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Personal Information:
What is something most people don’t know, or would be surprised to learn, about you?
I have dual citizenship with Canada and USA.
What is an accomplishment that makes you proud?
My 3rd place finish at Florida 70.3 in 2011. After struggling through my first year as a pro, I was doubting whether I was good enough to be pro. This was the first race where things came together. I was so happy to make the podium and finally feel like I could do it! Never give up!
What motivates/inspires you?
Setting slightly scary goals and going for them! Helping others achieve work toward goals.
What is your personal mantra?
Don’t let anything stand in the way of you dreams.
What person has most shaped your life, why?
My parents, they have always encouraged me and given me opportunities to improve myself.
Where are the best places to follow you online?
Web: heatherleiggi.com
Facebook: Heather Leiggi
Twitter: @hleiggi
Instagram: @hleiggi
What is your favorite Amrita Bar?
Mango Coconut
What is your day job?
Professional Triathlete, Multisport Coach, Physical Therapist
What is your location?
Delaware
Are you plant-based, why or why not?
No, I enjoy eating a variety of foods. I do eat meat but try to base the majority of my diet around plants. I have trouble keeping my iron levels up and the best way I have found to do this is keep some red meat in my diet.
Athletic Information:
What sport do you compete in?
Triathlon
How did you get started in your sport?
Was active in soccer as kid and moved to a city with no girls soccer team so I took up running. Quickly, I fell in love with it. I competed all through High School and College (Bucknell Univsity) and then discovered triathlon when I graduated from college and was looking for a new way to be challenged.
Why did you continue with your sport?
Love for the challenge!
How did you get into teaching/training others?
When I started in triathlon, the sport was so new and didn’t have many people to go to for advice. I love passing on my knowledge and passion for the sport.
What is your favorite workout, why?
I love hard bike intervals! 5x5min hard as possible with 5min rest. A great last hard workout to do leading up to a olympic distance or half distance ironman.
What affect has Amrita had on your training?
Amrita encourages me to follow a nutrition plan because I actually enjoy eating while training! and I know I am putting good ingredients into my body.
What is your favorite race, why?
I love any races at the beach!
What is your pre-race / warm-up routine?
Eat a breakfast I have practiced with and know will digest. Stay hydrated. Do a short run and swim to get the HR up. Remind myself of my goals and what I need to do to execute a good race on that day. This helps keep the nerves at bay. Think back to a few of my best workouts leading up to race day to give myself a boost of confidence.
What gets you most excited to compete?
The opportunity to be faster than last time and show off all the hard work I’ve done!
What gives you an advantage over your competition?
I have a lot of athletic experience so tend not to panic when things don’t go as planned.
What are some resources you use for information on training, diet, etc?
I look to my experience, mainly.
What are your goals for 2015?
Kona!
What are the most important races you have scheduled for 2015?
Ironman South Africa-March 29th
Ironman Texas-May 16th
Ironman Frankfurt-July 5th
Advice to others:
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given – and would be eager to pass along to others?
The race is not over until it’s over. Coming from a running background, swimming has been a struggle for me. I’m always coming from behind so I’ve learned to never give up until I cross that finish line. You never know what is happening ahead of you. I’ve been surprised many times to find myself suddenly in the thick of the race. With ironman racing, it’s a long day too so you can feel terrible one minute and great the next. So just keep moving forward!
What tip(s) do you have for new athletes?
Surround yourself with people who have experience, gather as much advice as possible and work your way up through the distances.