Gabrielle Deere

Managing Director

I started running like everyone else because I wanted to be strong and healthy and I like my food. Never a natural athlete - in fact, I avoided running at school!

But with the advent of gym based aerobics, my fitness career began and in 1989 I became a fully qualified aerobic instructor in matching lycra, leg warmers and headband. Jane Fonda would have died for my wardrobe!

What did I love about teaching Aerobics? The music, the camaderie but best of all was watching people get fitter, leaner and feel good about themselves. And it made my day when the big baggy sweat pants were thrown away in favour of a leotard!

But as with all good things my real job in Retail consumed my time so I had to give up the teaching and find something that fitted in with my busy lifestyle. Then I found running, anytime, any place just put on those trainers and head out!

I discovered the pleasures of running in new places and I am proud to say that I have gone out running in some exotic places - Cuba (I actually bought my 201 Garmin, set it up on the beach and then measured Varadero!); Dominican Republic, Thailand (and was chased by wild dogs, so did very good time), Rome (from the Colosseum to the Vatican along the banks of the Tiber). In fact wherever I have travelled I always pack my trainers!

But what made me even more passionate was joining a running club. Yes I was petrified, I didn't think I was good enough. How wrong! Wootton Road Runners made me feel welcome and taught me so much about running.

Then I started to enter races, first the local Grand Prix and other races until finally I did my first marathon in New York. I loved it!! So then came London and my PB which won me a Good For Age place!

But I have made some great friends and love nothing better than getting up at the crack of dawn and running 22 miles in winter with those friends! Now I coach with the club and I hope that I give back some thing of the support I have and inspire other runners to achieve their goals.

I set up Trirunning because as a keen runner and supporter of triathlons, and after many years in Retail decided to offer the athletes of Northamptonshire their first Triathlon and Running Shop.

I believe that everyone from absolute beginner to elite athlete, should have access to the very best clothing, footwear and accessories. That's why everything we stock is chosen because it offers the latest technology and is at forefront of athletic achievement.

Alastair

Sales Assistant

Hi I'm Alastair. I'm a keen cyclist, with experience of triathlon and running. It all started when at the age of 16, I built up a Raleigh road bike from Scratch. I remember my dad managed to get the frame off one of the directors of Raleigh bikes for a few boxes of golf balls!!

Since those early days of riding with the local cycling club in the Peak District and Lancashire, coupled with the excitement of racing the local clubs evening 10 mile time trials, I've never really looked back.

However, it wasn't until my early twenties that I started to take my racing more seriously, competing in road races and time trials from 10 miles up to 100 miles. I also managed to finish my one and only (so far) 12 hour time trial around this period.

After a few years of bike racing, I started looking for fresh challenges; it seemed only natural to try my hand at multi sport racing. So, in 2001, I started racing Olympic distance triathlons and duathlons. The next few years were spent racing not only multi sport events, but also time trials and the odd run race from 10k's up to half marathon distance. Eventually though, the lure of the Ironman grabbed me. Which meant the majority of 2007 was given over to long distance training for my only (and never again!!) appearance at Ironman Austria. Since then, I have gone back to riding my bike enjoying the competitive side, group training sessions and even the odd spot of touring.