Kerry Cousins is a big-hearted and caring triathlete from Secret Harbour, WA. Not only has she been awarded an Australia Day Medallion, she can make a killer cheese board or grazing platter too.
Kerry is the loyal type of training buddy we would all love to have by our side when things get tough. Read her story and you’ll know why we love supporting this determined triathlete on the rise…
How did you discover triathlon?
In 2019 a friend and I did Triathlon Pink. I’d done plenty of swimming and running but minimal cycling. My first triathlon was done on a mountain bike. Shortly after this I decided I would do the December IM 70.3. I ended up doing the one in October instead. The 70.3 was my second ever triathlon, needless to say I’m hooked.
Why do you love triathlon, and what motivates you?
I’ve never been one to do things by halves… why do one sport when I can do three at the same time. What motivates me? I like to feel fit and strong. I have spent a lot of time living with chronic pain which thankfully I am now mostly free from.
“Triathlon reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to”
What are some of YOUR challenges?
The main challenges have been the two cervical spine disc replacement surgeries I’ve had in the last three years. I’m not fast and I will never be on a podium but I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to be pain free and is able to get out and do the things I enjoy.
What are your results and racing highlights so far?
Finishing my first Ironman 70.3, 6 months to the day after my second disc replacement surgery.
Having my daughter tell me that I’ve done a great job when I personally feel like I’ve had a rubbish race.
What race destination would you love to go to?
I would love to race an Ironman 70.3 in either Vietnam or Canada
What’s your big goal?
My big goal is to eventually do a full Ironman – hopefully in 2022. Smaller goals are to enter a team in the Port to Pub swim and swim the full Busselton Jetty Swim next year.
Do you have a training group?
I train with Never Look Back Personal Training and some of the BK Performance Team who live local to me. My trainer Jamie Smith and Coach Blake Kappler are both brilliant. They keep me motivated mentally and physically to keep going and achieve my goals.
race nutrition advice?
Pre-hydrate is the big piece of advice I give, that and listen to your coach – he knows all the tricks.
favourite nutrition tips?
I plan my meals for the week on the Friday, then I shop to that plan and I meal prep on Sundays.
Lower carb on easy training days and add in some clean carbs on the harder days.
favourite workout music when training?
I have a dedicated song list that I listen to when I’m running – at the moment the favourite song is Caution by the Killers. My Ironman motivation song is Unbreakable by Birds of Tokyo.
Who inspires you?
People who manage to overcome the obstacles in their way to be who and what they want to be.
If I had to pick a person involved in the sport it would be Elle Goodall @elle_goodall
If I had to pick one person overall it would be my daughter. She has dyslexia but does not let that define her. She is strong and smart and super resilient.
“She will do great things because she believes she can”
What is your favourite training session?
Saturday long rides with Mick (my partner)
What do you do with your time when not training?
We love to go on road trips – the plan is to one day pack it all up and travel around Australia.
“She believed she could, so she did”
@kezcuz
try KERRY’s favourite Bindi products:
try KERRY’s favourite bindi recipe
