A coffee with …

Amanda Lucas

This week on our ‘A Coffee With’ segment, we caught up with the ever humble and incredibly gifted Amanda Lucas.

Where do we begin with this girl?!

Amanda’s media career spans from Triple M radio news reading, Fox Sports commentating and Channel 7 sports reporting to her current role as a real estate journalist for The Courier-Mail… however it doesn’t stop there.

Her outstanding sporting talent has seen Amanda represent the Queensland Firebirds, race in triathlons and most recently complete three Ironman events. The latest being in Taupo, New Zealand where she placed third.

Amanda took time from her busy schedule to fill us in on all things life, career, and sporting goals.

Amanda, we know your work and training schedule keeps you busy. What does a typical weekday for you involve?

My regular weekday starts with training – swimming, running or cycling with Brisbane’s Tri Nation squad – followed by a rush home to get dressed for work. Thankfully, I only live about five minutes drive from my office at The Courier-Mail so it’s a quick shower, grab my gear, stop for a fantastic coffee from Teneriffe’s Evolve café, before arriving at my desk to start sifting through emails.

I’m a Real Estate Reporter so my day is filled with writing about Queensland’s most exclusive properties and their very interesting owners. Often the story revolves around the owner rather than the roof they live under. I’ll clock off at around 5pm and, if I’m not going for a run or doing a session on my wind trainer, I’ll have an early dinner with my fiancé Jake. I love to read so I normally end up falling asleep with a book in my hand.

Amanda Lucas with fiancé Jake

You’ve always loved competing in sports, but how did you get involved in Ironman events and why do you enjoy them?

As a journalist, I was covering a story on what was then called Brisbane Tri Squad and their beginner course. I was invited to join the six-week program and five years later I’m planning my fourth Ironman in June, 2017.

The challenge of tackling an Ironman is almost too big to describe and that is exactly what drew me to signing up for my first in 2013. Now the lure of improving my performance is what has me lining up again and again. Crossing the finish after 20 weeks of relentless training and sharing that incredible five months with my coach Mark Turner and squad members/closest friends is unique and extraordinary. Having my family share the Ironman’ holidays with me is the ultimate and I wouldn’t do these events without their support. I feel extremely blessed.

Who is your biggest role model?

I’ve been fortunate to have met wonderfully driven and successful people and I try to live by some of their main common characteristics. These include determination, passion, courage and commitment.

Closer to home, my mum Liz is my best friend and sounding board. I’m extremely lucky to have the endless support of my parents.

Amanda Lucas Running

It’s been a big 12 months for you, working as a journalist for the Courier Mail, placing third at the New Zealand Ironman and getting engaged! What is ahead for the rest of the year?

It’s been a huge year to date and so while the back half is busy – with a wedding and honeymoon – it sounds idyllic.

I’m training for the Hervey Bay 100 triathlon on November 13, Jake and I are getting married in Noosa on November 25, and then we’re off to Canada on November 28.

We’ll be home for Christmas and then I’ll get down to business with training for a Cairns 2017 campaign.

And finally, what is your next fitness goal?

Cairns 2017 is the focus so, up until then, my coach and I are working on a maintenance program with the Hervey Bay race thrown into the mix.

You can follow Amanda on:
Twitter – @MandsLucas
Instagram – @MandsLucas