Enter the Dragonboat! with Matthew Davey

This episode we have the fantastic Matthew Davey
A typical day for Matthew is getting up at 4am, getting the coffee down and listening to some motivational speeches. He’ll train before work, work a 10 hour day, followed by possibly more training! When not training or working, he likes the motorbike and spending time with family. His training regimen generally consists of 3 runs, 3 bike sessions and 3 swims. Each lasting 1-4 hours each. Matthew trains for triathlon. We also discuss the benefits of training with a training partner.
We talk about how important the friends and family are in helping Matthew to be able to train, and the importance in having their understanding and help.
Matthew drives a bus for a local bus service. He understands that sometimes as a bus driver, you are the only person a customer may talk to, so he makes that extra effort to acknowledge their existence. He talks about the frustration when people come on the bus and don’t acknowledge the driver or say hello.
Some of Matthews favourite places to run are Guisborough woods and Claybank, due to the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
For his escape he likes to play on his Playstation 5.

Give it a Go
Matthew’s suggestion for this episode is Dragon Boating! Matthew practiced Dragon Boating in Stockton-on-Tees at the barrage. A Dragon Boat consists of 22 people in a boat, including a drummer, a helmsman and 20 paddlers – 10 either side.
Note: Don’t call them ores! – they are paddles!
Matthew also took part in Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance in Stockton.

Mental Health Spotlight
We talk about the benefits physical training has on mental health – as well as getting out of the house.
We talk about what got Matthew into serious training. In 2012 Matthew was experiencing a slump but volunteered to be a driver in the London Olympics. At the time Matthew had weight issues, touching 20stone at the time. After meeting the athletes, Matthew was inspired to try physical training himself.
He started with a home DVD called Insanity. From there, it was running, and then the Dragon Boating.
He changed from unhealthy eating and drinking, to starting new diets and really putting some focus on his physical health. There is a definite acknowledgement there of how it easy to get into this slump.
He experimented with a Vegan diet, but it wasn’t right for him, although there were some beneficial differences that were notices.

Bitesize
Matthew shares his enthusiasm of Motorbiking and getting his Advanced Riders qualification. The Advance Riders qualification allows somebody to the blood bike riding.
He talks about the importance of keeping the learning going when it comes to making sure that you are safe when on the bike.
The enthusiasm when sharing his experience of completing this training on the racecourse.

Sharing the Love
This episode we send all our love to Matthew’s mam, and Matthew’s girlfriend. To quote Matthew: “It takes a special understanding, to understand, how special I am”
We also give a big shout out to Athlos Personal Training UK, and of course Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing Club.
A massive thankyou goes to Matthew’s best friend, Michael Stewart, who has been a massive help, and gone out of his way at times to help him out.
Matthew’s Plugs:
For trying a multisport: Hartlepool Triathletes
For trail running: Let’s Run Stokesley
For Dragon Boat Racing: Powerhouse Dragon Boat Racing Club
And also: Athlos Personal Training UK

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