Luke Gillmer – Triathlete

Perpetuem has really simplified my race preparation. Now I only mix up one bottle to get everything I need nutrition is the last thing on my mind. I can spend more time concentrating on other aspects of getting ready and focusing on my race strategy. I never get an upset stomach so I know I’m always going to challenge the other guys to the best of my ability. Running out of energy during 70.3 used to be a real issue but now I’m confident I can give it everything then still find more at the end of the race to get that podium spot.

1. What are your sporting aspirations?
My goal is to race the best athletes possible at 70.3 distance triathlon. I feel that racing in the biggest events, against the best athletes brings the best of the best out of me and provides the opportunity to test myself against the top. I want to race on every continent and find unique courses and events.

2. Who is your sporting hero?
When I was a kid I followed Kieren Perkins. He is a tremendous role model and achieved so much in his career. In triathlon I am a big fan of Jasper Blake and Mike Neill. These guys have done it all in Ironman and are 2 guys I look up to and I know I can drop an email at any time I need for advice.

3. What is your favourite race? Why?
The Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence Olympic triathlon in Victoria Canada is a favourite of mine. This race is the oldest in Canada and held around Elk Lake. The scenery there is just gorgeous but the best thing is the atmosphere at this race. It is such a positive experience and everyone involved in this event will vouch for that.

4. What is your greatest sporting achievement?
I still rate completing my first ever 70.3 event in Port Macquarie in 2006 as my greatest race. I had no idea what I was getting myself in for. I raced the entire event with my great mate Byron. Crossing that line, in pouring rain, completely exhausted was an emotional experience and something I am very very proud of.

5. What Hammer Nutrition products do you use?
On race day I use a combination of a 1 bottle mix of Perpetuem (Orange Flavour) and Hammer Gel Tropical with Caffeine. I keep the strategy pretty simple in racing and Perpetuem is the key to my strategy. I also usually take Endurolyte tablet late in the bike to avoid cramping on the run (especially if it is hot). For training I still use Perpetuem however, I love my Hammer Bars for my long rides, Cashew Coconut Choc is my favourite flavour here. I love these things for training. I also use Recoverite after my sessions. So it is a pretty big group of products I use. I like different products for different purposes and training/racing situations.

6. Why do you Hammer Nutrition?
I started with Perpetuem after having some major nutrition issues when I started racing professionally to try simplify what I was doing and to ensure I was taking in enough categories without feeling sick. This product changed my nutrition strategy and is the main reason I use Hammer. I also love that Hammer Bars are made with all natural ingredients, and I love the taste of them too.

7. Favourite Quote:
My coach Clint Lien said to me once about a training session “put your soul into it” this one is a classic and if I have a really hard session I think about Clint saying this, have a chuckle to myself, get focused and put everything I have into the workout or race. Another quote I really like comes from Brett Sutton he says “Some sessions are stones and some are stars, but they’re both rock and we build with them” So whenever I have a bad session or am a little disappointed with my effort I go back to this and it helps put everything in perspective.

Sporting Achievements

2009/2010

  • 1st British Columbia Amateur Long Course Championships, Canada
  • 2nd NSW Amateur Long Course Championships
  • 2nd Sooke International Half Ironman, Canada
  • 3rd Banff International Triathlon, Canada