Typically a professional road cyclist’s season ends around
September each year. After months of travel and racing, the well-deserved
off-season is welcomed. My “season” actually began January 1 and was to
conclude in September after a hard block of training for Ironman Canada.
Surprisingly I qualified in Penticton for Ironman Hawaii, while elated this
also meant a precise plan of recovery, some training and taper. While a few
questions stirred in my head; Can I financially and physically afford this was
the main one? But one thing I know, is slots to Kona are not easily acquired by
any means and my body is not getting any younger. SIGN ME up!
ke the slot and better prepare for a key race next year.
After going against his suggestion, he explained he no longer wished to coach
me for this event. Ok, now to find someone who can get to know my training,
habits, physiology from over the last 12-13 years?! This was not going to be
easy, however after 5 days, some personal sponsorship and tracking down a
tri-coach who is one of the best in the business I was on the right track and
very relieved to work with Matt Dixon from Purplepatch.
Next up, my goal was to improve the functionality of my knee
which had undergone serious trauma, inflammation and probably shock from the
day. I had x-rays, acupuncture, physical
therapy, ART and almost daily cyro-massage to look after it. At approximately 1 month later I was able to
run for :30-:40 minutes which is still my current maximum time, but along with
this slow improvement other ailments arose. Two weeks before I had my last
solid brick to complete and an old hamstring injury decided to return in
full-force. A headcold just 12 days out
put me into a few days of immediate rest, possibly for the better. While
typically these few set-backs would completely frustrate me I remained patient
and calm, doing the best I could to possibly treat them and hope to heal in a
week’s time. Mind over matter I thought.
My arrival to Kona-minus 8 days before the start. This was
just about the right timing, enough time prior to soak in the time change, warm
weather, fresh foods and relax before the days became filled with running
around. The weekend included some good
training rides and a few short runs, concluded with a beautiful open water
swim. My husband, Jono and I are staying at a host family just up the road 1.5
miles from the start, so our daily walk has actually helped build up some
strength in my hamstring and knee which I am very pleased about. The population
on the island grows daily and Alii drive is packed with ripped bodies running,
cycling up and down the road in preparation or for show before the race.
I try to not get too wrapped up in all the various pre-race activities
because it can really suck the energy out of you and I have also found myself
dreaming about the race way too far in advance. The heat, my equipment,
nutrition, pacing, body’s response and everything I will be concerned with on
race day will come soon enough.
There is just 4 days leading into the event. I’m very
settled in my environment with great hosts. The time change has been easy and
now starting to really stay off my feet and rest before Saturday. Anything can
happen on the day, but staying mentally strong, inspired and motivated will
remain key in my quest for a finish at the Ironman Hawaii World Championships.
Thanks for reading.
Liza
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