Rob Cumming

Despite showing promise during cross country and track in school, Rob’s love of football and socialising took him in a different direction for several decades. Instead of focussing on his strengths, he would roam central midfield in parks across Yorkshire like a lost giraffe, vainly hoping that his stamina, and enthusiastic willingness to chase a ball, would disguise his lack of technical ability. Eventually, with a young family and at the tender age of 33, Rob decided that if he was ever to become a professional athlete he would have to do it in a different sport. Inspired by “Super Saturday” during the London Olympics in 2012, Rob sold his Playstation and bought some running shoes. It was time to train for a 10k!

Unfortunately, many years of not warming up properly and arrogantly assuming he would be fit forever took its toll and Rob got injured. The physiotherapist diagnosed it quickly as “too many fast miles”. As a frugal Yorkshireman and not wanting to incur the rehabilitation costs again, Rob bought a bike and hoped the form he used to show during his early morning paper-rounds would release an untamed Tour de France rider.

Alas, it soon transpired that there was no super-human DNA within Cumming’s genes and he would have to graft just like everyone else.

After crossing the line first at a local triathlon (because he won his wave, not because he was fastest overall), Rob was encouraged to join a cycling club where he was introduced to reliability rides and chain gangs. This was it! Riding on the rivet until the tank is empty was the adrenaline rush Rob had craved for many years. Rob won his first bike race and won again later in the season but Rob decided to focus on triathlon instead.

After trying out all of the triathlon distances, Rob enjoyed far more the intensity of the shorter courses than the commitment and consistency required for full Ironman format. Still searching for that magic formula, Rob met Richard Ebbage who listened patiently to Rob’s high expectations of himself. Through Rich’s mature coaching and incredible depth of expertise, Rob has finally begun to appreciate how to train in a professional manner rather than a headless chicken on acid chasing Strava PBs to keep his ego in check. This has manifested itself into Rob’s latest goal which is to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Maybe. We’ll see.