercise. I bike to work (it’s about 25 miles each way and takes less time than driving plus it’s cheaper and environmentally sound) and there is always time for a run or swim midday – quality over quantity –but it does mean that I don’t hang about. Granted, this is not for everyone. I don’t have kids and my relationships often have to take second place. Plus, I’m not militant about training. I miss sessions out if something important crops up, such as CPD or a late surgery appointment., vestibulum molestie quam. Duis velit dolor, congue ac consectetur sed, suscipit vitae leo.
I have very understanding colleagues and always take a phone with me so I can be contacted if there is a problem
It’s in complete conflict with it! But I have very understanding colleagues and always take a phone with me so I can be contacted if there is a problem... And I am within 15 minutes of the clinic in the event of an emergency. I don’t get angry if I do get called back. It’s give and take.
10. Would you ever consider leaving the profession to make a full-time career out of it?
Maybe 20 years ago but there’s no money in triathlon at the level at which I race. The occasional (and very gratefully received – thanks to Vets Now and Veterinary Times) sponsorship deal comes along to help with kit or travel but it’s all privately funded and really just for fun.
11. Are any other veterinary professionals involved in this activity?
Plenty in the shorter distance triathlons but probably not that many in the half or full Ironman races.
12. Would you advise your colleagues to get involved – and, if so, how?
a) Yes! Triathlon is great fun but do the sprint distances (750m swim, 20km bike, 3km run) instead of the full Ironman thing.
b) Don’t let it take your life over; it really is just fun to do.
c) Get your family involved so that they don’t miss out on your company. I used to cycle with my dad when he was running (he’s a vet too) and it gave us time together we wouldn’t otherwise have had.
d) Incorporate training into your daily routine. Run at lunchtime. Bike to work.
13. How else do you spend your time?
Drinking beer in pubs, mountain biking, flying kites, walking my dog, visiting my friend and her Doberman in Devon, fixing my car. I sleep on odd occasions and occasionally read a book.
The Ironman Series
Since it began as a challenge between a group of Navy Seals, the Ironman has grown to become one of the most recognised endurance events in the world. Originally a combination of the Waikiki Rough Water swim, the Around Oahu Bike Race and the Honolulu Marathon, the Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Ironman 70.3 races consist of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.
A couple of weeks after telling us all about his incredible life participating in Ironman competitions, we were very sad to hear that Sam was involved in a serious road accident while cycling. Thankfully, Sam is now on the mend (although the prospects for his bike are less favourable). Sam’s cycling helmet saved his life, and he has asked us to stress the importance of always wearing one, however short the journey.
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