Tristan Talks BWAT, Ironman Triathlons and More

Photo Courtesy of Katie Reed

Tristan has not only had a very busy spring, but he has lots more coming up. In this short interview, he talks about Ballroom With A Twist, those Ironman Triathlon Challenges and what's ahead.  He also has a very important message which is posted at the end of this interview.

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You obviously can learn choreography quickly, but we’re still curious. We've seen pictures of you and Chelsie from BWAT in Kentucky and many of us were lucky enough to see that show. How much time did you and she have to rehearse together for your individual numbers? Would you mind recapping the numbers you performed for those who haven’t seen it?

When it comes to BWAT there is a show schedule like most others and similar running order to the numbers so we did a Waltz, Tango, Rumba and Foxtrot.  The Foxtrot has always been part of the show itself to “Fever” so that dance is always in BWAT by somebody.  The Tango myself and Anna usually perform.  The Rumba is to “Quiéreme mucho” which is always included in BWAT when there is a symphony orchestra like the one coming up in Winnipeg. We have both been quite busy, myself and Chelsie, so we came in the day before the show and the day of the show to rehearse everything for a few hours but we had videotapes that we could learn individually which sometimes is a necessity when you are both so busy or out of town.

We have been reading about your Ironman Triathlon Competitions including the Ironman 70.3 Dublin in August.  How long have you been interested in this type of competition?  How long did you train, what type of training do you do, and how difficult was the triathlon you competed in earlier this month?  

Not too long in all fairness and if it wasn't for my pal being over and doing it I probably wouldn't have got involved. We came back to LA to do the show but everything changed last minute so we said we would stay and get some rest, spend some time in the sun and together as we had been so busy the last year, and then my buddy came and was training here so I joined in and loved it.  I needed a bit of direction and a new focus so the training was perfect.  A lot of swimming/cycling/running obviously was the focus so I spent a lot of time by the sea and the beaches in Santa Monica / Redondo / Hermosa. I started pretty late training I only really got a couple of weeks so I’m putting more time in now before Dublin in August. The hardest part I guess was the unknown of the competition.  For me I just wanted to finish the race again. I’m not competitive. I just enjoy the process so the three disciplines were tough in the heat in Utah and the hills - haha- Saint George is absolutely beautiful though if you ever get a chance to go see it.

You will be competing in the Ironman 70.3 Dublin in August and you will be supporting Focus Ireland in the process.  Tell us about Focus Ireland and the work they do.  

I was looking into doing Dublin straight away after Utah and during the race I was thinking about the next one already. I was having that much fun but what I didn't realize was how popular the triathlon is and that it pretty much sold out as soon as it was announced.  With it being the first 70.3 in Ireland I was raging a bit so I thought I’d miss out on it and also it’s on the first week of our rehearsals for Strictly. A pal of mine from home who was competing in it then told me that Focus Ireland had places open for people to help raise awareness and I thought it was perfect.  I had done some work for Focus Ireland before years back and had been working with an awareness group here for the homeless also so it was a no brainer. I called Strictly and it turns out we have that day off because it’s a Sunday in August so everything aligned properly. Focus Ireland is the largest nonprofit organization in Ireland from Dublin who provide a bunch of services for homeless people like housing and I guess we are trying to break the stereotypes.

What did you find to be the most challenging part of your first Ironman competition? Did you have a strategy or goal? Will you do anything differently for the next one?

I had no strategy, no.  Just don't miss the start of the race and don't drown in the sea. Don't fall off the bike and then don't get cramp during the run or cry at the end. So I done good although I did get a bit of cramp near the end. The temperature is obviously going to be very different in Ireland but I have no extra goals, no, bar raising money for the charity and I will hopefully finish the race again.  I like taking in the scenery and I’m gonna love being back in Ireland so I’ll be training there in July and taking the bike around the country as much as I can.

We haven’t heard much about Pike lately.  How’s he doing?

Pikey is great.  He is a lot bigger than we were expecting but he is a little legend.

Finally, you have lots of travel coming up with BWAT, the cruises, Life’s A Dance, Ireland, more BWAT, and Strictly.  Will you be teaching as well or is your schedule mostly full with everything else?

I barely have time to clean behind my ears these days (I do!) so no plans to do any teaching although on the Holland America cruise I hope to able to fit in lessons while I'm on the ship which I wasn't allowed do before.  Hopefully I can get some done there but other than that I don't really have many days off now until Strictly finished in December. That’s wishful thinking as I could be done as early as week 1.  Haha.


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******IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TRISTAN******

 "I’m getting a lot of messages about social media, and I hope nobody takes anything personal or too serious.  I use my Facebook and stuff like that to keep in touch with family and friends at home so I needed to take that back. I like to keep that private and a lot of things were getting too exposed and old memories were being shared around too much on other sites and pages. I appreciate all the support as always and am happy to answer all the questions but I needed to separate all my personal life from people.  Nobody take it that you have offended me or done something wrong – It’s just all or nothing for me. THANK YOU!"
                                                                                             --Tristan