Getting to know Triathlete Misha Young
Misha Young's dynamic personality is a driving force in his athletics, daily life and professional endeavors. He has his eyes set on his first 70.3 on the white sandy beaches and turquoise water of Sardegna Italy. This Ironman triathlon offers not only a beautiful swim run but also a deceivingly hilly bike. We wish him the very best but are very excited for him as well. We caught up to Misha recently to learn a little more about him, his training and a bit about his favourite gear he trains in.
Tell us how your athletic journey began and what you are training for today.
I started swimming in my elementary school swim team, we only had two meets a year, but those were by far my favourite moments from school (aside from recess obviously). My best friend at the time, and my now training buddy, suggested I try one of the youth triathlons with her. I don’t remember much from those races, but the one thing that sticks in my mind is how terrible I was at running. I don’t think I was able to run (let’s be honest it was a light jog) more than 400m before having to stop for a rest.
After my glory days doing those youth triathlons, I disappeared from the triathlon scene until something in my head told me I needed to get up and move around again, it could’ve been the fact that I tried to go for a swim and promptly forgot how to flipturn. I managed to get my things in order and race the UBC sprint TrI, placing 2nd in my division. With that small ego boost, I’m now less than 2 months away from my first official 70.3 in Sardegna Italy. Is there really a better way to celebrate my birthday than to push myself to my breaking point on beautiful Italian Beaches?
As a swim coach what advice would you give others who always wanted to swim but are a little nervous about starting?
Just as with any other sport, baby steps! Finding a coach, or even better, a friend that swims, can really help. Even though swimming used to be my main sport, I still find myself only swimming with a buddy to tag along with. I always like swimming in a pool that I'm familiar with. This way, I’m not scared to try new drills, and maybe I’ll even find a friend in the lane next to me!
Even though you’ve undoubtedly heard this before; consistency is key when swimming. My old coach used to say that every day you miss a workout, it takes two to make it up. Find a reason to get in the water too, it could be anything! The big thing for me is when I get new equipment. New suit, pull boy, goggles, even a new cap!
Misha having fun riding his bike down a grassy hill
Tell us about your favourite gear you train and race with?
(Feel free to mention sponsors or brands you would like to get in front of.)
If you know me this probably won’t come as a surprise, but I cannot run or bike (not swim unfortunately) without my OUTWAY socks. They are my favourite company to come out of Victoria, and I can’t get enough of their socks. I love the designs, and they are so so comfy! I’m going to have to see how viable getting socks on in a race is going to be (i did it at UBC, but I had too, it was cold), let's see if the style points out-weigh the time lost in transition…
I’m also a big fan of Nike shoes. I had bought a pair on vacation in 2019, and I ran in those bad boys literally started falling apart with no leg or foot issues. I’m now daily driving a bright pink pair of Pegasus 39’s.
How can our fans follow your adventure and inspiration?
You can check out my Strava and my Instagram where I post about my training and upcoming races!
Ig: @mishayoung
Trinerds Swim Clinics are available with Misha Inquire here.