Mar 19, 20203 min read

Ultraman Triathlete - Tim Wilkinson -The Knight of Sufferlandria

Updated: Sep 21

Meet Ultraman Triathlete Tim Wilkinson

When I first met Ultraman triathlete, Tim Wilkinson, I was on an evening stroll with the family. I was sitting watching the sun that was just about to set over the ocean. I heard my wife say something about Ironman. I broke my gaze from the ocean view and saw a guy wearing an Ultraman World Champion trucker hat-wearing sunglasses. Like I always do, I greeted him and introduced myself. He took his sunglasses off and I squinted just a little to get a better look at his face. I immediately said; "Hey your Ultraman triathlete Tim Wilkinson!!". Tim was modest and was trying to figure out how the heck I knew of him.

Social media is a funny thing, it connects us to people who some pretty amazing things. I was following Tim's quest from Ultraman in Penticton to World Championships in Hawaii. An incredible journey to watch. His commitment to his sport was amazing and very motivating. He was very candid about his training and emotions on Facebook.

The Ultraman is a three-stage three-day event. The first day is a 6.2-mile swim followed by a 90-mile bike ride. Stage two, day two is a 171.4-mile bike ride and day 3 stage three is a 52 .4 mile run. Tim Wilkinson is a local Vancouver Island triathlete that has raised the bar in endurance sport while motivating and inspiring the people around him. His journey to Ultra was awe-inspiring and we are excited to share his interview.

Even as an Ultraman your career in the sport of triathlon must have a beginning somewhere. How did you get involved in triathlon ad what attracted you to the sport?

I first got into triathlon by way of running, long-distance running. I ran 50 miles, then a 12 hr race and a 24 hr race. Thinking way down the road, I wanted to continue running.

Entering triathlon I had no formal swim training, I thought anyone can ride a bike, and for starters, I loved running. Plus the idea of getting to ride a cool bike !!

How did you balance training and life preparing for such a big event like Ultraman?

Balance is a learned process. I’m married with 2 girls. I race alone, but it is a family commitment. Early morning runs and rides. There were lots of rides where I’d leave 2-3 hrs before my family, then they would leave in a car and catch me 100+km up the road. From there we would have family time.

I’ve never had a problem “being in my own head”, but music makes it much easier. Tim Wilkinsin

Every athlete is a nerd when it comes to training. What is your favorite gear to train with during your swim, bike, run, or rest & nutrition?

My Sponsors:

Do you have any future goals or races you want to manifest for the future?

The next race is Ironman Canada in Penticton in August 2020. After that, I'm hoping to do a double Anvil (2 Ironman’s all the swim, then all the bike, then all the run).

Any words of wisdom for any athlete that would like to work towards Ultraman distance triathlons?

Go into the race with the attitude “Die First. Then Quit.” Tim Wilkenson

Be prepared to put in the training, get used to going harder than you previously thought. Get used to training with a tired body - very necessary. The biggest training week was 18-20 hrs.